Packers set practice squad with 2014 personnel

That headline has a dual meaning: (1) the Packers have set their 2014 practice squad and (2) all 10 practice squad signees were with the Packers during the just completed 2014 preseason.

Key among those signees was S Chris Banjo, who many -- including this writer -- felt was a surprise cut when the final 53-man roster was made.

(Photo by Associated Press)
Signed to the practice squad, along with Banjo, are WR Kevin Dorsey, C Garth Gerhart, WR Alex Gillett, RB Michael Hill, LB Adrian Hubbard, TE Justin Perillo, DE Luther Robinson, T Jeremy Vujnovich and WR Myles White.

The transactions were announced Sunday by Packers Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, Ted Thompson.

Packers roster set...almost

With the NFL requisite to cut down to the 53-man roster by 3 p.m. CT yesterday, the Green Bay Packers chose the players they think will get them to the promised land: the Super Bowl.

One of the lessons learned from last season, when QB Aaron Rodgers was injured, was that you better have at least one reliable quarterback on the roster to tide you over. Well, the Packers now have two: Scott Tolzein and Matt Flynn.

Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Many fans were hoping the Pack would keep both. Flynn obviously brings experience and has proven he can win a game or two off the bench. Tolzein has a much stronger arm and bigger upside in terms of potential. Trading Flynn was not an option, apparently, as his flame out in several locations prior to and during last season devalued his worth to all but the Packers considerably. Tolzein could have been placed on the practice squad as he did have eligibility left, but the feeling was that he likely wouldn't have cleared the cut list and another team would have snapped him up; the Pack couldn't take that chance. It's not yet clear, however, which of the two will be the primary backup to Rodgers. Based upon NFL experience, the guess is Flynn; based upon arm strength and upside, the guess is Tolzein (yours truly is rooting for Tolzein).

Keeping three quarterbacks, however, meant a cut somewhere else. It's a numbers game, after all. One of the players that many thought would make the team based upon his excellent special teams play was safety Chris Banjo. He was among those getting cut, unfortunately. Others getting the ax were: WR Kevin Dorsey, LB Jake Doughty, OL John Fullington, OL Garth Gerhart, WR Alex Gillett, DT Carlos Gray, RB Michael Hill, LB Adrian Hubbard, OL Jordan McCray, S Tanner Miller, TE Justin Perillo, RB LaDarius Perkins, DE Luther Robinson, CB Jumal Rolle, OL Jeremy Vujnovich, WR Myles White, and CB Ryan White.

The Roster (as of the moment)
According to the Packer's website, the roster looks like this at present (note that teams have until noon today to pick up players cut by other teams; practice squad designations can then be made):

• QB: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, Scott Tolzien
• RB: Eddie Lacy, James Starks, DuJuan Harris
• FB: John Kuhn
• WR: Jordy Nelson, Jarrett Boykin, Jeff Janis, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams
• TE: Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick, Ryan Taylor, Richard Rodgers
• LT: David Bakhtiari, Derek Sherrod
• RT: Bryan Bulaga
• LG: Josh Sitton
• RG: T.J. Lang, Lane Taylor
• C: JC Tretter, Corey Linsley
• DE: Datone Jones, Mike Daniels, Josh Boyd
• NT: Letroy Guion, Mike Pennel
• OLB: Clay Matthews, Mike Neal, Jayrone Elliott, Julius Peppers, Nick Perry, Andy Mulumba, Carl Bradford
• ILB: A.J. Hawk, Sam Barrington, Brad Jones, Jamari Lattimore
• CB: Tramon Williams, Davon House, Jarrett Bush, Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, Demetri Goodson
• FS: Morgan Burnett, Sean Richardson
• SS: Micah Hyde, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
• P: Tim Masthay
• K: Mason Crosby
• LS: Brett Goode

The Packers injured reserve list looks like this: WR Jared Abbrederis, T Aaron Adams, T/G Don Barclay, LB Nate Palmer, DT B.J. Raji, TE Jake Stoneburner, DT Khyri Thornton.

As noted, practice squad additions will be forthcoming, along with some possible moves related to other teams' cuts. So this roster is subject to change, but likely nothing major.

