The [Green Bay Packers](https://wisportsheroics.com/sports/packers/) have elevated rookie wide receiver Will Sheppard to the active roster, from the practice squad, ahead of Thursday’s NFC North showdown against the Detroit Lions, at Ford Field.
Sheppard, 23, caught 200 passes for 2,688 yards and 27 touchdowns across five collegiate seasons at Vanderbilt and Colorado before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent following this spring’s draft.
Green Bay signed Sheppard to the practice squad, after a strong performance in training camp nearly landed him a spot on the 53-man roster coming out of the summer.
Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst talks with head coach Matt LaFleur during fifth day of training camp on July 28, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
However, ahead of a Thanksgiving clash with the Lions, Sheppard gets the call up for the first time this season thanks in part to Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, Dontayvion Wicks, and Savion Williams all appearing on the injury report this week.
If any of the Packers’ top receivers are unable to go, Sheppard could get onto the field in a big game that carries major playoff implications and could significantly shape the division race.