Today was the last practice for the training camp roster. The Packers will be back on the field Wednesday with the 2022 regular season roster of 53.
By tomorrow afternoon, the waiver wire will be overflowing with young men who have been told thanks for the effort, it’s just not going to work out here, hope you land on your feet somewhere else.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur held a brief media session before the final workout on Ray Nitschke Field and said he plans to personally speak to everyone that has to turn in the playbook.
A couple of veterans who have already done plenty were given a day off, Allen Lazard and Marcedes Lewis. After missing Sunday’s workout, Elgton Jenkins returned and David Bakhtiari got in a second straight practice but LaFleur still can’t say if either will be ready when it counts on September 11. Among players apparently nursing injuries were two receivers, Ishamel Hyman and Travis Fulgham. Safeties Innis Gaines and Shawn Davis were also kept inside the Hutson Center during the open portion of practice to the media.
A tough call will have to be made with Mason Crosby by Tuesday afternoon. If he doesn’t come off the Physically Unable to Perform List and is moved to the Reserve/PUP list before the final 53 is set, the veteran will have to miss the first four games to make sure he’s back to full health. Ramiz Ahmed may be the September kicker for the Pack.
These are anxious hours for all of the players on the bubble. Quarterback Danny Etling has been through this a lot since being drafted by New England in 2018. He’s been cut, signed and cut again bouncing around a half dozen organizations.
Wide receiver Samori Toure was impressive as a 7th round pick in training camp but he’s not sure he’ll have a seat in the wide receiver room after tomorrow. Toure said he plans to stay put in his hotel room, his home throughout camp, catch a movie, play some video games and just wait for a call.
The WR line, how many will stay?
Five weeks ago, Randall Cobb knew he would have to show the way with the young pass catchers and I caught up with him in the locker room after practice. He must have done his job considering the performances of Romeo Doubs, Amari Rodgers, Juwann Winfree the late arrival of Christian Watson onto the field and Toure has resulted in perhaps the toughest call for General Manager Brian Gutekunst.
Check out my earlier post today for thoughts on how I think the roster will shake out. This time Tuesday, we’ll know.
