Packers: Gurley biggest surprise of early cuts

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Diondre Borel is probably headed out of Green Bay. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

In keeping with his ability to fool us all the time Green Bay Packers Ted Thompson has once again thrown a twist into his roster decisions.

Today he made some cuts we were all expecting as the team nears the 53-man regular season roster.

But then again, he made at least one difficult cut that may have surprised more than just me. Tori Gurley was told to turn in his iPad playbook this morning, despite a breakout performance last night against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was playing for his professional life – at least his life with the Packers. He was injured for much of camp and played in the final two preseason games. It was last night when he stepped up with a huge performance. He caught a 54-yard pass down to the 2-yard line on the Packers’ first scoring drive. He later caught a 15-yard pitch from QB Graham Harrell.

Another cut, if it is confirmed later today, was that rumor of Diondre Borel, Marc Tyler and fullback Nic Cooper have also been cut. Tyler and Cooper aren’t huge surprises, but Borel and Gurley were standouts last night against the Chiefs.

What this means is that if the Packers keep six wide receivers, it may be Jarrett Boykin who earns a spot on the 53-man roster. Against the Chiefs, he caught five passes for 82 yards, and a 12-yard touchdown – impressing the Packers coaches and all fans.

It’s highly unlikely that either Gurley or Borel will pass muster and have any chance of making it back to the team’s practice squad where they languished last season.

What’s kind of surprising is that Thompson wasn’t able to swing a trade for these two.

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Andrew Datko (77) during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field. The Browns defeated the Packers 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Also somewhat surprising is the fact that the Packers cut Andrew Datko, the injury-plagued offensive tackle, who if healthy, probably could have added some depth to an offensive line that doesn’t have a whole lot of depth. The Packers are hoping that several of these players cut today will be available for inclusion on the practice squad. In addition to Datko, the Packers are hoping that Dale Moss, Tommy Draheim, and Otis Merrill, among others, will clear the waiver wire and be brought back to the practice squad.

This morning, the Packers announced the cutting of Gurley, in addition to these others:

C Sampson Genus

S Anthony Levine:

C/G Tommie Draheim:

T Andrew Datko:

TE Brandon Bostick

G Reggie Wells

T Shea Allard

WR Dale Moss

DE Lawrence Guy

WR Curenski Gilleylen

CB/KR Otis Merrill