GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers must cut their roster to 53 by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 2. Here’s a final 53-man roster projection:
Quarterback (2): Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley
The Packers would love to get Taysom Hill (or even Joe Callahan) back on the practice squad, but as good as Hundley is as Rodgers’ backup, there’s no need for a third at this point.
Running backs (5): Ty Montgomery, Aaron Ripkowski (FB), Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones, Devante Mays
The most experienced back among the group is Montgomery, who has 80 career carries. But the three rookies – Williams, Jones and Mays – have shown enough to warrant spots. The tough cut here was Joe Kerridge, but the Packers probably don’t need two fullbacks.
Receivers (7): Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jeff Janis, Trevor Davis, DeAngelo Yancey, Malachi Dupre
Max McCaffrey has been a good story and could be a reliable receiver in a pinch, but the tie goes to the draft picks: Yancey (fifth round) and Dupre (seventh). One of those spots is tenuous with Geronimo Allison eligible in Week 2 following his one-game suspension. The Packers would love to keep Michael Clark, the 6-foot-6 undrafted rookie who had some wow moments on camp, on the practice squad.
Tight ends (3): Martellus Bennett, Lance Kendricks, Richard Rodgers
No position group is more solidified than this one with three capable veterans.
Offensive line (8): David Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga, Corey Linsley, Jahri Evans, Lane Taylor, Kyle Murphy, Jason Spriggs, Don Barclay
There’s typically only seven active on game days, so the Packers can go a little light here as long as Barclay’s ankle injury isn’t going to keep him out much longer. If there’s another spot, it could be Lucas Patrick’s. He developed all of last year on the practice squad and played well until a recent concussion.
Defensive line (6): Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Ricky Jean Francois, Montravius Adams, Christian Ringo
Adams’ foot injury probably forces the Packers to keep six, and it’s a tough call between Ringo and Brian Price.
Outside linebacker (5): Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Jayrone Elliott, Kyler Fackrell, Ahmad Brooks
Reggie Gilbert probably loses out after the Packers signed Brooks, and now it's safe to say fourth-round pick Vince Biegel should start the season on the physically unable to perform list. He hasn’t practiced since his foot surgery in May.
Inside linebacker (3): Blake Martinez, Jake Ryan, Joe Thomas
Jordan Tripp's concussion might cost him a spot on the opening-day roster. The Packers like him on special teams.
Cornerback (6): Davon House, Kevin King, Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, Josh Hawkins, LaDarius Gunter
What was the biggest weakness on last year’s team could turn into a strength if top pick King and House play up to expectations, and if Randall and Rollins bounce back from injury-filled seasons.
Safety (5): Morgan Burnett, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Kentrell Brice, Josh Jones, Marwin Evans
Burnett and Jones will play some inside linebacker in the “nitro” package, which then allows the Packers to get the hard-hitting Brice on the field for some snaps.
Specialists (3): Mason Crosby (K), Brett Goode (LS), Justin Vogel (P)
The Packers could very easily end up with a different punter if there’s a better option on the waiver wire. The undrafted rookie Vogel has potential if he can punt more consistently.