Green Bay Packers: Predicting the 53 Man Roster

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Pennel (64). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line (6)

Starters – Mike Daniels, B.J. Raji, Mike Pennel
Backups – Josh Boyd, Bruce Gaston, Christian Ringo
Cut – Khyri Thornton, Lavon Hooks
*Suspended – Datone Jones, Letroy Guion

It’ll be interesting to see what the Packers do at defensive line, considering both Jones and Guion will begin the season serving suspensions, which won’t count against Green Bay’s 53. Jones’ suspension is only one game so he should be back in time to suit up against Seattle at home.

However, Guion’s three-game suspension will mean the Packers will have to rely more heavily on some of their young defensive linemen to help out.

For a second year in a row, Pennel has been nothing short of impressive in the preseason and should earn a significant amount of playing time with Guion sidelined.

Boyd is also solid and should play a factor, while Gaston has done enough as an interior rusher (2 sacks) to earn a roster spot. Ringo has had a bit of a slow to start to his rookie year, but he has enough potential to keep around.

Thornton has done nothing to impress in his second season, and at this point, the Packers should just cut ties with the former third-round pick. Hooks has also had a quiet preseason.

The question is though what will the Packers do when Jones returns from suspension after week one and Guion returns after week three?

My guess is they’ll move Ringo down to the practice squad to make room for Jones in week two, and release a player from another position when Guion returns.

Next: Outside Linebacker