As for how we feel about the roster...the loss of OL Don Barclay for the season was a big blow to the depth of the offensive line; he could play any of the positions. Losing NT B.J. Raji for the season also struck at the depth of the defensive line. Still, going into the upcoming season kickoff at Seattle on Thursday evening, I think we should feel very optimistic, Packer fans. As long as the injury bug to key players stays away. Let us pray...

We'll provide any needed updates to the roster and practice squad as they become known. We'll also make our season prediction in the upcoming days prior to the game against the Seahawks. You don't want to miss that! So please keep checking back. And, as always for all the latest from across the web, keep checking our Amazing 2nd Page which updates frequently.

Oh, yeah...GO PACK GO!!!

Packers on cut-down day

The Green Bay Packers wrapped up their 2014 preseason campaign with a win at Lambeau Field versus the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night. Score? Does it matter?

No starters played, with the exception of rookie and new starting center, Corey Linsley, who needs the work after the loss of J.C. Tretter in the prior game against the Raiders. Several backup players got hurt who might have contributed this season; now, not so much...or at all. There was a distinct quarterback competition for the number 2 spot behind Aaron Rodgers. While both Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzein performed well, the edge (in this writer's opinion) went to Tolzein who just has a stronger arm and bigger upside than Flynn. We'd like to see the Pack keep all 3 QBs, but whether the roster numbers will allows for that is another matter altogether.

But we won't have to wait long for the answer to this and the other question of the day: who's making the final 53-man roster and who's getting cut? Each team must submit their cuts to the league office by 3 p.m. CT.

If you're looking to get the early inside information, you can do no better than Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Tom Silverstein's Packers Blog which has the running updates of cuts. Check it out and then check back here over the weekend for our take on all the moves today and tomorrow.

Packers announce 53-man roster...at least, for now...

As of the designated NFL cutdown time of 5 p.m. today, the Green Bay Packers parted ways with 22 players. Among some of the more notable cuts: QB Vince Young and RB Alex Green.

Of more interest to Packer fans is who the team kept on the roster. Here is the roster as of now (subject to ongoing change, of course):

• QUARTERBACK (2): Aaron Rodgers and B.J. Coleman
• RUNNING BACK (3): Eddie Lacy, Johnathan Franklin, James Starks
• FULLBACK (1): John Kuhn
• WIDE RECEIVER (5): Randall Cobb, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Jarrett Boykin, Jeremy Ross
• TIGHT END (4): Jermichael Finley, Brandon Bostick, Andrew Quarless, Ryan Taylor
• OFFENSIVE LINEMAN (8): David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, Evan Dietrich-Smith, T.J. Lang, Don Barclay, Marshall Newhouse, Lane Taylor, Greg Van Roten
• DEFENSIVE LINEMAN (8): B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, C.J. Wilson, Josh Boyd, Mike Daniels, Johnny Jolly, Datone Jones, Mike Neal
• OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (4): Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Andy Mulumba, Nate Palmer
• INSIDE LINEBACKER (5): A.J. Hawk, Brad Jones, Sam Barrington, Robert Francois, Jamari Lattimore
• CORNERBACK (6): Sam Shields, Tramon Williams, Jarrett Bush, Casey Hayward, Micah Hyde, Davon House
• SAFETY (4): Morgan Burnett, Jerron McMillian, M.D. Jennings, Chris Banjo
• KICKER (1): Mason Crosby
• PUNTER (1): Tim Masthay
• LONG SNAPPER (1): Brett Goode

For those like yours truly who were rooting for Johnny Jolly to make the roster, he did. He Tweeted out not long ago: "like thank Packers brass, coaches, packers nation 4 the support and opportunity. I won't let you down!! #itsaGthang"

For those of you who voted in one of our recent polls as to who you'd prefer to be QB Aaron Rodgers back up, sorry, Vince Young didn't make the cut. He also Tweeted out a thanks to Packer fans.

One of the surprises, perhaps, was the release of Alex Green in favor of James Starks. The season-ending injury to DuJuan Harris -- whom head coach Mike McCarthy had big plans for in this offense -- changed the dynamics of the backfield decisions. But the tweaking might still not be done. The Packers brought in RB/KR Joe McKnight at the end of the week for a workout.

We don't have the practice squad players. And no doubt, GM Ted Thompson isn't done yet.

Stay tuned.

