GREEN BAY, Wis. – Packers fans, the wait is over! In a move that’s been brewing like a Wisconsin winter storm, the Green Bay Packers have officially activated their enigmatic fifth-round draft pick, defensive end Collin Oliver, from injured reserve. This long-awaited debut comes after a season spent sidelined in the “medical room,” and it’s time for this hidden gem to step into the spotlight and potentially unleash chaos on opposing offenses.
The roster shuffle happened on Monday when the Packers placed tight end John FitzPatrick on injured reserve following a devastating Achilles injury sustained against the Chicago Bears. FitzPatrick’s absence opens the door for Oliver, giving the rookie a chance to finally hit the field—or at least the practice turf—for an extended evaluation. With the activation deadline looming, Green Bay wasted no time in bringing Oliver back into the fold, ensuring he gets those crucial reps after missing the entire offseason, training camp, and preseason due to a hamstring injury suffered during rookie minicamp.
Oliver, selected in the fifth round out of Oklahoma State, has been a mystery wrapped in potential all year. Designated for return on December 1 alongside running back MarShawn Lloyd (who was later returned to IR) and Brenton Cox (who made his debut against Chicago), Oliver’s journey back has been a slow burn. But now, with the green light, the Packers are optimistic about what this versatile defender can bring to the table.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst couldn’t hide his excitement back in August when discussing Oliver’s setback: “The timing of that was really tough on him, because he’s kind of coming right into a period of time where he’s starting to get to the point he could get out there and do some things in practice for us. He missed so much time that it was kind of like, OK, as a rookie player, let’s give him the time to really get healthy, and then hopefully at a point this season, we can open up that practice window and let him get those practices under his belt so he can help us. I’m still very optimistic that he could help us, not only this year, but hopefully in the future, as well.”
What makes Oliver such a “hidden weapon”? At Oklahoma State, he was a Swiss Army knife on defense, excelling as both an edge rusher and linebacker. Gutekunst drafted him with visions of a multitasker who could disrupt plays on defense and shine on special teams. “He’s unique because of his athleticism and speed,” Gutekunst added. “He kind of played multiple roles, not only on defense, but in special teams, as well. So, I think there’s a way that, getting him into practice, that he could come out there and help us, whether that’s situationally, special teams or even on defense, as well.”
Even though Oliver missed most of his final college season due to injury, he turned heads at the Senior Bowl. Jack Gilmore from the Senior Bowl praised his performance: “He played on the ball, off the ball, did a lot of different drills. So, he showcased his versatility while he was down in Mobile. I think the best thing this guy does is rush the passer. He was really productive at that at Oklahoma State and was on track to set records until his injury. So, a guy who’s athletic, explosive off the ball. He’s got a plan as a pass rusher.”
Upon returning to practice a few weeks ago, Oliver lined up as a defensive end—a position where the Packers could desperately use some spark. In their recent win over the Bears without star edge rusher Micah Parsons, Green Bay managed zero sacks and just four quarterback hits on Caleb Williams. Could Oliver be the Hail Mary they need? It’s a long shot for immediate impact this season, but with a crowded but talented room featuring starters Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare, plus backups like Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox, and special teams standout Arron Mosby, Oliver’s speed and explosiveness could carve out a niche.
Of course, this activation doesn’t come without a cost. Losing FitzPatrick is a blow to the tight end group, marking the second season-ending injury at the position after young star Tucker Kraft. Head Coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged FitzPatrick’s contributions: “I think Fitzy’s done a nice job. I think all those guys have kind of carved out a niche for themselves in regards to what we’re going to put them in the positions that we’re going to put them. I think he’s done a really good job with that.”
FitzPatrick, the team’s top blocking tight end, had been logging 30-plus snaps in four of the last five games and was on pace for another heavy workload against Chicago. He shared his passion for the role last month: “I take a lot of pride in it, and it’s just allowed me to be on the field. And aside from that, I really enjoy it, blocking for Josh and seeing him spring 20-, 30-yard gains and getting the crowd going. That’s an awesome feeling. I just think it’s cool when we’re all working together for one common goal, to spring, you know, a screen or spring Josh on a run. I don’t really think there’s a better feeling.”
With Josh Whyle sidelined by a concussion and not practicing last week, the Packers leaned on Luke Musgrave as their lone tight end to finish the Bears game. Heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Ravens, the depth chart looks thin: Musgrave at the top, with practice-squad options like Drake Dabney and McCallan Castles potentially stepping up.
As the Packers push toward the playoffs, Oliver’s activation injects a dose of intrigue and potential firepower. After lurking in the shadows all season, this fifth-round mystery man is finally free from the medical room. Will he become the hidden weapon that tips the scales? Only time—and a few practices—will tell. Stay tuned, Cheeseheads; the unleash is imminent!