It's here, and it's perfect. Well, that's half true. The Green Bay Packers' 53-man roster is finally here, but it's certainly not perfect.
The Packers provided far more surprises than initially expected. They released some notable names, including Isaiah Simmons, Mecole Hardman, Corey Ballentine, Kalen King, and Kristian Welch. They kept only four linebackers and a lack of experience at cornerback, leaving plenty of questions to answer.
MarShawn Lloyd goes to injured reserve, as do Jacob Monk and Omar Brown. Lloyd and Monk were designated to return.
Where do things stand after the Packers' roster announcement? Let's break it down.
Breaking down the biggest questions as Packers finalize their initial 53-man roster
Quarterbacks (2)
- Jordan Love
- Malik Willis
Running backs (3)
- Josh Jacobs
- Emanuel Wilson
- Chris Brooks
Injured reserve/designated to return: MarShawn Lloyd
Wide receivers (6)
- Romeo Doubs
- Jayden Reed
- Dontayvion Wicks
- Matthew Golden
- Malik Heath
- Savion Williams
PUP: Christian Watson
Tight ends (4)
- Tucker Kraft
- Luke Musgrave
- John FitzPatrick
- Ben Sims
Offensive line (9)
- Elgton Jenkins
- Aaron Banks
- Zach Tom
- Rasheed Walker
- Sean Rhyan
- Jordan Morgan
- Anthony Belton
- Darian Kinnard
- Donovan Jennings
Injured reserve/designated to return: Jacob Monk
PUP: John Williams
Defensive ends (5)
- Rashan Gary
- Lukas Van Ness
- Kingsley Enagbare
- Brenton Cox Jr.
- Barryn Sorrell
PUP: Collin Oliver
Defensive tackles (6)
- Kenny Clark
- Devonte Wyatt
- Karl Brooks
- Colby Wooden
- Warren Brinson
- Nazir Stackhouse
Linebackers (4)
- Quay Walker
- Edgerrin Cooper
- Isaiah McDuffie
- Ty'Ron Hopper
Cornerbacks (6)
- Nate Hobbs
- Keisean Nixon
- Carrington Valentine
- Bo Melton
- Kamal Hadden
- Micah Robinson
Safeties (5)
- Xavier McKinney
- Evan Williams
- Javon Bullard
- Zayne Anderson
- Kitan Oladapo
Injured reserve: Omar Brown
Specialists (3)
- Brandon McManus
- Daniel Whelan
- Matt Orzech
Who will the Packers target for the QB3 spot?
The Packers unsurprisingly released Taylor Elgersma and Sean Clifford, leaving an opening on the practice squad for the QB3 spot. Elgersma has the most upside of the two, and Green Bay may live to regret letting him go if another team claims him on waivers.
Will the Packers consider an outside move? There are several quarterback options available after cutdown day, including former Detroit Lions third-round pick Hendon Hooker. Green Bay likely won't put in a claim for any quarterback, as that would mean making room on the 53-man roster. They will likely assess their options when they know which quarterbacks clear waivers.
Will the Packers regret releasing Israel Abanikanda and Amar Johnson?
The Packers kept three running backs — Josh Jacobs, Chris Brooks, and Emanuel Wilson — while sending MarShawn Lloyd to injured reserve. He can return after four games. But will Green Bay regret not keeping at least one of Amar Johnson or Israel Abanikanda?
Johnson starred in the preseason when given opportunities, while Abanikanda offered value on special teams.
Who will return kicks and punts in Week 1?
That ties in nicely to this question. Who is the returner in Week 1? The Packers released Mecole Hardman and Abanikanda, two of the top candidates for either job. It's hard to imagine the Packers loving the idea of Keisean Nixon returning kicks again, given his starting role in the secondary. Will they risk Jayden Reed, who is coming off a foot injury?
Why did the Packers only keep four linebackers?
The Packers need linebacker depth to operate their 4-3 defensive scheme, while also requiring extra bodies for special teams. Green Bay cleaned house at the position, notably releasing Isaiah Simmons and Kristian Welch.
They surely can't enter Week 1 with only four linebackers. Will Welch return after a corresponding move later in the week?
Do the Packers need to search for more cornerback help?
The Packers bizarrely released Corey Ballentine and Kalen King in favor of the inexperienced duo of Kamal Hadden and rookie Micah Robinson.
Ballentine provides starting experience and can play a significant role on special teams. King had an excellent preseason and looked to be ahead of the other cornerbacks competing for a roster spot.
The Packers must consider outside options. Bo Melton played admirably in the summer but is still transitioning from wide receiver. He is the projected CB4, but the Packers lack experience behind him. Keep an eye on the waiver wire. Green Bay may need to make a move or two.