Packers: Five observations about the initial 53-man roster

5. Keeping Tim Boyle

Going into the preseason with Brett Hundley and DeShone Kizer, there was an expectation the Packers would keep three quarterbacks on the roster. The three QBs being Aaron Rodgers, Kizer and Tim Boyle is somewhat surprising.

Last year the Packers gambled with their third-string quarterback. Ted Thompson released Taysom Hill hoping he would clear waivers and they could have him back on the practice squad.

It didn’t work and New Orleans swooped in and added Hill to its active roster. Gutekunst was not willing to take the same gamble. Boyle made it onto the initial 53 as the third-stringer.

Trading Hundley cleared the way for Kizer to be the top backup, so the question then became if the Packers would keep three QBs.

Boyle’s play in the fourth and final preseason game was shaky, but a strong arm and courage to hang in the pocket made him an intriguing prospect. This may have forced Gutekunst’s hand.

Had Boyle not made the roster, it’s reasonable to believe this may have been Ripkowski’s spot. With quarterbacks always in high demand and fullbacks fading away, the decision may have been to stick with the QB prospect.

It’s possible Boyle could be cut and added to the practice squad once teams are set at their quarterback positions. But that’s yet another gamble the Packers might not be willing to take.