Packers: Five observations about the initial 53-man roster

3. Thin at outside linebacker

Outside linebacker is another position left thin by the Packers.

Brian Gutekunst, as of now, is going with only four linebackers on the outside. Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Reggie Gilbert and Kyler Fackrell will be asked to anchor the pass rush.

Going into the season with only four edge rushers is a risky proposition. Going with these four is even riskier. Matthews and Perry have a well-known injury history. Perry just started practicing a couple of weeks ago while recovering from offseason surgery.

Gilbert has been a star of the preseason, while Fackrell has yet to show he can be a consistent threat off the edge. Fackrell has also had trouble holding the point in run defense.

The Packers like to have a rotation at least four deep throughout a game to keep players fresh for the fourth quarter. Having only four on the roster seems like they can make that work. But when you factor in special teams duties usually held by reserve linebackers, the situation changes.

Just like with the running back position, the Packers are one injury away from being in big trouble.

Even with the defensive line looking like a strength of the team, the outside linebackers will have a large role to play.

An addition here was likely even before seeing the initial roster. Khalil Mack was a topic for trade but he was sent to the rival down south. So now Gutekunst will have to expand his search a little more. John Simon recently cut by the Colts could be a good pick up.