The Green Bay Packers made their final cuts on Tuesday to get down to the NFL mandated roster limit of 53 players. Most of the moves were expected but as always, there were some surprises in the players GM Brian Gutekunst, and head coach Matt LaFleur decided to keep and let go. Here is a look at the five biggest surprise cuts by the Packers on Tuesday. Some of these players could still be signed to the practice squad later this week and then elevated to the active roster for one game or on a full-time basis.

Obviously, the roster is never final, and the Packers will be signing and releasing players throughout the season due to injuries, poor play, or the availability of a player the team really wants to sign.

Five Biggest Surprises from the Packers Final Cuts, Number Five: OL Luke Tenuta

Luke Tenuta spent last season on injured reserve after playing three games for the Packers in 2022. The former Virginia Tech star could play both tackle and guard which meant he had the versatility the Packers prefer in their offensive linemen. At 6’8” and 314 pounds, he also has good size.

Tenuta played well in the preseason finale against Baltimore, but it wasn’t enough for him to make the final roster.

The Packers may try to sign Tenuta to the practice squad. The former sixth round pick by the Bills could also look to sign with another team.

Number Four: LB Kristian Welch

Linebacker Kristian Welch did just about everything he could to make the roster with his strong play in the preseason. He made a pair of interceptions in his attempt to show he could be effective on defense and not just play on special teams.

Unfortunately for the Iola, Wisconsin native, the Packers have talent and depth at linebacker after adding Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper on day two of this year’s draft.

Welch was a mainstay on special teams last year. If he passes through waivers, the Packers are likely to add him to the practice squad. Don’t be surprised if Welch is elevated for a few games this season or even added to the roster later in the season.

Five Biggest Surprises from the Packers Final Cuts, Number Three: K Anders Carlson

Anders Carlson was in a battle with Greg Joseph for the kicking spot. The sixth round pick out of Auburn struggled again in training camp after leading the league in missed kicks as a rookie.

Carlson has a strong leg but struggles with consistency especially on extra points and field goals from between 30 and 39 yards.

The team simply lacked confidence in his ability to get the job done and let him go. His fate was likely sealed when he missed a 32-yard field goal in the preseason finale against the Ravens on Saturday.

Number Two: WR Grant DuBose

Grant DuBose spent the 2023 season on the practice squad after missing most of training camp due to injury. This year, DuBose earned praise throughout camp. He made at least one eye-opening play each day early in camp. He also shined in the first two preseason games.

But that wasn’t enough for the 2023 seventh round pick to earn a spot on the Packers initial 53-man roster. The Packers are deep and talented at wide receiver and there simply wasn’t room for DuBose unless the team kept seven wideouts.

The Packers hope DuBose will clear waivers and be available to join the practice squad.

Five Biggest Surprises from the Packers Final Cuts, Number One: S Anthony Johnson Jr.

Special teams ace Zayne Anderson made the roster ahead of second-year man Anthony Johnson, Jr. Johnson started four games last season for the Packers after having a strong preseason and training camp. Johnson intercepted one pass last season and showed potential.

The Packers drafted three safeties this season in Javon Bullard, Evan Williams and Kitan Oladapo. All three of them made the initial 53-man roster.

Ultimately, Anderson’s ability to contribute on special teams gave him the final roster spot over Johnson. Ironically, LaFleur praised Johnson’s play during training camp. Johnson has a much higher upside than Anderson but won’t be as good on special teams right now.

The Packers will welcome Johnson back to the practice squad if he goes unclaimed and is willing to return.

 

 

 

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