Packers Calendar: Determining J.C. Tretter's Fate
Rookie offensive lineman J.C. Tretter will likely either be activated to the 53-man roster or placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.
The Packers waited until the last possible day to open offensive lineman J.C. Tretter's three-week window to practice while on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and now it's coming down to the final day to determine his fate.
By Tuesday afternoon, the Packers must either activate Tretter to the 53-man roster, release him or place him on season-ending injured reserve.
Releasing the rookie isn't likely, so it will come down to one of the other two options.
Seeing as he's coming off a broken ankle suffered this past May, the guess here is that he's probably not ready to play with just three games remaining in the regular season.
But if he were activated, the Packers would have to clear space on the roster either by cutting a player or placing one on injured reserve.
Unless it's a foregone conclusion that a player like C.J. Wilson (ankle) or Jamari Lattimore (knee) has no chance of returning this season, Tretter will probably be the one placed on I.R.
Also on Tuesday, Rodgers will be put through a workout before being examined by team doctor Pat McKenzie before practice on Wednesday. Whether Rodgers will be able to play on Sunday against the Cowboys has yet to be determined.
Rodgers is likely to give an update Tuesday afternoon on his weekly radio show "Tuesdays with Aaron," aired on the ESPN Radio affiliate in Milwaukee, 540 AM at 1:30 p.m. CT and streamed live online at ESPNWisconsin.com. It will be replayed on 100.5 FM in Madison at 5:00 p.m.
Safety Morgan Burnett will be the guest on the Mike McCarthy Show that airs on several television markets in Wisconsin and the Midwest on Tuesday evening, according to host Lance Allan on Twitter.
The Mike McCarthy Show airs at 6:30 p.m. CT on WGBA Ch. 26 in Green Bay and WTMJ Ch. 4 in Milwaukee. Complete listings can be found on the team's official website.
Offensive lineman T.J. Lang hosts Tundra Talk on 105.7 FM WAPL in Appleton at 5:00 p.m. and streamed online at WAPL.com.
On Tuesday evening, a trio of Packers will do a public autograph signing at Waukesha Sportscards in Waukesha, Wis. Linebacker A.J. Hawk, offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith and cornerback Davon House will appear from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The charge for Hawk is $39, while just $20 for Dietrich-Smith or House. A special of $55 is being offered for all three players.
Comments (53)
December 10, 2013 at 07:50 am
The only way I see Tretter being brought up to the 53 is if Lattimore or Wilson go on IR.
I just have a hard time seeing him being ready when he has had only 3 weeks of practice.
I wouldn't mind if they could get him on the 53 so he can continue to practice and get him more ready for next year. I just don't think they can afford to have a roster spot on the 53 right now that is for a redshirt player.
December 10, 2013 at 08:02 am
he may be the best option for backup center, though... Not sure they're going to keep Harper. He isn't even active for games at all. And I'm not sure anybody would pick him up if they waive him.
Haven't heard anything about Wilson's or Lattimore's injuries. Unless those are season ending at this point, I just can't see Lattimore going on IR. Too valuable on ST. Wilson is a different story, now that Worthy is healthy again.
Evan
December 10, 2013 at 08:31 am
Harper is a good call - though with Cobb hopefully coming back soon (cross your fingers) I imagine that's his roster spot.
December 10, 2013 at 06:15 pm
Cobb isn't coming back this season.
Dude hasn't even been cleared to run yet.
I'm also starting to get a sinking feeling that Rodgers won't be coming back this season either.
Evan
December 10, 2013 at 06:27 pm
Both are becoming increasingly likely, yeah.
December 10, 2013 at 06:38 pm
While I agree with you.
I heard some mixed reports today. I heard that Cobb was running???
Anyone else hear that?
I heard Cobb isn't cleared to play but has been running?
I pretty much have been under the assumption that Cobb won't be back. And I am getting that sinking feeling that Rodgers won't be back either.
December 10, 2013 at 09:12 am
I think he will be the best option for center/backup center next year...
I just don't know if he is ready to play this year. I mean he had no offseason.
