Packers sign QB Desmond Ridder to active roster, release Clayton Tune

GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers signed quarterback Desmond Ridder to the active roster and released Clayton Tune, the team announced Jan. 6.

Ridder has been on the Packers’ practice squad since Dec. 31. He’s eligible to be the emergency third quarterback when the Packers face the Chicago Bears in an NFC wild-card playoff game Jan. 10.

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Tune appeared in two games for the Packers this season, including as starting quarterback in the regular-season finale loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He completed 7 passes in 15 attempts for 42 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in those games combined.

In addition, they added receivers Julian Hicks and Kisean Johnson and tight end Messiah Swinson to the practice squad.

Hicks signed with the Packers in 2024 as an undrafted free agent and spent his rookie season on the practice squad. He was released following the 2025 training camp. He will wear No. 89 for the Packers.

Johnson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns this season, but was released after training camp.

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Swinson spent 2024 on the Packers’ practice squad before being signed to the Carolina Panthers’ active roster on Sept. 4, 2024. He didn’t appear in a game and was released less than two weeks later. He joined the Packers this offseason but was released at the end of training camp. Swinson spent most of the season on the practice squad for the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals.

This article originally appeared on Packers News: Packers sign QB Desmond Ridder to active roster, release Clayton Tune