The Green Bay Packers and the rest of the NFL teams were required to cut down their rosters to 53 on Saturday. It looked as if the Packers might have utilized the method of trading to get to that number.
When all was said and done, the Packers did not make any trades and released 22 players from the team.
Among the more surprising cuts were tight end Spencer Havner and safety Will Blackmon. It was thought that due to the time that both players logged last year, that they would be retained.
In fact, Blackmon was expected to do the returning duties for the team but after taking a recent look at his injured knee, the Packers decided to place him on the injured reserve list and will be waived soon.
The Packers decided to release Havner as well. The tight end had so much versatility and upside that it is surprising to see him go.
According to the NationalFootballPost.com, Havner was signed by the Detroit Lions today.
On special teams, the battle was heavy all summer for the punter job. Chris Bryan was released after Tim Masthay outperformed him in the preseason games.
The Packers also decided to release running back Kraig Lumpkin who was claimed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers according to sources.
Lumpkin had an impressive preseason, rushing for 104 yards and three touchdowns. Tampa Bay will welcome his talent.
On the offensive line, the Packers decided to keep 10 players. Backup center Evan Dietrich-Smith was the most notable cut.
The Packers decided on defense to take a gamble on "street" free agent Frank Zombo after he performed well in the preseason. He will learn the position and play a lot of special teams for now.
At quarterback, the Packers decided again this year to keep only two, releasing third stringer Graham Harrell. Harrell, however was signed to the practice squad.
The Packers open play Sunday Sept. 12 at Philadelphia. To see the entire list of cuts the Packers made and the full 53 man roster, visit here.
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