Green Bay Packers 2014 53-Man Roster Prediction

Rookie outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott is one of the 53 players the Packers are expected to keep on their regular-season roster.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Jayrone Elliott by Benny Sieu—USA TODAY Sports.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Jayrone Elliott by Benny Sieu—USA TODAY Sports.

With the final preseason game in the books, the Green Bay Packers must trim their roster to at least 53 players by Saturday at 3:00 p.m. CT.

Injuries are complicating matters with several candidates for both season-ending injured reserve and short-term injured reserve, which could significantly alter the makeup of the roster depending on how the Packers decide to proceed.

Without knowledge of the severity of injuries to center J.C. Tretter, tight end Brandon Bostick, defensive lineman Khyri Thornton and linebacker Nate Palmer, here is the best guess as to how the Packers choose to build their roster...

 

Quarterbacks (2)

Aaron Rodgers, Scott Tolzien

Despite a solid performance from Matt Flynn against the Chiefs in the fourth preseason game, my opinion hasn't changed. The Packers should go with Tolzien and only Tolzien as the backup to Rodgers. The guess here is that no team will be interesting in signing Flynn, and if the Packers suffer an injury, he'll only be a phone call away. The Packers would necessarily have to acquire a quarterback for the practice squad, probably a castoff from another NFL team rather than Chase Rettig. Randall Cobb is your emergency third quarterback.

 

Running Backs (4)

Eddie Lacy, James Starks, DuJuan Harris, John Kuhn

The situation at running back in Green Bay is rather cut and dried. Michael Hill and LaDarius Perkins both had performed admirably in training camp, but there's just not room to carry either on the 53-man roster, although the practice squad could be a possibility. The Packers figure to bring back Rajion Neal for another go around next season if he remains on injured reserve.

 

Wide Receivers (6)

Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Jarrett Boykin, Davante Adams, Jeff Janis, Kevin Dorsey

Janis would be claimed in a heartbeat if the Packers were to part with him. Dorsey makes the team by virtue of his potential and special-teams value. Although there's eight very worthy candidates for the 53-man roster, the Packers can't keep them all. There is, however, a decent chance both Myles White and Alex Gillett all end up on the practice squad if they're not claimed by another NFL team. White is the faster of the two, and Gillett is the more consistent.

 

Tight Ends (4)

Richard Rodgers, Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick, Ryan Taylor

A case can be made that the Packers could part ways with Quarless, but with Bostick out for a couple weeks with an injury, it's difficult to see the Packers parting ways with an experienced veteran that won't be intimidated by the atmosphere in Seattle Week 1. Taylor and Stoneburner are probably fighting for one job between the two of them, but the Packers are more likely to err with the four-year veteran, while Stoneburner still has practice squad eligibility.

 

Offensive Line (8)

David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, Corey Linsley, T.J. Lang, Bryan Bulaga, Derek Sherrod, Lane Taylor, New Acquisition, (J.C. Tretter short-term injured reserve)

Sherrod will be the swing tackle, Taylor will be the backup guard, but perhaps the boldest prediction here is that the Packers will acquire an offensive lineman that's not currently on the roster, whether via trade or picking up a player on the waiver wire, ideally a player with some versatility. The guess here is that Tretter is placed on short-term injured reserve, eligible to return Week 8.

 

Defensive Line (5)

Mike Daniels, Datone Jones, Josh Boyd, Letroy Guion, Mike Pennel

If Khyri Thornton joins B.J. Raji on injured reserve, the Packers will be scary thin on the defensive line, although it helps that they have the versatility to play with a four-man line this season with Julius Peppers and Nick Perry at end and Mike Neal being used occasionally as an interior pass rusher. If the Packers happen to suffer an injury at the position, Johnny Jolly and Ryan Pickett are still available at a moment's notice, while Carlos Gray or Luther Robinsion and perhaps both could be developed on the practice squad.

 

Outside Linebackers (5)

Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, Mike Neal, Nick Perry, Jayrone Elliott

Perry isn't going anywhere after a solid training camp. The Packers can only hope his injury problems are behind him, and Perry can move forward. It's not even a question that Elliott will make 53-man roster after an awe-inspiring preseason. The question now becomes, how can they get him involved during the regular season? The toughest decision on the entire roster might be with Andy Mulumba, who could be a trade candidate. If nothing else, he'd be a welcome addition to the practice squad.