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 make final cuts, set roster

Along with all other NFL teams, the Green Bay Packers made their final moves Friday to get to the required 53-man roster. According to packers.com, "The Green Bay Packers released 18 players and placed T Derek Sherrod on reserve/physically unable to perform and LB Vic So’oto (ankle) on injured reserve."

The cuts, per the official Packers site, are as follows:

• T Shea Allard
• WR Diondre Borel
• TE Brandon Bostick
• QB B.J. Coleman
• FB Nic Cooper
• T Andrew Datko
• C/G Tommie Draheim
• C/G Sampson Genus
• WR Curenski Gilleylen
• WR Tori Gurley
• DE Lawrence Guy
• S Anthony Levine
• CB Otis Merrill
• WR Dale Moss
• DT Daniel Muir
• RB Marc Tyler
• G Greg Van Roten
• G/T Reggie Wells

In addition to these moves, LB Erik Walden and DE Mike Neal now begin serving league suspensions, Walden for one game and Neal for four (if memory serves correctly).

Surprises?
The apparent surprise in the cuts, judging by media and Twitter chatter, was that of veteran defensive lineman Daniel Muir who by all accounts had a decent camp. He apparently lost the sixth spot on the line to veteran Phillip Merling.

By cutting seventh-round draft picks Datko and Coleman the surviving draft class, the Pack's top six picks, were all on defense.

An undrafted offensive lineman, G Don Barclay out of West Virginia, apparently showed just enough to make the roster. Rookie WR Jarrett Boykin flashed enough talent that he made the Packers keep six wide receivers. It will be the first time since opening day 2001 that that's been the case.

Another rookie free agent, Sean Richardson, from Vanderbilt, made it as the fourth safety.

There are other players released who, if they clear waivers, could return to the Pack as members of the practice squad.

For a look at the roster as it stands now -- and remember, there could be waiver pick ups or trades yet to come -- check here. The Packers won't be the youngest team in the league this season, but the youth movement is still in full swing in Green Bay. It has served the team well over the past few seasons and likely will do so again this year.

Go Pack Go!!!

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!!!

Packers set 2011 roster and practice squad

Saturday was the day the Green Bay Packers decided on the 53 players that will take them back to the Super Bowl. In the process, 27 players were either cut, traded or put on injured reserve. Today, Sunday, was the day some of those players got a reprieve by clearing waivers and getting signed to the Packers' practice squad.

In case you haven't already seen the roster elsewhere, here is the 53-man roster that GM Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy are going to war with this season. It has a familiar look in many respects to the team that brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Lambeau Field following last season's campaign.

• QBs: Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn
• RBs: Ryan Grant, James Starks, John Kuhn and Alex Green
• TEs: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, Ryan Taylor and D.J. Williams
• WRs: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb
• OL: Chad Clifton, T.J. Lang, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton, Bryan Bulaga, Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod and Evan Dietrich Smith.
• DL: B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, Howard Green, Jarius Wynn and C.J. Wilson
• LBs: Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, Erik Walden, Frank Zombo, Vic So'oto, Jamari Lattimore, Brad Jones, Robert Francois and D.J. Smith.
• DBs: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Sam Shields, Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee, Charlie Peprah, M.D. Jennings and Davon House.
• K: Mason Crosby
• P: Tim Masthay
• Long Snapper: Brett Goode

Undrafted rookie wide receiver/returner Shaky Smithson and rookie defensive end Lawrence Guy were placed on injured reserve.

Quick takes on this roster: long on linebackers, defensive backs and tight ends, a bit light on offensive linemen and running backs.

Practice Squad
Going into the season with only eight offensive linemen doesn't allows too much room for error...or injury. Perhaps that's why the Packers re-signed a couple of the offensive linemen they cut to the practice squad. And speaking of same, here are the practice squad signings of today:

• QB: Graham Harrell
• WRs: Chastin West, Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel
• RB: Brandon Saine
• OGs: Ray Dominguez and Sampson Genus
• CB: Brandian Ross

Still, having two unproven rookies as your only O-line backups for depth leads many in the sports world to believe that Ted Thompson will pick up a veteran, perhaps before the season opener against the Saints on Thursday.

