Two-minute drill: Aaron Donald is back, notable roster cuts, concerns at RB for Packers

Regardless of when he takes the field and how often he is out there, Donald only makes the Rams even bigger Super Bowl threats (+550, per FanDuel). Not only does he join fellow defensive star Myles Garrett, who broke the NFL's single-season sacks record in 2025 (23), but Donald brings a championship pedigree as someone who thrives in the biggest moments.

Shocking roster cuts take place

Sunday was the deadline for teams to trim their rosters down to 53, leaving several players searching for a new opportunity. The most notable cuts include quarterback Will Levis, wide receiver Mecole Hardman, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, QB Bailey Zappe and running back Jaydon Blue.

Many believed Levis would be one of the first picks off the board in the 2023 draft, only to slide to pick No. 33 in the second round. While he never had stability at head coach, Levis was only 5-16 in 21 regular-season games and was replaced by 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.

Hardman, meanwhile, struggled in his lone season with the Buffalo Bills in 2025 and has not been the same since he caught the game-winning touchdown to lift the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl LVIII victory over the 49ers. 

Despite going 29-of-43 (67.4 percent) for 378 yards and three TDs in the preseason, the Dallas Cowboys decided to release backup QB Joe Milton III and take a gamble on Sam Howell instead. As for who surprisingly made their roster, Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is still listed as QB2, but an uncertain future remains for the former first-rounder.

More pressure on Packers following latest news

Green Bay was already at a disadvantage with the news that All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons would begin the season on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after tearing his ACL and damaging his meniscus last season.

Following Sunday's news that RB Josh Jacobs would be placed on the commissioner's exempt list after being charged with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property stemming from his May arrest in Wisconsin, it is clear that all eyes will be on QB Jordan Love amid the backfield unknowns.

The Packers traded for former Steeler Kaleb Johnson and are taking a gamble that MarShawn Lloyd will stay healthy, but it is hard to ignore the RB concerns and what Green Bay is going to have to overcome to begin the season.