Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst answered questions for around 18 minutes on Wednesday following the formation of his 53-man roster and 16-man practice squad.
Here are the highlights:
– Gutekunst said the Packers “didn’t have a lot of say” in the decision to play Week 1 in Jacksonville.
– Gutekunst on the change at punter: “We’re always looking for a chance to get better.” Said new punter Corey Bojorquez had a “fantastic year in Buffalo last year” and was impressed with his performance this preseason with the Rams.
– Gutekunst confirmed Hunter Bradley will remain the long snapper. “He’s been really consistent. In games, he’s only had a handful of snaps we’d consider not great.”
– Packers did “the best thing” for David Bakhtiari and the team by putting on the PUP list. The range on ACL recoveries is typically 9-11 months. “Rushing him out there was not going to be something I was comfortable with,” Gutekunst said.
– Faith in Elgton Jenkins at left tackle didn’t factor into the decision on Bakhtiari.
– Gutekunst thought the competition along the offensive line was “fantastic.” Said the depth and competition were “as good as we’ve had here in a long time.”
– Gutekunst said Za’Darius Smith’s injury didn’t affect the composition of the roster. He’s trying to get back for Week 1 but the Packers won’t rush him back.
– “He kept making plays, honestly,” Gutekunst said on undrafted rookie Jack Heflin, who made the team.
– “I thought he had a fantastic camp, I really did,” Gutekunst on Jordan Love. Said he saw the “growth” he needed to see. Called him “poised” and calm under pressure. “I thought it was really, really positive.”
– Gutekunst said it wasn’t hard only keeping two quarterbacks. That was the plan. Happy to get Kurt Benkert back to the practice squad.
– “He earned it all the way through camp,” Gutekunst on Malik Taylor, the sixth receiver. Said he stepped up when it mattered most in the preseason.
– Gutekunst believes Isaac Yiadom was physical against the run in the preseason. He will factor in on special teams.
– Gutekunst said Jake Hanson was working through an injury situation last year as a rookie. He was healthy this summer and the “true talent” came out. “Thought he had a great camp.” Said he was “proud” of Hanson working through the injury.
– Gutekunst said Amari Rodgers will help on offense and the return game as a rookie. “I think he’s going to make an impact.”
– Gutekunst said Bojorquez did some “really good things” in cold weather games with the Bills. The Packers were monitoring him after he went to Los Angeles. “We’re excited to get him.”
– Gutekunst reiterated that he thinks the offensive line has as much depth as he can remember.
– Gutekunst said the Packers being so far back in the waiver claim order played a role in the team trading for Bojorquez. They didn’t think they’d get the player unless there was a trade.
– Gutekunst said he’s had “really good” conversations with Aaron Rodgers during camp. There was communication on the “why” with all the necessary people during final roster cuts.
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