Unpacking the Roster: Initial 53 Players

In what is expected to be the first iteration (of many) the roster this season, the Packers cut down their roster from 80 to 53 players. With the expanded practice squad capacity of 16 players, GM Brian Gutekunst, Coach LaFleur, and the organization had to make the incredibly difficult decisions of who to keep and who to cut. It really is just one massive balancing act of determining the best 69 players. The hope is that many of the players who were released will pass through waivers unclaimed so they can sign to the Packers practice squad beginning tomorrow early afternoon. On the other hand, if it was suspected that a player would be claimed if they were released, they may have been a surprise addition on the initial 53-player roster.

QB (2)

Aaron Rodgers

Jordan Love

Unpacking it: Are you surprised? You shouldn't be. Rodgers looks to continue to flourish in LaFleur's system. The return of QB Coach Tom Clements is going to do nothing but benefit backup Jordan Love in his development. I would imagine the team is attempting to try to retain Danny Etling on the practice squad. Having a third QB has been standard procedure for most teams since the practice squad was expanded to 16 players during the pandemic, up from 10 players.

RB (2)

Aaron Jones

AJ Dillon

Unpacking it: Jones and Dillon are the obvious locks at the position. Leading up to today, many around the league speculated that the Packers would only keep two RBs to allow for an additional roster spot at another position. If they choose to keep a third running back, it will be based on two factors — pass protection and contribution on special teams. To this end, Taylor likely won this battle over UDFA Tyler Goodson. It is believed that the team would like to sign Goodson to the practice squad, should he clear waivers. This was a bit of a risky move after he had put strong tape out from his game last week against the Chiefs. As I have stated before, I think he very well could be Aaron Jones' successor, should he become a cap casualty next year.

*RB Kylin Hill remains on the PUP list

WR (7)

Allen Lazard

Randall Cobb

Sammy Watkins

Amari Rodgers

Christian Watson

Romeo Doubs

Samori Toure

Unpacking it: Seven receivers it is then. With Davante Adams departure via trade to the Las Vegas Raiders, many thought the team would keep eight receivers. Outside of the players who have declaredly earned Aaron Rodgers' trust, it was always believed that there was only one, maybe two, spots open. Surprisingly, the team opted to keep seventh-round pick Samori Toure over Juwann Winfree. Like WR Jake Kumerow two seasons ago, Winfree was a player that Rodgers publicly praised several times in recent weeks. Rodgers became disgruntled by the team's lack of transparency and personnel management — hopefully the team brought him (and his ideas) into the fold prior to releasing Winfree. More than anything, I am certain that the Packers hope Winfree clears the waiver so he can be signed to the practice squad. In the short term, Toure was likely given the spot because of his relatively cheap contract, recent production during the preseason, and potential to be a regular contributor on special teams.

TE (4)

Robert Tonyan

Marcedes Lewis

Josiah Deguara

Tyler Davis

Unpacking it: Nothing surprising here. The Packers opted to keep a total of four TEs, each with a specialized skillset. Tonyan is a great red zone threat and has no qualms being a willing blocker in the run game. However, this is where Lewis will continue to make his greatest contributions — although he is always a solid pass-catcher who can leak out and get open in soft zone looks. Deguara looks to continue his growth in the run and passing game from last year. Davis made the roster because of the potential that the team sees in him, and his ability to contribute on STs.

OL (10)

David Bakhtiari

Elgton Jenkins

Yosh Nijman

Jon Runyan Jr.

Josh Myers

Royce Newman

Zach Tom

Jake Hanson

Sean Rhyan

Rasheed Walker

Unpacking it: The Packers have continued to experience success when finding quality offensive lineman in the draft. In addition to last season's returning players, rookies Zach Tom, Sean Rhyan, and Rasheed Walker all made the team. OT Caleb Jones was released, but he is hoped to clear waivers and sign to the practice squad.

DL (6)

Kenny Clark

Jarran Reed

TJ Slaton

Dean Lowry

Devonte Wyatt

Jonathan Ford

Unpacking it: My projection for the D-line stayed fairly intact with only one notable change — Jonathan Ford *potentially* made the roster over Jack Heflin or Chris Slayton, two players who made plays this preseason to stake their claim for a roster spot. In the meantime, they immediately become good candidates for the practice squad.

