OL Matt Rotheram gets a raise from the Packers

At the University of Pittsburgh, offensive guard Matt Rotheram was one of the most effective run-blockers in the nation. Rotheram's efforts helped him earn a pre-draft visit with the Green Bay Packers and an undrafted free agent contract within minutes of the conclusion of the 2015 NFL Draft.  Following training camp, Rotheram was released, but added back to the Packers' practice squad.

Now, his efforts on that unit are earning him a bigger check:

Another practice squad player now making active roster money: Packers OL Matt Rotherham. The team raised his pay to $25,588/week.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 10, 2015

(sic)

Rotheram has joined Christian Ringo as practice squad members making the equivalent of the rookie minimum salary. Typically, this is done when another organization is considering signing a player off the practice squad to their active roster; the raise helps encourage these practice squad members to stay with the organization. Furthermore, this time of the year in particular is one in which teams look to poach practice squad players from other organizations who have long-term potential, especially when the signing team is out of the playoff hunt and focusing on the future.

Given all the injuries across the Packers' offensive line lately, there's still a chance that Rotheram could be called upon before the season is up. If not, and if he remains a Packer, he should receive a shot at the active roster in next year's training camp.

For now, though, Rotheram can continue to refine his game between one of the best guard tandems in the NFL (Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang), while having some extra financial security to go along with that opportunity.