The Green Bay Packers are grappling with an unprecedented injury crisis at the wide receiver position, prompting the team to make a swift move to bolster their roster. With their receiving corps decimated by injuries, the Packers have re-signed wide receiver Kawaan Baker off waivers, as reported by NFL insider Aaron Wilson. This move comes as Green Bay navigates a challenging period with only one of their top six receivers currently healthy.
A Devastated Receiving Corps
Despite no injuries occurring during their preseason opener against the New York Jets, the Packers’ wide receiver unit has been hit hard during practice sessions. Key players Jayden Reed (foot), Dontayvion Wicks (calf), Romeo Doubs (unknown injury), and Savion Williams (unknown injury) are all sidelined. Doubs and Williams were the latest to drop out, exiting practice on Tuesday before the team’s upcoming trip to Indianapolis. Adding to the concern, star receiver Christian Watson is still recovering from an ACL tear, leaving rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden as the only healthy receiver among the team’s top options.
This injury wave has forced the Packers to rethink their depth chart and roster strategy as they prepare for the regular season.
Re-Signing a Familiar Face
To address the crisis, Green Bay turned to a familiar name: Kawaan Baker. The South Alabama product, originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2021, is no stranger to the Packers’ organization. Baker spent approximately three weeks on Green Bay’s practice squad during the 2022 season, giving him some familiarity with the team’s system.
Baker’s NFL journey has been turbulent. After appearing in two games as a rookie with the Saints, primarily on special teams, he faced a six-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Following his release from New Orleans, Baker bounced around the league, spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and most recently, the Las Vegas Raiders, who waived him earlier this week. He also had a brief stint with the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas in 2024 but did not see game action due to the team’s aggressive roster cuts.
Before joining the Raiders, Baker worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, showcasing his determination to secure a roster spot. Now, with the Packers’ receiver room in dire straits, Baker gets another chance to make an impact in Green Bay.
Roster Moves Amid the Chaos
The Packers’ decision to sign Baker follows other recent roster adjustments. Earlier this week, the team waived running back Jalen White and cornerback Isaiah Dunn with injury designations and signed running back Tyrion Davis-Price, leaving an open roster spot. Baker’s addition fills that vacancy, providing much-needed depth at a critical position.
What’s Next for Green Bay?
With the regular season approaching, the Packers face significant challenges in managing their injury-riddled receiving corps. Matthew Golden, the lone healthy top receiver, will likely see increased reps, but the team cannot rely solely on a rookie to carry the load. The hope is that Baker, with his prior experience in Green Bay and versatility on special teams, can step up and contribute immediately.
The status of Reed, Wicks, Doubs, Williams, and Watson remains uncertain, and the team will need to monitor their recovery closely. For now, the re-signing of Kawaan Baker represents a stopgap measure to stabilize the roster amid this shocking injury crisis. As the Packers head to Indianapolis for their next preseason game, all eyes will be on how they adapt to these challenges and whether Baker can seize this opportunity to prove his worth.