Packers sign DL Jonathan Ford back to practice squad, release C James Empey

The Green Bay Packers made an adjustment to the practice squad on Friday, with the release of center James Empey clearing a spot for the signing of defensive lineman Jonathan Ford.

Ford, a seventh-round pick in 2022, made the initial 53-man roster but was released on Wednesday after the Packers claimed tight end Ben Sims and safety Zayne Anderson off waivers. Ford cleared waivers and will now return on the practice squad.

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Empey was signed to the practice squad on Wednesday, but his stay lasted only two days.

Ford (6-5, 338) joins Chris Slayton as the two defensive linemen on the team’s practice squad. Ford could be an option for elevation on gamedays and would likely be the Packers’ top pick should an injury happen along the defensive line, particularly to nose tackle TJ Slaton.

Ford was on the field for 83 snaps during the preseason. He produced four pressures and one stop against the run, per PFF.

As a rookie last season, Ford was a healthy inactive for all 17 regular season games.