J. Michael Sturdivant Makes Packers' 53-Man Roster, Extending UDFA Run

Kept for his special‑teams value after a late preseason breakout, he avoids likely waiver exposure and gives Green Bay a versatile receiver option.

Overview

The Packers' initial 53-man roster announced Sunday, Aug. 30, lists rookie J. Michael Sturdivant as a rostered wide receiver after he finished the preseason with a six-catch, 112-yard game and a touchdown.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has said the team will only carry extra receivers if they contribute on special teams, and Sturdivant played those units in every preseason game.
Analytical measures cited in coverage helped his case: he posted an 84.3 PFF receiving grade, a 78.9 special-teams grade, and a 9.96 Relative Athletic Score from pre-draft testing.
Sturdivant won a three-way competition with Isaiah Neyor and Will Sheppard for the depth spot after recovering quickly from a preseason concussion and showing consistent play late in camp.
His roster spot extends Green Bay's streak of at least one undrafted free agent making the Week 1 roster to 22 seasons and reduces the chance he would be exposed to waivers while giving the team a special-teams asset and developmental receiver.