A big roster surprise ahead of Week 1: the Green Bay Packers released wide receiver and special teamer Bo Melton on Friday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Melton was with the team during practice on Friday, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.
It appears this a procedural move by the Packers and not a goodbye. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Melton will return on the practice squad (assuming he clears waivers), play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings as a gameday elevation from the practice squad and then return to the 53-man roster next week.
Using Melton as part of a Week 1 roster machination makes far more sense than simply parting ways with a versatile player who is beloved by the coaching staff and within the locker room.
Melton has
spent the last three seasons with the Packers, catching 28 passes for 416 yards and two touchdowns over 38 games. He became a core special teamer in 2024, and he even moonlighted as a backup cornerback -- converting to the defensive side to help the depth at a need position -- during the 2025 season. Melton was back at receiver to start 2026, and he made the 53-man roster coming out of training camp.
Melton is expected to be a core coverage player for Cam Achord's special teams, and he's also the second kickoff returner alongside Skyy Moore.
The Packers kept six receivers on the initial 53, including Melton and undrafted rookie J. Michael Sturdivant. Receiver Savion Williams began the season on injured reserve with designation to return.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Week 1 surprise: Packers release WR Bo Melton on Friday
