Kristian Welch: Everything you need to know

Welch (ankle) and the Packers agreed on a one-year contract Monday, Bill Huber of SI.com reports. Welch will remain in Green Bay for a second straight year after compiling three total tackles over eight regular-season contests with the team in 2025. The linebacker ended the year on injured reserve with an ankle injury, but he now appears to be back to full health. Welch will likely operate as an extreme depth option again on defense in 2026.

Green Bay placed Welch (ankle) on its injured reserve list Friday. Welch suffered an ankle injury in Week 16 at Chicago, and it's apparently serious enough that he'll need to go to IR as he recovers. He won't be eligible to return to game action until the NFC Championship Game, if the Packers advance that far.

Welch (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's contest against the Ravens, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official website reports. Welch suffered an ankle injury in the team's Week 16 loss to the Bears, and he'll now be forced to miss at least one contest as a result. The linebacker doesn't have a role on defense, so his absence will carry have the greatest impact on special teams.