Packers Cut 19; Lumpkin Makes Team

The Packers brought the hammer down on 19 players today, ending some of their NFL dreams. The carnage:

"Released Saturday were wide receiver Jake Allen, cornerback Scorpio Babers, defensive tackle Conrad Bolston, center Brennen Carvalho, safety Tyrone Culver, linebacker Spencer Havner, tight end Joey Haynos, running back Noah Herron, guard Ryan Keenan, linebacker Danny Lansanah, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, running back Vernand Morency, defensive tackle Daniel Muir, cornerback Joe Porter, wide receiver Johnny Quinn, wide receiver Taj Smith, wide receiver Brett Swain, tackle Orrin Thompson and fullback Corey White."

None of these entirely surprise me. There are a few guys such as Allen that could have made an impact in the future, but the Packers are just too crowded at wide receiver. Swain was the only 2008 draft pick cut. Swain failed to live up to expectations as he was compared to New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker early in the workouts.

The cuts that have the most impact on the team are the cuts of Morency and Herron.  Morency seemed like he had the best chance to make the team after Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson, as he was the most proficient pass blocker and would be the most experienced.  Herron seemed like he would have value on special teams, but the Packers roster just became too crowded and he had to go.

The emergence of undrafted rookie Kregg Lumpkin is the main reason why Morency and Herron became expendable.  Lumpkin rushed for 153 yards on 38 carries this preseason and showed great potential as a running back.  Playing behind Grant and Jackson, Lumpkin gives the Packers three running backs with less than two full years of NFL experience.  The former Georgia Bulldog will most likely see the field frequently as there are still doubts about Jackson’s ability as a running back and blocker.

The Packers also placed defensive tackle Rodney Allen, offensive lineman Junius Coston, and long snapper J.J. Jansen on injured reserve, ending their seasons.  There are plenty of offensive linemen on the Packers roster to pick up for Coston and it appears the Packers will sign Thomas Gafford to take Jansen’s spot.  Gafford was with the Packers for the offseason and training camp before being released.