 

Inside Linebackers (5)

A.J. Hawk, Brad Jones, Jamari Lattimore, Sam Barrington, Carl Bradford

Carl Bradford probably isn't ready for any significant playing time at inside linebacker as a rookie, so he'll get a redshirt year on the 53-man roster, likely inactive on most game days. And if he is active, the bulk of Bradford's playing time figures to come on special teams. No other suprises at the position.

 

Cornerback (6)

Sam Shields, Tramon Williams, Davon House, Casey Hayward, Jarrett Bush, Jumal Rolle

The only question was probably whether the Packers would keep either Rolle or Demetri Goodson as the sixth cornerback, but Rolle proved over the course of training camp that he was the more polished of the two. Goodson isn't likely to be claimed on waivers and could still be groomed on the practice squad while waiting in the wings, assuming his concussion isn't going to keep him out any lengthy amount of time.

 

Safety (5)

Morgan Burnett, Micah Hyde, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Sean Richardson, Chris Banjo

If there's any player on the roster that may have secured a roster spot in the final preseason game, it was probably Banjo through his solid special-teams play. However, his hold on a roster spot is a precarious one. If the Packers need to clear room anywhere on the roster, Banjo could be the first to go.

 

Specialists (3)

Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay, Brett Goode

Was there any doubt?

 

Injured Reserve (9)

B.J. Raji, Jared Abbrederis, Don Barclay, Khyri Thornton, Nate Palmer, Rajion Neal, Joe Thomas, Andrew Tiller, Aaron Adams

The Packers might eventually come to injury settlements with some of these players. The extent of the injuries to Thornton and Palmer are unknown, making their status uncertain.

 

Practice Squad

Myles White, Alex Gillett, Jake Stoneburner, Jeremy Vujnovich, Carlos Gray, Luther Robinson, Andy Mulumba, Adrian Hubbard, Demetri Goodson, New Quarterback

 

Last Four In

Carl Bradford, Kevin Dorsey, Chris Banjo, New Offensive Lineman

 

First Four Out

Matt Flynn, Andy Mulumba, Jake Stoneburner, Demetri Goodson

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Comments (46)

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Evan's picture

August 29, 2014 at 02:39 pm

Tretter to short-term IR is interesting. The original diagnosis was a few weeks, so the short-term IR would seem overkill - then again, we all know how the Packers handle injuries.

If Tretter does go on short-term IR, I predict he won't get his job back when healthy.

Otherwise, I think it's a solid 53. Love that Banjo is on. Palmer and Mulumba not making it would be a bit of a surprise. I'd probably opt to keep one of them (or Stoneburner) over a 6th WR.

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L's picture

August 29, 2014 at 07:10 pm

I'm siding with your comment on JC.Tretter.

I think JC.Tretter makes the 53-man roster and the team doesn't seek another O-lineman in a potential trade; instead, I believe the team will look to trade a bubble guy not making the team that'll garner interest from other teams and hopefully bring someone back in return who could rotate-in anywhere on the D-line, but more specifically at NT -- not sure they'll find someone to trade with though.

LAST FIVE ON:
New D-Lineman, Andy Mulumba, Chris Banjo, Carl Bradford, Ryan Talyor

LAST FIVE OFF:
Matt Flynn, Jumal Rolle (major trade potential), Jake Stoneburner, Kevin Dorsey, Adrian Hubbard

They'll go 5 at WR, 6 at DL, 6 at OLB, and probably count M.Hyde as a CB on the roster before counting him as a S.

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PackerBacker's picture

August 29, 2014 at 03:25 pm

I'd prefer they keep Flynn and put Rolle on PS, but I like the safety net he provides.
Also find it hard to believe they use IR-return on Tretter.

Using the mobile comment feature and loving it. Good job Corey.

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Evan's picture

August 29, 2014 at 03:33 pm

With the premium placed on CBs and how thin some teams are (Rolle would see immediate playing time in Dallas or with the Jets), I wouldn't expect Rolle to get through waivers.

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PackerBacker's picture

August 30, 2014 at 08:31 am

Yeah, in that case, I was keeping Banjo because of special teams. I think your giving too much credit to other teams in Rolle. Undrafted and only minor flashes. I think he could make it to PS.

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sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2014 at 03:44 pm

Quarles is what he is, which isn't all that much. Interesting to know whether Thompson thinks Stoneburner has much upside or not. Corners are so valuable, it would be very hard to let Rolle go. I'd rather keep Banjo and Rolle and dump Quarles.

