Packers clear roster spot for potential Vince Biegel addition

GREEN BAY - For the second time this season, the Green Bay Packers released well-traveled defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois on Wednesday.

The first time Jean Francois was released on Sept. 12, the Packers needed to create 53-man roster room to reinstate wide receiver Geronimo Allison from his Week 1 suspension and promote offensive lineman Adam Pankey from the practice squad. He rejoined the team Sept. 21.

This time around, there’s a good chance the nine-year veteran is being let go to make room for rookie outside linebacker Vince Biegel, a fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin who spent the first six weeks of the regular season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list because of an injured foot suffered during rookie camp in May.

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Biegel began practicing in full before the Packers’ 26-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 22.

Jean Francois rarely saw the field with the Packers. He played just five snaps against the Saints and has only three tackles on the season.

The 6-2 ½, 313-pound Jean Francois played his last two seasons in Washington. In his two seasons there, he played in all 32 games, starting seven. Jean Francois signed with the Packers as a free agent during the offseason.