The Green Bay Packers released rookie cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly on Tuesday. He spent almost a month with the team's 53-man roster, but barely played.
Kelly was claimed off waivers by the Packers on November 15. Even with injuries at the position over the last few games, Kelly had only one defensive snap and four special teams snaps.
The rookie is a fifth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens, but he didn't make their initial 53-man roster. Later, he was claimed by the Seattle Seahawks, but cut in November.
What does it mean?
The Packers have had depth problems at cornerback lately, because Jaire Alexander has missed five consecutive games with a shoulder injury and Eric Stokes has handled multiple injuries — the third-year cornerback hasn't played a single defensive snap this season yet.
However, both players practiced last week, and Stokes was a full participant. The expectation is for him to return from the injured reserve at some point soon, as he suffered his hamstring injury almost two months ago.
The Jaire Alexander situation is murkier. He wasn't placed on IR after hurting his shoulder against the Los Angeles Rams, indicating that the Packers expected to have him back in fewer than three games. But the injury ended up being more serious, and he missed the last five games.
The Kyu Blu Kelly release might indicate the Packers are confident that at least one of Alexander and Stokes can be back sooner rather than later.
Depth
Beyond Jaire Alexander, the Packers cornerback room on the 53-man roster has Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine, Keisean Nixon, David Long, and Robert Rochell.
Long and Rochell were both brought in from the Carolina Panthers during the season — Long was claimed off waivers, and Rochell was signed off the Panthers' practice squad. Zyon Gilbert is also on the Packers PS.
With the Kuy Blu Kelly release, the Packers have an open roster spot — which presumably can be used to activate Stokes from the injured reserve before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.
More moves
The Packers have also announced two more roster moves. Wide receiver Thyrick Pitts was added to the practice squad, and linebacker Austin Ajiake was released.
Pitts went undrafted coming out of Delaware. He spent time earlier this year with the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots. He had 172 receptions for 2,429 yards and 23 touchdowns throughout his college career.
Austin Ajiake had been signed by the Packers on November 14 and spent a month on the team's practice squad, with no regular season appearances.
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