Packers to Sign Tight End Following New Injuries

The Green Bay Packers are planning to re-sign tight end McCallan Castles according to a source speaking with Packers On SI, bringing back the versatile athlete as mounting injuries decimate the team’s depth at the position during training camp.

Tight End Depth Hit Hard by Training Camp Injuries

Green Bay entered the 90-man roster phase carrying eight tight ends, but recent health setbacks have left head coach Matt LaFleur with only three healthy options on the field, according to team reports. Rookie RJ Maryland missed practice due to a hamstring injury, while first-year player Luke Lachey suffered an injury to his left foot or ankle. Lachey was spotted outside the locker room wearing a walking boot and riding a scooter.

The latest injuries compound existing concerns for the position group. Projected starter Tucker Kraft has been practicing as he works his way back from a torn ACL, though he has not yet participated in 11-on-11 team drills. Meanwhile, Luke Musgrave remains sidelined indefinitely with a neck injury. “I think that will work itself out, but it’s not going to be in the short term,” LaFleur said of Musgrave’s recovery timeline.

With Maryland and Lachey sidelined, the active tight end group dwindled to Josh Whyle, Drake Dabney, and Messiah Swinson. The team previously added former Utah player Thomas Yassmin following a recent workout, though the Australian native has not yet practiced with the club. Bringing back Castles provides immediate reinforcement ahead of Family Night and the upcoming preseason schedule.

McCallan Castles’ Path Back to Green Bay

Castles originally joined the Packers’ practice squad last season alongside Dabney following Tucker Kraft’s torn ACL. While Dabney earned a spot on the 2026 offseason roster after appearing in the Week 18 finale against the Minnesota Vikings, Castles did not appear in a regular-season game and was not retained after the year concluded.

Undrafted out of college, Castles initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 before being released during training camp despite receiving $230,000 in guaranteed rookie money. He subsequently spent time on the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad and participated in training camps with both the Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams ahead of the 2025 season.

Athletic Profile and Versatility

Measuring 6-foot-4 3/8 and 244 pounds ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, Castles recorded a 4.67-second 40-yard dash. “Hungry dogs run faster,” Castles recalled his father telling him after he was omitted from the Scouting Combine invite list. He also posted strong marks in the vertical and broad jumps.

Throughout his college career at Cal, UC Davis, and Tennessee, Castles earned a reputation as a multi-dimensional chess piece on offense. During his final collegiate season with the Volunteers in 2023, he hauled in 22 receptions for 283 yards and five touchdowns. “I’ve been described as a jack-of-all-trades for my college career,” Castles noted before the 2024 draft. “I can play fullback. I can insert off the ball and run-blocking and running routes.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Green Bay Packers signing McCallan Castles?

The Packers are bringing back Castles to add immediate depth after injuries sidelined rookies RJ Maryland (hamstring) and Luke Lachey (foot or ankle), compounding existing absences from Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft.

What is McCallan Castles’ NFL background?

Castles entered the league in 2024 as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has spent time with the Chargers, Rams, and Packers’ practice squad.

Where did McCallan Castles play college football?

Castles began his collegiate career at Cal, transferred to UC Davis for two seasons, and finished his career at Tennessee.

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