The Green Bay Packers are bolstering their tight end room by signing tight end John FitzPatrick from the Falcons’ practice squad. As Luke Musgrave has worked through ankle soreness, this adds some insurance to their roster.
John Fitzpatrick joins former Georgia players Eric Stokes, Javon Bullard, Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker on the Packers. With FitzPatrick on the roster, he will be the 5th Georgia Bulldog on the 53-man roster.
Player profile of TE John Fitzpatrick
FitzPatrick can be a dominant run blocking TE who occasionally slips out for targets in the redzone. Due to his typical usage as a blocker and his size (6’7” 250lbs) he can generate plus matchups when he runs routes in short yardage situations.
Falcons scout Shepley Heard on John FitzPatrick following the 2022 draft: “He’s the guy who does the dirty work. He’s the blocking tight end. He’s big, physical, tough, nasty, always trying to finish guys.”
TE John Fitzpatrick career statistics on the Atlanta Falcons
John FitzPatrick was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent last season on the injured reserve list for the NFL and appeared in nine games for the Atlanta Falcons, hauling in one pass for 12 yards. He played 18 offensive snaps and 83 special teams snaps.
The Falcons cut John FitzPatrick during final cut downs but signed him to the initial practice squad. He appeared in three preseason games with the Falcons, securing six passes for 33 yards.
John Fitzpatrick’s statistics with the Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia Bulldogs Vs Cincinnati Bearcats Chick Fil A Peach Bowl 2020 Jan 1, 2021
In Georgia, John Fitzpatrick appeared in 38 games, making 13 starts. He caught 17 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown, with most of his time spent being utilized as an inline blocking tight end.
FitzPatrick started seven of the 15 games in which he played in his redshirt junior season, catching six passes for 83 yards as the Bulldogs won the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship. He had spent most of the season playing with breaks in both feet.
Packers tight end Luke Musgrave heading into IR
When Luke Musgrave goes to IR, he will still count for his full salary cap number because he doesn’t have a split in his rookie contract. Splits are often in 3rd+ round picks and minimum contracts to reduce base salary while on IR.
This is not a one week plug in – FitzPatrick will count on the Packers’ 53-man roster for three weeks. Replacing John FitzPatrick will cost $660,833.
News Joshua L Jones
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