I just have a hard time believing that he would be ready to come in play with 3 weeks of practice this whole year.
I do wonder about Harper. He was a 4th round pick, so I do think there would be teams interested in him. But I do wonder how far along he is since the Packers haven't even used him yet.
December 10, 2013 at 10:11 am
you are right, but I am wondering whether he is a more "natural C". TJ Lang is ok for someone who has never played C before this season, but Tretter may be better already. I don't know, we will see what happens today and whether the coaches see that or not.
As for Harper, I'm just wondering. Of course we as fans have no insight, but something doesn't seem right. He was QB in high school and was ranked real high as an overall athlete. Went to Oregon as QB but switched to WR after a few games. Then transferred to KSU. 4th round pick who didn't even make the roster for the Seahawks. Picked up by the 49ers and was supposed to be HB or TE. Now for the Packers he cannot seem to be active and beat out Myles White, even though his size and speed should be great for ST. I mean, 6'1'', 228 lbs, 4.55 speed, huge hands. Here's his draft profile:
"It took Harper a couple of seasons, and a transfer from Oregon back to his home state, to embrace a position switch from quarterback to receiver. While Harper isn't extremely tall, he has a muscular frame, particular in his lower half. This along with his speed makes him a tough cover, and an even tougher player to bring down with the ball in his hands. He will likely be selected in the third or fourth round." Why would somebody with those skills not be playing? So there must be something else going on there.
December 10, 2013 at 10:41 am
White was here for training camp and knows the offense inside out. Harper showed up a couple weeks ago and is a neophyte to the offense by comparison. Not to hard to figure out why White is getting playing time. Harper will get his chances in the offseason and training camp to win a spot on the roster.
December 10, 2013 at 10:47 am
Yeah, I agree with you that Tretter is probably a better natural C then Lang. I just don't know if he is ready this year. That is why I'm thinking that he will be IR'd, unless Wilson or Lattimore can't come back.
I just know that the Packers were high enough on Harper to put a claim in on him. They don't put claims in on a lot of players.
I am not sure why he didn't work out in Seattle. 49ers sounded like they were trying to change his position and it didn't work out.
I kind of think he might be a player they brought in more for next year then this year.
I am thinking right now he isn't playing because he hasn't fully learned the playbook yet. Remember Myles White has been with the team since the draft.
If the Packers in the next 2 games get eliminated from the Playoffs, I really would like to see them activate him and see what he can do. Give him some game experience.
December 10, 2013 at 09:22 am
OK so he broke his ankle in May? I had a broken ankle heal in less than four weeks. this is December. Just how hungry was this guy to play? Maybe they should dump him. He will be another one who plays two game, gets his ass kicked out there and has another long term injury. Wow this team is full of them.
Couldn't help but notice the Bears top three receivers and their tight ends were all healthy and lighting it up last night. and their second string QB was tossing td's all over the planet.
and Packer fans think there team is good enough to make the playoffs. In three years maybe.
December 10, 2013 at 09:58 am
he broke his ankle end of May, and expected recovery time was 6 months... it's harder for big guys to come back from injuries like that. has nothing to do with "not being hungry"...
December 10, 2013 at 10:39 am
PackerPete. Al Fresco is yet another troll...
Not even a packer fan...
when a person uses this 'and Packer fans think there team is good enough to make the playoffs.'
That means they Fresco is not a packer fan.
December 10, 2013 at 11:15 am
RC you are probably right. I am just surprised how many Vikings and Bears fan show up on a Packer board. Do they have nothing to talk about on their teams' board?
December 10, 2013 at 08:13 am
Waive Newhouse (worthless) and activate Tretter if he is physically sound to play. You can find someone with Newhouse's skills at Cabelas or Starbucks.
December 10, 2013 at 08:25 am
+1
December 10, 2013 at 08:38 am
The only player I have seen that has regressed as quickly as Newhouse was Cletidus Hunt but what makes it worse is that idiot GM Mike Sherman just gave him a huge contract with a big bonus up front. He had diamonds put in his teeth (no joke), came to camp and went through the motions and then became history. Hunt had all pro potential (as quick as Cullen Jenkins and much stronger), Newhouse has enough talent to be an NFL starter but no killer instinct, he will get a chance somewhere else in 2014.
