Packers' roster set, waiver pick ups to come?

The Green Bay Packers initial 53-man roster for the start of the 2010 regular season was set yesterday afternoon with 20 cuts and a pair of players assigned to the injured reserve list. A few of those cuts were surprises to yours truly and others. The release of TE/LB and fan fave Spencer Havner was one of those. But it seemed from reports that the coaching staff was enamored with TE Tom Crabtree, who supposedly is one heckuva blocker. Hated to lose Havner's versatility. But apparently, the powers that be felt that the combination of free agent LB Frank Zombo and Crabtree offered a better return than the dual-role Havner.

I'll get back with a fuller commentary on the roster and a preview of the upcoming season later on. That's because there might yet be changes to the roster as players throughout the NFL who were cut yesterday are now eligible to be claimed on waivers (claims had to be turned in to the league by 11 a.m. today). Will the Pack pick up a returner? Perhaps a defensive back? Have to wait to see who might actually be added to the active roster yet, as well as those 8 players who will get signed to the practice squad. A lot of talent was on the chopping block yesterday. So until all the dust has settled, I'm waiting.

For now, though, check out the Packers roster here. And if you want to see a very helpful overview layout of yesterday's roster keepers and cuts by offense, defense and position, be sure to see this spreadsheet prepared by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Greg Bedard. (Nice work, Greg! Sounds like I know the guy personally but, you know, just a note of appreciation regardless.)