The Green Bay Packers made an interesting roster change on Wednesday ahead of their final preseason game this weekend and roster reduction day next week.

According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, the Packers have released Nigerian defensive end Kenneth Odumegwu and designated Australian kicker Alex Hale as a player in their International Player Pathway program.

The Green Bay Packers’ decision to release Odumegwu and give Hale IPP status may not seem like a big deal on paper as far as the 90-man roster is concerned, but as Scheidman points out, Hale can be the Packers’ 17th player on the practice squad during the regular season.

Most NFL teams are only allowed to keep 16 players on their practice squad, but the ability to create an additional spot outside of the IPP helps teams like Green Bay.

The Packers weren’t too happy with the competition at kicker this summer, as they brought in several players to compete with second-year kicker Anders Carlson.

Experienced Greg Joseph was Carlson’s biggest competition for the starting kicker job for most of training camp, but Green Bay signed Hale two weeks ago to see if he could put pressure on Carlson and Joseph.

The former Oklahoma State kicker went undrafted after the 2024 NFL Draft. Hale had a solid 2023 season with the Cowboys, making 27 of 34 field goals, including three from over 50 yards. He also excelled on extra points, converting 36 of 38 opportunities.

Hale has yet to play in a preseason game for the Packers, but could get a chance in the finale against the Baltimore Ravens. However, if that opportunity doesn’t arise, it’s clear that the Packers want Hale in the organization for at least this season.

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