The Green Bay Packers must reduce their roster to 53 players by 3:00 p.m. CT on Saturday. GM Brian Gutekunst currently has 80 players on his roster, meaning 27 must go between now and Saturday afternoon.
Some cuts will be easier than others. The guess here is that Gutekunst and the Packers already have a pretty good idea about the first 10-15 cuts. But the final 10-12 could be difficult.
Here are the players most likely on the roster bubble entering Saturday, sorted by position:
RB Dexter Williams: He’s an explosive, one-cut runner who should be great in this offense. And while Williams might be buried in a deep position group, he’s still talented enough to sneak onto the roster again, especially if the Packers want to be fully stocked at running back entering 2020.
FB/TE John Lovett: Matt LaFleur really likes the versatility of H-back players. Lovett might be redundant with Josiah Deguara, but he’s big, tough and can play some tight end and fullback, so it’s possible he sticks.
WR Darrius Shepherd: The former North Dakota State star had another strong summer. The Packers like the way he prepares as a player and separates as a receiver, and he has return experience, but overcoming his shortcomings and the failures of last year might be tough.
WR Malik Turner: The former Seahawk made plays during camp. Was it enough to win a spot as the sixth receiver? His past experience has to play a factor.
OT Yosh Nijman: He’s the most intriguing of the backup offensive tackles, but he also missed a big chunk of camp and lacks experience. The Packers have developed him for over a year and like his upside.
OT Alex Light: We’re going to find out if the Packers believe Light can be the backup offensive tackle. He needed to get a lot better after struggling as a reserve last season.
OL Jon Runyan: His focus has been learning to play left guard during camp. The Packers think he has a bright future, and who knows if he’d get through waivers, but tough decisions will need to be made in the offensive line group.
C Jake Hanson: Is the rookie center considered the top backup behind Corey Linsley? And can he play any guard? The Packers have versatile players along the interior, crowding the room.
DL Treyvon Hester: Montravius Adams is still injured, leaving the Packers in a tough spot. They likely need a fifth defensive lineman on the roster to start 2020. Is it Hester, a journeyman who has been quiet during camp? At least he has experience.
OLB Tipa Galeai: The Packers have to be intrigued by his impressive pass-rushing skill set. Even as an undrafted free agent, there’s a chance he wouldn’t get through waivers.
OLB Randy Ramsey: He can really run, he’s flashed as a rusher and in coverage and he has an ideal body type for special teams. Add that all up, and it’s a good recipe for making it as a reserve outside linebacker.
CB Stanford Samuels: Was he good enough to beat out Ka’dar Hollman, a draft pick who spent last year on the roster?
CB Ka’dar Hollman: Was he good enough to hold off Samuels, a top undrafted free agent who had a really good summer?
S Vernon Scott: The Packers have four safeties they really like, but Raven Greene’s injury issues and Scott’s ability to contribute on special teams could get him onto the roster.
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