Evan
December 10, 2013 at 08:41 am
Coughcough...Morgan Burnett...Coughcough
December 10, 2013 at 09:16 am
I think Newhouse might be a player that can only play LT only... He wasn't great there but he was far and away better there then RT, RG where he has played this year.
I don't see him back next year at all...
Evan
December 10, 2013 at 09:23 am
He's a decent enough back-up, but not much else.
December 10, 2013 at 10:01 am
exactly. People also seem to forget that if everybody was healthy, he'd be the 5th OT on the team. Bulaga, Bakhtiari, Barclay, Sherrod. So Newhouse is a backup of a backup.
December 10, 2013 at 11:08 am
Agreed. He's always been a backup. He had some ability to develop but it hasn't happened enough to be a starter. He'll get a shot on another NFL team to compete for a job but it won't be in GB. Like most backups the more he is forced to play the more he is exposed. Not unlike Barclay in that regard. Barclay isn't a backup OT either IMO. More of an OG being forced to play OT out of necessity.
December 10, 2013 at 11:13 am
Stroh - I agree. Barclay is actually a good guy to have on the roster as he can be backup for both RG and RT. Versatile, and decent when in games. Not stellar or pro-bowl level, but one can win games with Barclay having to play several games as starter if your regular starter is out injured.
December 10, 2013 at 09:35 am
What made Newhouse serviceable last year was his ability to recover quickly, kid was blessed with naturally quick feet and after being beat with an opening move by a defensive lineman/end he could quickly recover. That's gone this year and I have no idea why. Right, Left or at guard he's lost his feet and he's done at an NFL level if he can't figure it out in the offseason. Nastiness won't help him, that only leads to limited athletes at the position to lose technique and overextend.
December 10, 2013 at 11:18 pm
Agreed 100% on the negate effect of nastiness observation.
December 10, 2013 at 09:26 am
I would find a way to keep Tretter on the roster. If we make the playoffs and EDS gets injured we can use Tretter and keep everyone else where they are. The kid's an IVY League grad and is smart as shit. I am sure he knows the offense good enough to function with Rodgers. I would also cut Newhouse to make room.
Longshanks
December 10, 2013 at 09:52 am
We have to start upgrading the roster whenever the opportunity presents. Otherwise we are going downhill. Draft and Develop depends on good drafting and constant development to be effective, otherwise the roster quality degrades in a rapid downhill descent. Newhouse, McMillan, Jennings and a few others just did not or have not developed and need to be cut loose to make room for an upgrade. The sooner the better.
Brian Carriveau
December 10, 2013 at 10:41 am
Marshall Newhouse will not be cut, not that I don't think his play doesn't deserve it. You don't cut players three games away from unrestricted free agency. It's called the "Erik Walden Rule."
December 10, 2013 at 11:03 am
Finally, a common sense post. The rest must put away their game consoles before they post here.
December 10, 2013 at 11:09 am
so the Colts will make Newhouse an obscene offer in UFA? LOL. I hope Andrew Luck has a good insurance policy...
just kidding. I actually think Newhouse is a decent backup, but somehow he lost all confidence. Maybe because he played LT last season and this season they decided to put Bulaga there and once Bulaga got injured Bakhtiari was taking the job and Newhouse just didn't recover from having a rookie taking over there. Plus, if Newhouse had shown he can play LT then the offers in UFA would probably have been a bit higher than for RT. And now, with all his mistakes on film, I guess Newhouse is seeing his chances of landing a big payment floating down the Fox River.
December 10, 2013 at 11:16 am
I can't see Newhouse getting an offer that would warrant even a 7th round compensatory pick. He just stinks.
Brian Carriveau
December 10, 2013 at 11:19 am
No one did for Erik Walden either.
December 10, 2013 at 11:25 am
Oh please. This roster is in serious need of upgrading. Keeping guys like Newhouse around just hoping to get a 7th round pick is a foolish waste of time.