I and many others are likely of the view that having Harrell, West, Gurley and Saine on the practice squad gives the coaches a bit of security and flexibility they were hoping to have available as the season commences. Both Harrell and West have been on the practice squad, and West certainly demonstrated this preseason the ability to be a good number five receiver should one of the other receivers go down. The Packers were also intrigued by Gurley's potential and probably gave a sigh of relief that he wasn't claimed on waivers. To a certain degree, they may have felt the same about rookie OG Ray Dominguez who, while raw, has the attitude and talent potential to play on the O-line, given a little seasoning, of course.

Turning coal into diamonds
Another observation I'd like to pass along, and which is attributable to Bill Huber's fine article at Packer Report, is that more than half of the Packers current roster is comprised of players found in the sixth round, seventh round or who weren't drafted at all. That's right: 27 of the 53 players on this season's roster were found by GM Ted Thompson and his scouts near the bottom of the draft, or even as undrafted free agents. Can you say "Value!"?

Huber has a few other choice tidbits for you, so I encourage you to hop over there and check out his article.

For now, let's just close by saying that the Packers escaped the preseason without any significant injuries. They have key players returning to the practice field today who were on injured reserve last season. A talented team with an explosive offense and disruptive defense is set to go after another Lombardi Trophy.

As coach McCarthy says: the Packers aren't defending anything; they are hunting for another Super Bowl win. You bet. It's great to be a Packer fan!

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers sign running back to practice squad

The Green Bay Packers made a running back the eighth and final signing to its practice squad. According to the news release from the Packers: "A 5-foot-11, 207-pound first-year player out of Kansas State, Johnson entered the NFL as a non-drafted free agent in 2008 with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played in four games in ’08 for Cincinnati, spent time on the Bengals’ practice squad in 2008 and 2009, and was with Cincinnati during the preseason this year. Johnson also was with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. He will wear No. 39."

The signing of Johnson completes the practice squad announcements. The other seven members of the squad were noted in my prior post and were all with the Packers during this year's training camp.

Johnson at least provides a third running back for the team should something happen to either Ryan Grant or Brandon Jackson. Depth at that position has been a concern.

Packers GM Ted Thompson says...

Ted Thompson, GM of the Green Bay Packers, just concluded a 20-minute press conference at which he answered questions from the media regarding the roster cuts, waivers, etc. Here in no particular order is a summary of some of the things Thompson had to say.

• Several questions were asked at the start about defensive back and returner, Will Blackon, why he was put on injured reserve, the pending injury settlement, etc. From what Thompson said, it sounded as if the Packers are still interested in what Blackmon could offer but when push came to shove regarding getting down to 53 players, they had no choice given Blackmon's health status but to do what they did. Apparently, there are scenarios under which Blackmon could still be available to the Packers this season because of the use of the injury settlement. Depending on the date that is finalized -- and Thompson made it clear he would not discuss such details -- Blackmon could be activated as early as 6 weeks after the date of injury settlement. Thompson basically said they will see where things are at at that time.
• Thompson stated that the Packers did not put in waiver claims on any players.
• When asked about carrying 3 fullback and 4 tight ends, Thompson said that he just felt those players had earned spots on the team. He also said several times that he feels very good about the 53 men they have on the current roster.
• When asked about FB Quinn Johnson, Thompson said he thought Johnson was "very valuable," and will be especially so in November and December when you need to get tough yards. He felt Johnson was a powerful lead blocker and his value would really be demonstrated in those situations where tough yards are needed.
• When asked about TE/LB Spencer Havner, Thompson said that cut was not an easy call because of all that Havner has done. He said the decision was more a factor of what the other players had done rather than what Havner had not done. (Havner, by the way, has been claimed on waivers by Detroit.)
• Thompson was asked about retaining rookie TE Andrew Quarless on the basis of "potential." Thompson grinned and replied, "Potential is overrated." He then added, "We want to win and win now." Amen, Ted, amen.
• In reply to a question about what he liked about undrafted rookie LB Frank Zombo, Thompson said, "I was very impressed with Frank." He then discussed in some detail how Zombo had sustained and then practiced and played through a pretty severe ankle injury. He noted that Zombo "made the team because he showed he could play at a high level."
• Thompson also mentioned that the announcement of the practice squad players would be made "first thing tomorrow." It has already been reported through his agent that the Packers signed QB Graham Harrell to the squad.
• Thompson stated that they view FB John Kuhn as a viable option at running back "in certain schemes."
• As for his linebacking corps, Thompson used such words as "athletic," "play hard," "quality" and "a pretty good group" when describing them.