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Icebowler's picture

August 29, 2014 at 08:14 pm

You think Taylor is more valuable than Quarless?

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sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2014 at 03:47 pm

Question regarding Tolzien. Packers have developed starting level QB's in past, notably Aaron Brooks, Hasselbeck and Brunel. Does Tolzien fit that category, or is he a career backup at most?

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sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2014 at 04:14 pm

True, but does the model apply to Tolzien? Holmgren/Wolf Packers would regularly develop QB's and send them off for high draft picks. Current regime hasn't been able to do it, but maybe Tolzien's the exception.

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Iain's picture

August 30, 2014 at 07:38 am

Both of you, please cease with this nonsense

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MarkinMadison's picture

August 29, 2014 at 10:27 pm

After reading through all the crap above, it's nice to read a football post. And a reasonable one. From COW. I need a drink.

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zeke's picture

August 30, 2014 at 03:32 am

If they're destined to be 8-8, as you predict, what difference does it make if they start out 0-2?

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PackerBacker's picture

August 30, 2014 at 08:56 am

I'd be happy if they ended 2-2. I think they can do better.

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NickPerry's picture

August 29, 2014 at 04:08 pm

I still like Flynn. Granted Tolzien had the better stats but Flynn scored more often. Both had 16 possessions in the preseason. Flynn had 4 TD drives and 3 drives that ended in FG's. Tolzien had 4 TD drives and 1 that ended in a FG. There's also the little thing that Tolzien has never won in the regular season, something we know Flynn can do in Green Bay. Hopefully we don't have to see the backup QB this year unless the Packers are ahead 48 to 7!

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Imma Fubared's picture

August 29, 2014 at 04:34 pm

Trade Flynn to the Rams. They need him. Get a pick for him like a 6 or 7 rounder.
Get real. The guy is not newbie. He should be a hell of a lot better than Tolzien. Bottom line, Flynn isn't very good at this stage in his life with all the practice and experience he has gleaned.

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sonomaca's picture

August 29, 2014 at 05:55 pm

Well, there are plenty of worse backups in the league than Flynn, who has won his share of games. Jimmy Clausen, Orlovsky, Gabbert, Charlie Whitehurst, for crying out loud.

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4thand1's picture

August 29, 2014 at 06:22 pm

If I had to bet, I'd bet on Flynn making the final 53. MM knows he has a QB that can manage a game and not lose it. They are not 1 dimensional thanks to the running game. I wouldn't be surprised to see Tolzien make it too, he has taken a big leap with time in the system. Real game time is a whole different animal.

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Clay Zombo's picture

August 29, 2014 at 06:35 pm

QBs (3) Rodgers, Tolzien, Flynn
RBs (4) Lacy, Starks, Harris, Kuhn
TEs (4) Rodgers, Bostic, Taylor, Quarless
OL (8) Bakhtiari, Sitton Tretter, Lang, Bulaga, Sherrod, Taylor
WR (5) Nelson, Cobb, Boykin, Adams, Janis

24 Total

DL (5) Daniels, Jones, Pennel, Guion, Boyd
OLB (6) CM3, Peppers, Neal Perry, Elliott, Hubbard
ILBs (4) Hawk, Lattimore, Barrington, Bradford
CBs (6) Williams Shields Hayward, House, Bush, Rolle
Ss (5) Burnett, Hyde, Clinton-Dix, Richardson, Banjo

26 Total

K Crosby
LS Goode
P Masthay

Screw Brad Jones, hes always injured so why even waste anymore time with him

Hubbard will not be cut, he either goes on IR(if hes really injured or he makes the 53 and not as the 53rd guy, that would be Quarless or Banjo IMO.

Robinson, DL, Goodson, CB, Perkins and HIll, RBs, Stoneburner, TE, Vujnovich, OT, Mulumba, OLB, Garhart OC, Doughty ILB/STs, Dorsey WR.

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Zola Davis's picture

August 29, 2014 at 07:40 pm

By adding Linesly, his 7 OL become the eight he has listed. Flynn is already on his roster.

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jmac34's picture

August 30, 2014 at 01:19 am

I agree Brad Jones is not getting cut and I would not put Hubbard on the 53 man roster although he would definitely get a PS invite. Hubbard has made a few plays esp in the last two weeks but not nearly enough to gain a roster spot.

