Packers finalize practice squad; get ready for 49ers

Following the flurry of cuts and waivers to get to their 53-man roster last Friday, the Green Bay Packers finally nailed down the eight spots on their practice squad. Most of the eight have already been with the Pack, either as rookies this training camp or as practice squad players previously. The eighth and final spot, however, was filled by a two-year veteran cut from the Steelers, Chris Scott, an offensive lineman. Considering that GM Ted Thompson only kept seven offensive linemen on the active roster, adding an experienced lineman to the practice squad gives the team at least a bit of depth. A bit. The Packers also kept seventh-round pick Andrew Datko and undrafted rookie free agent G Greg Van Roten on the squad. Only one defensive player, DE Lawrence Guy, made the squad.

Anyway, here's the practice squad roster:

• QB B.J. Coleman
• WR Diondre Borel
• RB Marc Tyler
• TE Brandon Bostick
• T Andrew Datko
• G/T Chris Scott
• G Greg Van Roten
• DE Lawrence Guy

Noticeable by his absence is WR Tori Gurley who was finally lured away to the ViQueens practice squad. The Packers had paid him more this last year to keep him on their practice squad after the 'Queens had initially tried to sign him to their practice squad. Given the abundance of receivers the Pack had in camp this year, it was apparent that probably only he or Borel and not both would make the practice squad. The Pack opted in the final analysis for Borel.

49ers coming to Lambeau to kick off the season

The Packers had their first practice of the regular season yesterday as they began preparation for the San Francisco 49ers coming to Lambeau Field this Sunday. A few players were held out, including B.J. Raji who sustained an ankle sprain on the first play of the final preseason game. Today is the team's regular day off before they again resume preparations tomorrow.

Currently, the Packers are slotted as 5-point favorites over the Niners, who bring a talented defense into town. San Fran had a very good season last year, but they picked up four easy wins going against the likes of Seattle and Arizona.

We'll be back nearer game day to provide both a game -- and season -- prediction.

Until then...say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!

Packers finish preseason in fine form; final roster being formed

The Green Bay Packers completed their 2012 preseason schedule last evening at Lambeau Field, beating the Kansas City Chiefs 24-3 and ending with a 2-2 record. It was, as any Packer fan would hope, a sign that things are coming together on offense and defense.

Now, to be honest, the number one unit on both offense and defense looked a bit spotty in their play. Didn't do much of anything spectacular one way or another. But the defense did dodge a bullet when NT B.J. Raji went down with an ankle injury on the first snap of the game. He was able to walk off the field on his own power, got heavily taped and looked happy to be on the bench for the rest of the game. No further reports which indicate that the injury is not serious. Whew!

The good news of the game came especially in the form of the performance of backup QB Graham Harrell who wound up going 13 of 15 for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns. He finished with a perfect passer rating of 158.3. Any doubts which pundits and fans may have had probably vanished last evening. Harrell finally showed in a game setting what his coaches and teammates have been saying all through camp: he's got game. As Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers beat writer extraordinaire Bob McGinn states in his game review, "Harrell was sensational. He showed arm strength, touch and timing. He took calculated chances downfield. He was in command. Most important, he led three long drives and capped them with touchdowns."

There were also very good performances by backup players, as it was primarily their game to play last night. WR Tori Gurley had a good game, as did Jarrett Boykin and Diondre Borel. It's possible all three may get cut given the numbers cruch at receiver on this squad. They'll be playing somewhere, or get stashed on a practice squad.

You know, I could say more but I'm going to point you to McGinn's assessment as it doesn't get any better than that.

Cuts Coming
Some cuts today have already been reported (if not officially announced) this morning as the Packers, and all NFL teams, get to their 53-man rosters. For the Packers, defensive back Anthony Levine and center Samspon Genus have already received their walking papers, while receiver/kick returner Shaky Smithson has reportedly received an injury settlement for his ankle injury. The team has until 8 p.m. CT today to get to their final roster.

Stay tuned. Go Pack Go!!!

...And on the first day of the new CBA...

Day One of the new NFL collective bargaining agreement saw many players arriving at team facilities, many others in transit and teams beginning the frenzy of signing, trading and releasing players.

The Green Bay Packers made a number of moves today. The most important from a personnel and budget cap standpoint is the pending trade or -- more likely -- release of eight-year veteran LB Nick Barnett. GM Ted Thompson met with Barnett early this morning and told him of the team's plans. Certainly had to hurt, but just as certainly Barnett couldn't have been too surprised. Given the Packers' cap situation, the fact that Barnett would have been due more than $5 million in salary, the fact that Barnett has been injured two of the last three seasons, and the fact that the Packers made their successful end-of-season/playoff/Super Bowl run without him, the writing was on the wall.

Farewell, Mr. Barnett, thank you for your service and for being a great Packer. Good luck wherever you land next.

There is no word at the time of this posting as to the status of Cullen Jenkins, James Jones, Mason Crosby or John Kuhn, all unrestricted free agents. Speculation is that Jenkins will take a bigger deal elsewhere, while Crosby is expected to be re-signed; there are reportedly 12 free agent kickers on the market. Kuhn indicated that he would test the market. As for Jones, QB Aaron Rodgers was reported to have stated that re-signing him was "priority number one," at least as he saw it. So, stay tuned. These will be interesting days ahead, full of roster activity.

Undrafted free agent signings

Teams across the league were busy today signing undrafted free agents. The Packers were no different, adding 16 players according to various sources. They are:

• WR/KR Antoine “Shaky” Smithson, Utah
• WR Tori Gurley, South Carolina
• LB Jamari Lattimore, Middle Tennessee State
• C Sampson Genus, South Florida
• S M.D. Jennings, Arkansas State
• DE Vic So’oto, BYU
• QB Diondre Borel, Utah State (possible WR in the NFL)
• OL Theo Sherman, James Madison
• OL Ray Dominguez, Arkansas
• WR Kerry Taylor, Arizona State
• NT Eli Joseph, Temple
• LB Peanut Joseph, Temple
• S Anthony Bratton, Delaware
• FB Jon Hoese, Minnesota
• DB Brandian Ross, Youngstown State
• RB Brandon Saine, Ohio State

Among the most intriguing, at least on paper and/or video seem to be Shaky Smithson and Tori Gurley. Smithson in particular could finally be the punt and kick returner the Pack hasn't had since the days of Desmond Howard. He will no doubt be given every chance to secure that role. As for Gurley, the length of his arms is apparently sasquatch-like and that makes him attractive as a receiving target...along with his 6'4" height and 4.53 40 speed, of course. And let's not forget the Joseph twins, Eli and Peanut, from Temple. Whether they make the final roster or not, it's at least a bit of future trivia that there was once a player in camp named "Peanut" AND his twin brother was in camp at the same time.