Check back tomorrow for info on the practice squad signings and any other ramblings yours truly happens to kick out.

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.)

Final Packers cut list

The Green Bay Packers released 20 players and placed 2 on injured reserve to get to the required 53-man roster today. Here's the official list as released by the Packers:

• P Chris Bryan
• T Chris Campbell
• WR/RET Jason Chery
• CB D.J. Clark
• C/G Evan Dietrich-Smith
• WR Charles Dillon
• LB Robert Francois
• T Breno Giacomini
• QB Graham Harrell
• TE/LB Spencer Havner
• LB Alex Joseph
• S Anthony Levine
• RB Kregg Lumpkin
• LB Cyril Obiozor
• LB Maurice Simpkins
• DE Ronald Talley
• NT Anthony Toribio
• WR Chastin West
• WR Patrick Williams
• DE Jarius Wynn

Tackle/guard Allen Barbre and safety Will Blackmon will be placed on injured reserve. Barbre was previously said to have been cut and received an injury settlement. This, however, is the official list from the Packers.

The Packers can begin signing players to the practice squad tomorrow. Stay tuned to PackerFansUnited.com for additional developments.

Packers cuts and keeps

With a bit more than an hour to go before the 3 p.m. 53-man roster deadline, some of the moves by the Green Bay Packers are starting to be reported.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Greg Bedard has a running post of the Packers moves. The Green Bay Press-Gazette is also closely following moves. Shocking, I know.

Here's the latest rolling report gathered from available sources...

Cuts

• DT Anthony Toribio
• DE Ron Talley
• RB Kregg Lumpkin
• S/RET Will Blackmon (injury settlement likely, which keeps open the possibility he could return down the line)
• WR/RET Jason Chery
• WR Charles Dillon
• OLB Cyril Obiozor
• TE/LB Spencer Havner - Note: Bedard states: "...will be cut at 5 p.m. if the Packers can't find someone interested in trading for him, sources said. That means Tom Crabtree has made the team, and Donald Lee, too. The only way someone would trade for Havner is if they thought someone would claim him in front of them."
• G/C Evan Dietrich-Smith (if no trade possible)
• LB Alex Joseph
• DE Jarius Wynn - Bedard states that the Packers' defensive line will thus consist of "Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, Cullen Jenkins, Mike Neal, Justin Harrell and C.J. Wilson."
• OT Chris Campbell
OT Breno Giacomini (GB Press-Gazette says, "His agent said the Packers will cut him if they can’t trade him.")
• LB Maurice Simpkins

Keepers

• OLB Frank Zombo
• OL Nick McDonald
• G/C Jason Spitz (Packers reportedly turned down trade offers)
• TE Tom Crabtree (see above re: Havner cut)
• TE Donald Lee (ditto re: Havner cut reference above)
• DE Justin Harrell (see above re: Wynn cut)

Packers drop final preseason game, 17-13

In a typically uneventful fourth and final preseason game, the Green Bay Packers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-13 last evening in KC. No biggie. Many starters were on a short leash in terms of playing time, and a few -- Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, Charles Woodson and Chad Clifton among them -- never even hit the field. Keeping essential players safe is a main goal of the final game and not playing them is keeping them as safe as you can get. Good call, Coach McCarthy.

While I was providing real-time Tweets during the game (you can follow me, by the way, on Twitter by clicking the icon link in the right hand column cleverly labeled as "Follow Me on Twitter"), thought I would offer a few summary comments here.

Observations
So what can a Packers fan make out of the hodgepodge that is a game like this? It is an interesting game to watch, not for the quality of play overall, but for what individual players do. In that regard, a few observations:

