Packers release receivers Jake Kumerow, Reggie Begelton

The Packers have released wide receivers Jake Kumerow and Reggie Begelton.

Today, the Green Bay Packers have to reduce their roster to 53 players.

That leaves general manager Brian Gutekunst with some tough decisions to make. And as always, it leads to some surprise cuts.

The Packers have started trimming the roster today. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, the Packers have cut wide receiver Jake Kumerow. It’s not the only move they’ve made at receiver, as Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated reports that they have also released Reggie Begelton but hope to get him back on the practice squad.

Moving on from Kumerow is perhaps the biggest surprise as he played in 14 games for Green Bay last season. However, he’s been unable to translate impressive performances in the summer into production in the regular season. Last season, Kumerow had just 12 catches for 219 yards and a touchdown.

What’s interesting is that the Packers seem to have interest in adding at wide receiver too after visiting with free agents Devin Smith and Chester Rogers. One player they should consider bringing in is Hakeem Butler, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals. They would need a successful waiver claim to sign Butler.

With Tyler Ervin likely to spend some time at receiver, it’s possible the Packers won’t keep more than five wide receivers, if we’re just including players listed as a WR on the team’s official website.

Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, and Equanimeous St. Brown will likely be the top four. Who will secure the fifth spot? And will the Packers keep six?

Green Bay has more tough decisions to make later today. Of course, many players cut today will end up back on the practice squad. As Lazard showed last year, not making the initial 53-man roster doesn’t mean players can’t still make an impact later in the season.