Packers: Deadline to trim roster to 53 players is Saturday

The Packers need to reduce their roster to 53 players by 3 p.m. CT on Saturday.

Tough decisions have to be made for every team around the NFL this weekend, including the Green Bay Packers. At 3 p.m. CT on Saturday, the Packers will need to trim their 80-man roster down to 53 players.

Lombardi Ave’s Christian Borman made his final 53-man roster predictions, which you can find here, and I also put together my final roster predictions earlier this week.

It’s never an easy day for players or coaches, but it’s the harsh reality of the NFL. A number of players across the league won’t make their teams’ regular season roster and will hope for an opportunity with a new team.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has some key decisions to make at a number of positions.

How many receivers will the Packers keep? Which offensive linemen will they keep, and what will the depth at tackle look like with Billy Turner injured?

Of the players currently dealing with injuries, who will make the roster and who could land on injured reserve? Will rookie inside linebacker Kamal Martin be placed on IR?

Will the Packers keep five defensive linemen? Will rookie Jonathan Garvin make the 53 and add more depth to a talented pass rush?

How many late-round picks and undrafted rookies will make the 53? How about versatile defensive back Vernon Scott or cornerback Stanford Samuels?

With a shortened training camp, no offseason program, and no preseason games, it’s more challenging than ever for teams to reduce the rosters down to 53 players. They will get the benefit of a bigger practice squad, but don’t be surprised if teams cut players who go onto find success elsewhere.

What are your predictions for the roster? Will there be any surprise cuts? Which players on the roster bubble do you think will make the 53?