• Backup QB Matt Flynn is a keeper, and has really made a jump in level of play from last season to this. He started off a bit rough in the first quarter, but especially in the second half was very much on target. Showed pocket toughness and arm strenth. Clearly, he and WR Brett Swain have developed a great rapport working together as part of the 2nd offense. Fans should feel comfortable if Flynn has to come in to replace Rodgers for a game or two.
• WR Brett Swain should clearly grab the #5 wide receiver slot. He was catching nearly everything thrown his way, had great route-running ability, and flashed speed...at least until he got a bruised knee at the end of the first half. After that, he appeared a bit gimpy on a 77-yard wide open pass play which, if he had been at full speed, probably should have resulted in a touchdown. Hopefully, it's just a bump and not something more serious.
• WR and returner Jason Chery did not seize his opportunity. He put the ball on the ground three times, twice on the initial kickoff! As head coach Mike McCarthy said when asked about it, there's no way you stay in Green Bay if you don't hold on to the ball. Good luck, Jason. A lot of folks were rooting for you. Look instead to a likely return combo of Will Blackmon (assuming he can get back on the field) and Jordy Nelson. Not great, but steady. (Sigh)
• DE Justin Harrell played. He didn't do much of anything other than be a body. He showed little push on any rush and appeared to be on the ground a lot. Still, most of the local sports guys that follow the Packers believe he will make the final roster, primarily because of his 1st round draft status and what coaches hope he could do if he stays healthy, not necessarily because of what he's done so far. As we all know, though, staying healthy and on the field has been his primary problem since college. What more can you say?
• Punter Tim Masthay looks like the likely survivor of this summer's kicking competition. Not only has he punted well but he is also handling kickoff duties, showing a stronger leg in that department than Mason Crosby. If you can do more than one thing it certainly helps your chances of making the team. Welcome aboard, Tim!
• Back up slots on both the offensive and defensive lines have some very good battles. There will be tough choices for the coaching staff here. Rumors are that T/G Allen Barbre will be cut and given an injury settlement and that Jason Spitz and Breno Giacomini may be trade bait.
• Coaches apparently like first-year free agent TE Tom Crabtree but doubt that the team would keep five tight ends. The scuttlebutt -- for what that's worth -- is that he will be among the cuts, with the Packers hoping he makes it through waivers so they can grab him for the practice squad. One would think the same would also be true with 3rd string QB Graham Harrell, who has also shown some flashes during his play.
• All LB Frank Zombo has done has been make plays. Lots of 'em. It would be sad if he got caught in the numbers crunch. I have to believe that he has certainly demonstrated enough to make the team. While the positions are different and area needs are different, you can never have too many good players on a team; given a choice, I'd keep Zombo over Justin Harrell. He's shown more in one summer than Harrell has in three seasons. Sorry, Justin.
• Rookie offensive guard Nick McDonald has played well and got plenty of action last evening. He should be a keeper.
• If the Packers wind up trading Spitz, they should feel comfortable with G/C Evan Dietrich-Smith who has performed well and who also showed the ability to long snap last night after usual long snapper Brett Goode was sidelined after sustaining a blow to the head. Again, the ability to assume multiple roles is a plus. The ability to play guard, center and long snap...it's all a plus.

Without looking at film -- which is somewhat difficult to do since I don't have access to film -- it's hard to say who else distinguished themselves last evening. Nothing was too obvious, that's for sure, other than what has been previously mentioned.

Keep checking back here for more as the weekend unfolds with the various roster moves. Or follow me on Twitter. Just look for "packfansunited" and you're there!

Herron and Morency released among Packers' cuts

One or the other was expected to be part of the running back corps. Actually, the likelihood seemed to be that both would make the club. In the end, both veterans Noah Herron and Vernand Morency were cut as the Packers got down to their 53-man roster. Along with DeShawn Wynn, released earlier in the week, these three backs were beaten out by undrafted rookie free agent Kregg Lumpkin. As part of their backfield decisions, the Packers kept two fullbacks -- a rarity in the league these days -- in the persons of Korey Hall and John Kuhn.

The roster at this time contains no long snapper, although that will likely change soon. Rookie snapper, J.J. Jansen, was one of three players placed on the injured reserve list after his knee injury in Thursday night's final preseason game. The Packers are expected to put in a claim on Thomas Gafford, who was waived by the Bears a few days ago. Gafford was in the Packers' '06 training camp and again this summer, before being waived Aug. 3 because the team needed a roster spot. The Packers reportedly are also holding tryouts today for at least three long snappers...so, if you happen to be driving near Green Bay today...what the heck...stop on in...especially if you can precision snap a football five to fifteen yards. For more on the snapper situation, check out this story.

The Packers did keep seven linebackers...for now. One of those players, possibly special teams standout Tracey White, might be the odd man out when the Pack adds a long snapper.

There will be a few more moves likely made this morning. Teams have until 11 a.m. to make claims on waived players. Teams will be informed by the league in early afternoon whom they have been awarded as part of the process.

