Packers keep six wide receivers on initial 53-man roster

The Green Bay Packers have cut their roster down to 53 players ahead of the 2019 season.

The Packers announced their initial 53-man roster on Saturday. The most surprising news was that wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Had he made the initial 53 then been placed on IR, he could’ve returned this season. But instead, his season is over.

The Packers did, however, keep six receivers on the roster.

As expected, Davante Adams, Geronimo Allison, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jake Kumerow and Trevor Davis all made the roster. Notably, undrafted rookie Darrius Shepherd also made the roster after an impressive preseason. He made the roster ahead of second-year J’Mon Moore, who was a fourth-round selection just last year.

Congratulations to Shepherd. It’s well deserved.

Tim Boyle won the backup quarterback job, with the Packers moving on from DeShone Kizer and Manny Wilkins. Don’t be surprised if Wilkins signs to the practice squad.

Another good move was to keep cornerback Chandon Sullivan. Sullivan put together a great preseason and can contribute in Mike Pettine’s defense this year. You can never have too many talented corners, and the Packers have gone with seven on their initial 53-man roster.

At safety, Will Redmond secured the fourth spot ahead of Tray Matthews and Natrell Jamerson. Ibraheim Campbell is still working his way back from injury and was placed on the PUP list, meaning he’ll miss six weeks.

Overall, there weren’t too many surprise cuts for the Packers. They did trade offensive lineman Justin McCray to the Cleveland Browns. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the trade is for a seventh-round pick in 2020.

While the roster has been cut down to 53 players, the key here is the word “initial”. There will be more moves made in the coming days. The Packers will sign players to the practice squad, and may also look to bring in players who were waived or released by other teams this weekend.