The Green Bay Packers face a 53-man roster deadline of 3:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, with general manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur weighing the lessons from a full training camp, two joint practices and three preseason games as they trim the squad. After the cuts, the Packers will begin building out a 16-player practice squad once the waiver period ends on Wednesday.
Notable moves reported as the cuts roll in
– Mecole Hardman is being released. The veteran receiver/returner didn’t claim a long-term spot on the depth chart and was unlikely to be a core return option.
– Israel Abanikanda, who impressed as a runner and kickoff returner, is out due to the crowded depth at running back. He could be a candidate to return to the practice squad.
– Taylor Elgersma, a rookie quarterback, has been released. He battled Sean Clifford for the No. 3 quarterback job all summer, and the Packers will decide whether a third quarterback will be kept on the practice squad.
– Isaiah Simmons is expected to be released, marking a significant cut after a preseason where his role as a rotational linebacker and special teams contributor didn’t translate into a spot on the 53.
– Cornelius Johnson, veteran offensive lineman Trey Hill, and undrafted rookie lineman J.J. Lippe were among the early cuts announced on Tuesday.
– Kawann Baker was released to clear a roster spot for Darian Kinnard, who was acquired from the Eagles in a pre-cut trade. Kinnard is expected to be on the initial 53-man roster if he passes a physical. The Packers sent a 2027 draft pick to Philadelphia for the offensive lineman, who was a 2022 fifth-round selection.
Pre-cut trade to bolster the line
– The Packers moved proactively on Sunday by trading a 2027 draft pick to acquire Darian Kinnard from the Eagles, a move aimed at strengthening the offensive line depth ahead of final roster decisions.
What happens next
– After waivers conclude on Wednesday, Green Bay can finalize its 16-player practice squad and begin to fill it out. Coach LaFleur has emphasized getting players on the practice field on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week as the team transitions to a regular-season routine.
– The Packers’ first test comes in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Summary and context
– The Packers are working to finalize their 53-man roster by the Tuesday deadline, with several veteran and young players facing cut or potential practice-squad opportunities. The acquisition of Darian Kinnard ahead of final cuts signals a clear emphasis on fortifying the offensive line, while trades and early cuts reflect ongoing evaluation across the roster. The immediate path forward includes finalizing the practice squad on Wednesday and preparing for the season opener next week.
Additional value and takeaway
– The early cuts show a balance between preserving depth for special teams and keeping flexible options on the practice squad. Fans should watch for which players clear waivers and how the 16-man practice squad shakes out, as a few of these cut candidates could rejoin the team in coming weeks.
– The Kinnard addition could impact competition on the interior OL, potentially improving protection and run blocking as the team settles its starting unit. If he passes his physical, he could be a notable contributor from Week 1.
Overall outlook
– Green Bay’s decisions reflect a pragmatic approach to trimming the roster while positioning for immediate depth needs, particularly on the offensive line, and maintaining flexibility via the practice squad ahead of the regular-season opener. The process will hinge on waiver results and the health status of players as the week progresses.