For a story on the running backs and other moves, check out this article. For commentary on the players kept, check out this article.

For the Packers official notice of cuts, etc., check it out here. If you prefer to get the same news here, the following is from the official notice:

"The Green Bay Packers released 19 players and placed three on injured reserve. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the transactions Saturday.

Released Saturday were wide receiver Jake Allen, cornerback Scorpio Babers, defensive tackle Conrad Bolston, center Brennen Carvalho, safety Tyrone Culver, linebacker Spencer Havner, tight end Joey Haynos, running back Noah Herron, guard Ryan Keenan, linebacker Danny Lansanah, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, running back Vernand Morency, defensive tackle Daniel Muir, cornerback Joe Porter, wide receiver Johnny Quinn, wide receiver Taj Smith, wide receiver Brett Swain, tackle Orrin Thompson and fullback Corey White.

Defensive tackle Rodney Allen, center Junius Coston and long snapper J.J. Jansen were placed on injured reserve."

Packers make cuts and a trade

Before getting to the list of cuts that got the Packers to the NFL maximum roster of 53, let's get to the semi-exciting news that the Packers traded an undisclosed future draft pick for New York Giants running back Ryan Grant. The Newark Star-Ledger said on its website that the Packers had offered one of their kickers, Mason Crosby or Dave Rayner (more about Rayner in a moment), to the Giants instead of the draft pick, but the Giants opted for the latter.

Grant is 6-foot-1 and 218-pounds. He's a graduate of Notre Dame. If the name doesn't ring a bell, it's because he spent the 2005 season on the Giants' practice squad and last season on injured reserve. So this isn't the cure to what ails the Packers' running game. It's just another back that is some insurance in case the already thin backfield in terms of both numbers and talent takes another hit.

Now, as to the cuts, some surprises...or perhaps what would have been surprises not all that long ago. According to the Packers' official website, here they are: tight end Zac Alcorn, defensive end Larry Birdine, wide receiver Shaun Bodiford, wide receiver David Clowney, cornerback Patrick Dendy, wide receiver Chris Francies, linebacker Tim Goodwell, tight end Clark Harris, linebacker Spencer Havner, linebacker Rory Johnson, guard Travis Leffew, safety Marquand Manuel, fullback Brandon Miree, safety Alvin Nnabufie, kicker Dave Rayner, wide receiver Calvin Russell, guard Adam Stenavich, tackle Orrin Thompson, quarterback Paul Thompson and running back Corey White. Safety Tyrone Culver, linebacker Abdul Hodge and guard Tyson Walter were placed on injured reserve.

In addition to trying to trade incumbent kicker Dave Rayner to the Giants for Grant, they were apparently trying to make deals with other teams, as well. No takers. According to a blog entry in the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Rayner is quoted as saying: "They (the Packers) said it was the hardest decision they had to make at any position. It was one of those things where I don’t think I could have done any more. I was fighting an uphill battle the whole way after the draft. Who knows, maybe I’ll be back here someday. You never know if he’s the guy long-term or a quick fix."

So, aside from Rayner, the quick take on this set of cuts and keeps...GM Ted Thompson bit the bullet and dumped safety Marquand Manuel, who never lived up to his billing or his contract....QB Paul Thompson can hopefully make it to the practice squad...the Pack apparently felt the injury that Abdul Hodge had affected his play this year more than anything else and want to keep him around for next year if they can...the Packers really saw safety Atari Bigby come on during preseason which made it very comfortable for them to dump Manuel...RB DeShawn Wynn has enough potential for the Pack to keep him on the active roster...the Pack kept five wide receivers on the squad, including Carlyle Holiday, who could serve as an emergency QB if necessary -- combined with the fact that he's a fairly good receiver, this 2-for-1 capability was too good to let go...the Pack kept 11 rookies on the 53-man roster...other than those items...not really too many surprises.

The biggest problem facing the Pack is the same one they've had ever since Ahman Green headed to Houston: running back. The fact the Ted Thompson still has done little to address that matter just puts too much pressure on the passing game. Thankfully, with Brett tossing passes to Driver, Jennings, and Jones, that area of the offense looks very solid, barring injury. One would hope that Thompson continues to scour the cut lists and waiver wires for a proven back...although the likelihood of that happening is the same as Da Bearz (fill in the blank...)