The Green Bay Packers released the team’s initial 53-man roster on Tuesday afternoon.
Here are some quick takeaways from the roster:
– The roster will actually start with 52 players. It will become a full 53-man roster once the trade for punter Corey Bojorquez is official. But keep in mind: All teams can put in waiver claims for released players on Wednesday, which would require a corresponding roster move, so this could be a fluid roster on the fringes for one more day.
– No surprises at the skill positions. Two quarterbacks, three running backs, six wide receivers and four tight ends, just like most expected.
– Kurt Benkert should get through waivers and be back on the practice squad as the third-string quarterback.
– Kylin Hill won the third running back job with an excellent summer. The same can be said for Malik Taylor and the No. 6 receiver spot.
– The Packers kept nine offensive linemen, and one isn’t David Bakhtiari, who is going on the PUP list to start the year. He’ll miss the first six weeks, at least. One surprise is keeping second-year center Jake Hanson over versatile veteran Ben Braden. The Packers must have wanted more depth at center with Elgton Jenkins starting at left tackle for at least the first six games.
– The Packers kept both Tyler Lancaster and Jack Heflin, which makes a lot of sense because Lancaster is dealing with an injury to start the season. Heflin was the team’s best undrafted free agent this summer.
– The Packers have five outside linebackers on the 53-man roster, likely a reflection of Za’Darius Smith’s injury situation. Chauncey Rivers, who was claimed off waivers earlier this month, made the team. So did 2020 seventh-round pick Jonathan Garvin.
– Rookie Isaiah McDuffie essentially forced the Packers to keep him as the fifth linebacker with a terrific preseason finale in Buffalo.
– Cornerback Isaac Yiadom made the 53-man roster in Green Bay, and Josh Jackson made the 53-man roster in New York. Yiadom made the team over Kabion Ento, who had tackling issues.
– The Packers kept only four safeties. Christian Uphoff and Innis Gaines flashed during the preseason but both need time on the practice squad.
– The Packers gave up on JK Scott after three inconsistent seasons.
– Long snapper Hunter Bradley is on the team. For now. He could be replaced by a waiver claim.
All the team’s cuts to get down to 52 players can be viewed at the link below:
[listicle id=61136]