The training camp practice schedule has come to a close, the final pre-season game in Kansas City awaits Thursday night and now it's time for General Manager Ted Thompson to roll up his sleeves and do what he considers the dirtiest work of his job, cutting the roster. This may be his toughest cut to 53 in his 6 years on the job because the starting units return basically intact and promising youngsters have pushed veteran backups to the limit. Matter of fact, I have a list of several vets who are in danger of getting pink slips after a visit from the Turk. On offense, draft picks Brian Bulaga and Marshall Newhouse have both impressed as players who are likely NFL tackles, but who can play guard as well. That's why both Allen Barbre and Breno Giacommini are on the danger list. Barbre flamed out as the opening day right tackle last season and hasn't recovered. Giacommini, with ideal size at 6-8 and 325, doesn't seem to be getting any better. As dependable as Donald Lee has been in his career with the Pack, he's no longer the starting tight end with good reason, the emergence of Jermichael Finley into a star. The Packers love the entire tight end group but can they keep all five? You don't want to give up early on draft choice Andrew Quarless, free agent Tom Crabtree is the best blocker of the bunch and Spencer Havner gives the coaching staff incredible flexibility as a two-way player. Lee must be serviceable on special teams if he's not starting and he's had break downs in kick coverage in the pre-season. He could be in trouble. If the Packers go heavy at tight end, they won't keep three fullbacks this year and that could leave second year pro Quinn Johnson teetering on the fence. On defense, Sam Shields appears to have supplanted the scourge of Packers fans, Jarrett Bush, in nickel and dime packages as well as special teams. Charlie Peprah will stick only if Will Blackmon's knee isn't ready or until Atari Bigby's ankle is healed. The Packers have four locks on the defensive line, Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, Cullen Jenkins and Mike Neal. If 6 are kept, there may not be room for returning veterans Jarius Wynn and yes, even Justin Harrell. Names you know will be on the Packers cut list this weekend. Here are some comments from the GM on the distasteful and neccessary roster deliberations that are about to begin.



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