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The Green Bay Packers have reportedly added a new player to the 90-man roster today, in a roster move that likely comes about as a result of a pair of injuries on the defense.
Defensive tackle Aiulua Fanene is the newest Packer, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Fanene has been in Green Bay before, as he was invited to participate in the team’s rookie minicamp in May.
A 6’4”, 307-pound tackle, Fanene played college football at the University of Arizona, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines. He is an older rookie, having left the school on a mission for two years before rejoining the squad in 2014. He will rejoin former teammate Reggie Gilbert, who also played at Arizona as a defensive end and is now in his second year with the Packers organization.
Although he did not sign after the draft, Fanene had a solid Pro Day with reported results of 5.07 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 35 bench press reps.
This signing is likely the result of two injuries that have struck the Packers in recent days. Third-round draft pick Montravius Adams — a fellow defensive lineman — had foot surgery this week and will be out several weeks but remains on the roster. That injury has depleted the depth on the line, and Fanene has a similar build to the 6’3”, 304-pound Adams. The second injury is to cornerback Herb Waters, who will reportedly miss the entire 2017 season with a shoulder issue. Waters is presumably going on injured reserve or being waived with an injury settlement, and his removal from the 90-man roster opens up the spot for Fanene.