December 10, 2013 at 11:48 am
Who are you going to get right now if you let Newhouse go?
Also if you get rid of Newhouse, and there is an injury that leaves you with Sherrod as the only backup OT left. The OL would be getting really thin.
Keep Newhouse for 3 more games and then they will probably get at least a 7th round pick for him. An extra draft pick for a player that isn't going to be on the team anyways. That's a good move.
December 10, 2013 at 11:40 am
really? This young man started 13 games at LT on a 15-1 team. He also was the regular starter at LT for a 11-5 team. Can't be that bad...
He lost confidence. I think that is mainly it. Nobody expects him to be a pro-bowl LT. But he can be a suitable and capable backup in the NFL. Plus, after he was on IR during his rookie season, he was practically always available for the past 3 seasons. No major injuries. So he is durable.
Had he played a little better this season then this young man would get a good offer. He will still get decent offers in spring.
December 10, 2013 at 11:49 am
You're right. I hear Cabelas will be adding staff in the spring. Just in time for Newhouse to get a solid job offer.
December 10, 2013 at 03:40 pm
hey Bert - can I have meal number 1 super sized?
December 10, 2013 at 11:15 am
Feeling a little dense today. Can you walk me through the concept of not cutting players on the cusp of free agency. I don't see the correlation.
Brian Carriveau
December 10, 2013 at 11:20 am
When players leave in unrestricted free agency, you can get compensatory draft picks in return. This upcoming spring, the Packers will get draft picks for losing players like Greg Jennings and Erik Walden while not signing any players.
December 10, 2013 at 11:49 am
Do not know why Newhouse hasn't developed. He made rookie mistakes at the beginning but seemed to show promise. Thought he could at least be a decent backup OT. Since then there has been no improvement and probably even regression. Coaching? Temperment? Motivation? That said there are very few OT's available in Free Agency. He will probably sign a contract like Walden that is much more than we think he is worth and GB will get a compensatory pick in 2015.
December 10, 2013 at 11:56 am
yup, I agree... We don't know why he didn't develop. Maybe he just maximized on his talent and he won't get better?
But someone else will sign him. Teams are always wanting help on the OL. Not saying he will be a starter but someone will sign him to at least be a backup.
December 10, 2013 at 06:26 pm
while not signing any players
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December 10, 2013 at 01:37 pm
To make room for Tretter, waive that Rodgers guy. He's not playing anyway.
Evan
December 10, 2013 at 01:40 pm
And according to troll logic, injured players are busts.
December 10, 2013 at 06:30 pm
Only if they never proved their worth before they got injured.
Sherrod = bust (has not yet proved his value)
Rodgers = not a bust (proved his value)
I don't understand why you think this is so stupid.
So if a team drafts Clowney with the #1 overall pick and he gets hurt during his first practice causing him to never be more than a backup - you wouldn't think he was a bust?
December 11, 2013 at 09:43 am
Of course by this logic, Mike Flanagan was a bust.
December 11, 2013 at 09:49 am
He was until he finally proved himself.
"Bust" is not a permanent label.
It applies only until a player proves himself.
If that player never proves himself then he stays a bust. If he starts out a bust and then proves himself, he erases the bust label.
Evan
December 10, 2013 at 04:44 pm
Activated. White to IR. Color me intrigued.
December 10, 2013 at 05:09 pm
yeah, that is surprising...
Every year a player mysteriously goes on IR.
I think Tretter is joining the team to basically keep practicing.
If I would have guessed that a player mysteriously wound up on IR it would have been Harper, not White. Maybe that means they have been seeing something Harper too.
December 11, 2013 at 06:53 am
If this season goes down the shitter, we can see what we've got in him.
December 11, 2013 at 07:27 am
Hey PackerPete. Yes. You can have that meal #1 supersized. Not a problem.
December 11, 2013 at 11:11 am
well in that case Cabela's would be a step up, don't you think? maybe you should take that job.
LOL. Just pulling your leg man. Be cool.
December 11, 2013 at 11:46 am
Oh yeah. No problem. I got a good laugh and that's always a good thing.