Green Bay Packers News: A few unexpected surprises on 53 man roster

The Green Bay Packers news has been a bit of a roller coaster ride this off season, and cut down day was no exception. Multiple players many expected to make the 53 were not so lucky, and some decisions left fans scratching their heads.

The surprises

While it was at least somewhat in the discussion that Green Bay could keep only two Running Backs on the 53 man roster, many expected them to keep either Tyler Goodson or possibly Patrick Taylor. It appears that Green Bay has decided to roll the dice on two, for now.

Part of their reasoning behind the decision could be the return of Kylin Hill (from an ACL injury back in week eight of the 2021 season). Hill is currently on the PUP list, but will be eligible to return week 4 of the season. The Packers may still decide to add Goodson, and possibly even Taylor to the Practice Squad if they clear waivers.

Juwann Winfree was also a surprise for many, especially after  receiving praise from back to back MVP Aaron Rodgers recently. It’s possible that Packers GM Brian Gutekunst wanted to take a chance on Toure’s currently unknown ceiling over the veteran. This has drawn comparisons on Twitter to former Packers receiver Jake Kumerow being cut shortly after being praised by Rodgers. (Kumerow is now entering year three with Buffalo Bills.)

Jack Heflin was another surprise cut. While Green Bay has some solid depth at the DT position, Heflin gained plenty of attention in the preseason. Heflin will have a chance to return on the practice squad, but he will first need to clear the waivers.

The expected

From the start, it was pretty well expected that the Packers would not go over eight wide receivers on their final 53 man roster. With Winfree and Toure making strong cases for that last spot, there really wasn’t much of a shot for Fulgham. Receiver Ishmael Hyman was an injury cut. The Packers ended up sticking with seven for now with Cobb, Lazard, Watson, Watkins, Doubs, Rodgers, and Toure.

Some may have found this a surprise, but Kicker Ramiz Ahmed was released around the time the team announced that long time Green Bay Packers legendary kicker Mason “Money” Crosby was being activated off the PUP list in time to start the regular season. Crosby spent a few weeks rehabbing from knee surgery earlier in the Summer.

Green Bay found a new Long Snapper in undrafted free agent (and fan favorite) Jack Coco after a streak of bad luck in the Special Teams department last season. Coco signed with the team May of 2022, and had a solid enough camp and preseason to outlast his competition for the starting job.

The final thought

While it’s never fun seeing players work so hard and barely miss the cut, looking at things from a business perspective the Packers need depth at certain positions. That sometimes will require letting go of solid players in another position group to free up the cap money and the necessary roster spot to bring in the help they need. The Packers will likely be looking to fill some of those positions in the coming days off waiver claims.

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