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NoNonsense's picture

August 30, 2014 at 02:27 am

The guy is 6' 6" 250 lbs and in very limited playing time he had 2 sacks, 3 tackles and 1 pass batted down. That's nothing I guess.

We will see who's right about Hubbard soon enough.

If he gets cut and gets to the practice squad then I will acknowledge my wrongness, but if he makes the 53 or gets cut and claimed by another team, will you?

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Tundraboy's picture

August 30, 2014 at 09:40 am

I agree Hubbard showed what he could be for this team. Of course he's hurt. . I know it was only one game but just like with elliot, effort trumps draft status.

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Koostyroosty's picture

August 29, 2014 at 06:49 pm

IMO, I think we go with 5 WR, 3 QB, Flynn over Dorsey. Put Dorsey on the PS, no developmental QB this year. We have to de-activate 7 players every week – there is no reason not to have 3 QBs. One will always be inactive. With 10 PS slots you can keep and develop some talent from the 75 that you want to keep. What is the difference if you have a LB or DL or OL on the 53 and inactive every week or have him on the PS? If you need him, either way it will take a week to get him in uniform.

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Clay Zombo's picture

August 29, 2014 at 06:51 pm

Wow that's a tremendous oversight, thanks for pointing that out.

No need to cut anybody though I still have 8 earmarked for OL just forgot to add Linsley's name there.

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Clay Zombo's picture

August 29, 2014 at 06:58 pm

I agree with Russ Letlow, I know everyone assumes Flynn will just sit on the street and that's probably what will happen but the Giants would be a remote possible landing spot for him given McAdoo's presence there.

Id rather have him and not need him then to need him and not have him.

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Evan's picture

August 29, 2014 at 07:19 pm

I don't see the Giants giving up on Nassib.

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Tundraboy's picture

August 29, 2014 at 07:02 pm

Enough already. Let's talk about OUR great team. Not wasting time insulting each other, trying to be a genius, when we are just fans. It's beyond old and you know who I MEAN. just saying.

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Icebowler's picture

August 29, 2014 at 08:40 pm

Yea, I don't why we keep TT around when James Bond and Bitter Bear Breath are available.

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Anthony Bonnet's picture

August 29, 2014 at 08:07 pm

New O-line acquisition - Jamon Meredith, who was just cut by the Bucs maybe?

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Evan's picture

August 29, 2014 at 08:31 pm

It's not an exact science, but if Meredith got cut from a team with an oline THAT bad, I'd say that's a big red flag.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 29, 2014 at 10:44 pm

At the same time they cut him after trading for Logan Mankins. Not saying he will be a good option, but might not be a bad one either.

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Nashville Packer's picture

August 29, 2014 at 08:12 pm

Carlos Gray is my sleeper pick to make the team. I think 6 DL is not out of the question, whether it's him, Robinson or a waiver pickup.

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Evan's picture

August 29, 2014 at 08:33 pm

Agreed. Though I do think they could use another DE type if Thornton's injury proves serious.

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4thand1's picture

August 29, 2014 at 10:19 pm

Peppers and Mathews will combine for 25+ sacks

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 30, 2014 at 02:22 pm

I agree that Peppers will probably have to play more DE than envisioned by most here. I don't have any problem with that: my point is that Peppers will be playing DE because he has to, not by choice. Still, Datone and Daniels could prove me wrong and show they can play DE in base - that is play 70% of snaps, up from 24% and 49%, respectively. I think Peppers can play LB, certainly in some situations.

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RCPackerFan's picture

August 29, 2014 at 11:03 pm

For the most part I agree with the 53. Although I don't think Dorsey makes it. I think they keep Flynn.

The other thing I disagree with is I don't think they sign another O-lineman. I don't think they use the short term IR on Tretter. He will be the 8th that gets deactivated until he is healthy.
If they were to go after a player I think it would be at DL. They are a bit more thin there then OL. Although the DL can use Peppers and Neal who can play DL also. Plus the majority of the time they only use 2 DL.

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ben's picture

August 30, 2014 at 03:16 am

Dorsey has dropped more balls than he's caught this pre-season. Not a chance. Guion is just a guy. Hubbard has made more plays than Dix these 4 games with 1/5 the time. He looks good off the edge. He and and LT Vujnovich should make it to the practice squad. Vujnovich played really well at LT and looked as good as Sharrod ever has. Luther Robinson is underrated and disruptive. I'd be fine with him on the 53.

