Packers sign rookie DL David Blay Jr. to practice squad
The Green Bay Packers signed rookie defensive tackle David Blay Jr. to the team's practice squad on Wednesday, per Bill Huber of Packers on SI. Blay, who is at practice on Wednesday, joins wide receiver Coleman Owens as the two players added to the practice squad.
Both Blay and Owens were in Green Bay for a tryout on Tuesday, when the Packers released offensive lineman Cordell Volson and running back Damon Bankston from the practice squad, creating two open spots.
Blay (6-2, 295) went undrafted out of Miami (FL) in 2026. He originally signed with the New England Patriots after the draft but was released in August. He joined the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 11 but was released at final roster cuts.
At Louisiana Tech in 2024, Blay produced 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks over 12 games. He transferred to Miami in 2025 and created only 2.5 tackles for loss and a batted pass over 13 games and nine starts for the Hurricanes.
During the 2026 preseason with the Eagles, Blay had three pressures and 10 total tackles over 95 snaps, but he graded out poorly as a run defender, per PFF.
From Dane Brugler of The Athletic: "Blay has a workable frame, with dense arms and a midsection to match, but mediocre length. He stays light on his feet for a big man, with the short-area quicks and active hands to swipe/rip his way through gaps. He can burst through gaps in the run game, and although he leaves too many tackles on the field, he helps flush production to other defenders. He reads and reacts well to stay ahead, or on time, against run blocks. His snap anticipation must improve β he had five offside flags in 2025."
The Packers released defensive lineman Eric Johnson from the practice squad to make room for Mekhi Becton earlier this week. Blay will be the only defensive tackle on the practice squad as of Wednesday.
