Green Bay, Wisconsin – December 6, 2025
The Green Bay Packers have finally addressed the surprising decision to remove rookie wide receiver Will Sheppard from the 53-man roster on December 1 — a move that left fans puzzled, especially since Sheppard never played a single snap after being elevated from the practice squad.

Sheppard, a 1m93, 89kg rookie with intriguing size and athletic traits, was called up last week to help reinforce a wide receiver group hit hard by injuries. But before he even suited up for a game, he was abruptly released, with the team citing only a “Roster Decision” from GM Brian Gutekunst.
Multiple league sources later confirmed that the move was made primarily to create space for subsequent roster adjustments, including the signing of defensive lineman Jordon Riley to the active roster on December 3.

The transaction raised questions about Sheppard’s future, but inside the organization, the mood appears far from negative. Head coach Matt LaFleur spoke briefly about the situation, choosing not to reveal internal reasoning but affirming Sheppard’s standing with the team.

“I’ll keep the specifics in-house,” LaFleur said. “But Will has handled everything like a pro. He’s talented, he’s worked hard, and there’s absolutely a path for him to be back with us. We value the way he approaches the game.”

Behind the scenes, the Packers still view Sheppard as a developmental piece — someone who could contribute as a depth receiver or occasional returner once he refines his route running and special-teams reliability. His release is widely viewed as a procedural move, not a reflection of performance or discipline.

As of December 6, Sheppard is eligible to re-sign to Green Bay’s practice squad, and team sources indicate the Packers are open to bringing him back if roster flexibility allows. If not, he will hit the open market as a free agent — a common outcome for late-season depth players.

Meanwhile, the Packers’ wide receiver room continues to battle inconsistency and injuries. With Christian Watson returning to form, Romeo Doubs steady, and rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams working through bumps, the unit remains in flux — making Sheppard’s long-term prospects in Green Bay still very much alive.

For now, the decision to release Sheppard appears to be about numbers, not talent.
And as the team heads into a critical December stretch, the rookie’s NFL journey may still circle back to where it began — in Green Bay.