Too bad we didn't secure the future of the NT position. Pennel is a nice find, but with Raji turning down $8million/year to play with the pack then signing a 1 year deal, he was on his way out even before the injury. Ted has made another mistake by not picking up at least 2 NT types this offseason. Defending the run was a problem for Packers last season and will be again this season. As of now Boyd will have to get some snaps at NT and he will struggle in there.

Like I said before the draft, Zach Kerr and Beau Allen would have great draft-picks late. Neither were drafted but Beau has decisively made the Eagle's 53 and Zach Kerr is absolutely KILLING IT.

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ben's picture

August 30, 2014 at 03:20 am

remember this?

DT:Zack Kerr - Couldn't be anymore under-rated or nasty. A bigger, faster Johnny Jolly. From Delaware in the 6th.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As0ACtkIgZc
http://draftbreakdown.com/video/zach-kerr-vs-albany-2013/

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ben's picture

August 30, 2014 at 03:21 am

2014 53 Man Depth Chart

TRADE: { Scott Tolzien, Hasean Dix, 2015Round3 } 4 { St. Louis's 2015Round1 }

TRADE: { Davonte Adams, 2015Round2&4 } 4 { Cleveland's 2015Round1 }

Extend: Bulaga, Cobb, House, Perry, Richardson

QB: Rodgers, Flynn
RB: Lacey, DuJuan, Starks
FB: Kuhn
WR: Jordy, Cobb, Boykin, Jeff Janis, Gillett, White
TE: Quarless, Blake Annen(FA), Stoneburner, Bostick, Richard Rogers
OL: Bakhtiari, Sitton, Tretter, Lang, Bulaga, Sharrod, Corey Linsley, Taylor
DL: Daniels, Neal, Datone, (Perry), Boyd, Mike Pennel, Luther Robinson
LB: Peppers, Hawk, Matthews, Perry, (Neal), Jones, Lattimore, Barrington, Jayrone Elliot, Mulumba
CB: Shields, Davon, Heyward, (Hyde), Tramon, Bush, Jumal Rolle
S: Burnett, Richardson, Hyde, Banjo, (Bush)
ST: Crosby, Masthay, Goode

Practice Squad: Adrian Hubbard(LB), Demetri Goodson(CB), Charles Clay(S), Jeremy Vujnovich(OT), Garth Gerhart(C), Carl Bradford(LB), LaDarius Perkins(RB), Ryan White(CB), John Fullington(OT), T.B.D(QB)

IR: Jared Abbrederis, Don Barclay, Colt Lyerla, BJ Raji, Raijon Neal

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zeke's picture

August 30, 2014 at 03:34 am

Do you think they'll announce the trades before the cuts, or after?

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Tundraboy's picture

August 30, 2014 at 09:45 am

2 or 3 qbs. . Does it matter if we do not add some more Oline strength and now depth.?

I have gone back and forth on Flynn and Tolkien........

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Tundraboy's picture

August 30, 2014 at 09:51 am

Point is priority number one is protect Rodgers

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Tundraboy's picture

August 30, 2014 at 11:13 am

Wouldn't mind parting ways with Mulumba Palmer, Taylor, Bush even Kuan and possibly Quarles. Why not take a gamble. From what I've seen of Rolle, Banjo, Stoneburner, Hubbard etc. Why take the comfortable route. The new guys could be the difference.

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Tundraboy's picture

August 30, 2014 at 11:20 am

Just saw the cut Rolle. I get it but don't get it either. Too many DB. Guess PS but we will lose him. Guy can cover and knows how to hit and tackle!!!!!!

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Snackpack's picture

August 30, 2014 at 11:52 am

Yeah, I don't think there's any way that Tretter is going to the short term IR. Also, is Mulumba still eligible for the practice squad? I thought once you were on a roster for a certain amount of time that you were no longer eligible.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 30, 2014 at 02:34 pm

Saw that GB cut Rolle and Banjo. Cutting Rolle boggles my mind. Inexplicable unless they are only going to carry 5 CBs. And with Williams, House, and Bush in contract years, carrying only 5 CBs in my mind will force TT's hand down the road.

Banjo could help GB win this year (STs and on the field a bit), but he is what he is, and the argument that player x is a project but with more talent that can be developed is one that I might buy. Have to wait to see who the 52nd and 53rd guys are.

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