OLB (5)

Rashan Gary

Preston Smith

Kingsley Enagbare

Jonathan Garvin

Tipa Galeai

Unpacking it: Gary and Smith are the bookends of what could be a stalwart defense. Garvin and Galeai both bring experience and knowledge of the playbook after making the roster last year. While Enagbare is the player to likely receive the majority of the OLB3 snaps. He led all rookie edge rushers in win percentage through the preaseason (16.4%).

ILB (4)

De'Vondre Campbell

Quay Walker

Krys Barnes

Isaiah McDuffie

Unpacking it: After Walker's strong performance against the Chiefs, it is clear that he will be a great running partner for Campbell. Barnes is a solid players who, only a year ago, was a starter. Does that mean he declined? No, the position has become even stronger! Add to this McDuffie, who did nothing but make plays during the preseason, and the position is set. Ray Wilborn is a good practice squad candidate (if he did not make the team initially).

CB (5)

Jaire Alexander

Eric Stokes

Rasul Douglas

Shemar Jean-Charles

Keisan Nixon

Unpacking it: Alexander, Stokes, and Douglas are all locks as starters. Jean-Charles and Nixon are rotational players who will make their greatest impact (hopefully) on special teams. The team released Rico Gafford, Kabion Ento, and Kiondre Thomas which was a bit surprising. Do not be surprised if any of them make a return to the practice squad.

S (5)

Adrian Amos

Darnell Savage

Tariq Carpenter

Micah Abernathy

Dallin Leavitt (injured)

Unpacking it: Amos and Savage are the starting safeties. Abernathy, who was brought in when the room was depleted by injuries just a few short weeks ago, was awarded with a roster spot after he produced in two preseason games. This is a position that needs much more depth, especially with Savage still recovering from injury. Expect the team to be aggressive in looking through available players and retaining some on the practice squad.

Specialists (3)

K - Mason Crosby

P - Pat O'Donnell

LS - Jack Coco

Unpacking it: That was widespread chatter across Twitter in recent days that maybe incumbent kicker Mason Crosby's career would be over and the team would be moving on from him. Fuel was added to the fire when the team kept Ramiz Ahmed on the roster for much of Tuesday. More clarity was provided on Crosby's status when the organization released Ahmed late in the afternoon. This signaled that Crosby would be removed from the PUP list and is expected to take over all kicking duties. If I had a guess, the Packers are hoping to return Ahmed to the practice squad. He showed that he is dependable, has a strong leg, and is a good insurance policy should Crosby encounter any setbacks in his recovery. LS Jack Coco also made the roster. Many writers and fans were debating whether the Packers would opt to keep him on the roster or release him to open another spot for a skilled position player. Instead Coco is on the roster, at least for now.

Unpacking the Cuts

QB Danny Etling

RB Tyler Goodson

RB Patrick Taylor

RB Dexter Williams WR Juwann Winfree

WR Ismael Hyman

WR Travis Fulgham

TE Sal Cannella

TE Nate Becker TE Alize Mack

OL Michael Menet

OL Caleb Jones

DL Jack Heflin

DL Chris Slayton

DL Akial Byers (injured)

OLB La'Darius Hamilton

OLB Kobe Jones

ILB Ty Summers

ILB Ray Wilborn

CB Rico Gafford

CB Kabion Ento

CB Kiondre Thomas

S Shawn Davis (injured)

S Innis Gaines (injured)

S De'Vante Cross

K Ramiz Ahmed

Unpacking it All

Clarity on who makes the practice squad will happen tomorrow. The window to make claims on a player ends at 11am tomorrow morning. It will be interesting to see if the Packers opt to sign another team's leftover players. For fans of the team, it will come down to which "fan favorites" get signed to the practice squad. As an organization, the Packers have had a knack for UDFAs and practice squad players — see Robert Tonyan. Who will that player be this year? Hopefully we will have a better idea of this soon.

What do you think of the initial roster? Post your thoughts in the comments below. 👇