Sunday, September 06, 2009

Green Bay no longer home to Brohm

Last year's second round draft pick, QB Brian Brohm, was one of 18 players cut by the Packers yesterday to get down to the league-mandated roster of 53. As my post after the Titans game indicated, I thought it might be possible that his recent play saved his job. Wrong. Just not enough there. Brohm becomes the highest draft pick of Ted Thompson to be cut. The Pack will be going with just Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn...unless they find another QB on the waiver wire. Interestingly, veteran QB Jeff Garcia was released by the Oakland Raiders. Not saying the Pack would pick up him, just that there are some possibilities out there if the Pack would want to tweak the roster again. Which can still happen. Teams have until 11 a.m. today to put in waiver claims. So some of the players the Packers release have a chance of being added to the practice squad. And players other teams released could still find themselves a spot in Green Bay. Stay tuned.

In addition to Brohm, other cuts included: wide receiver Jake Allen, cornerback Trevor Ford, guard/tackle Andrew Hartline, wide receiver Kole Heckendorf, linebacker Danny Lansanah, running back Kregg Lumpkin, defensive end Alfred Malone, wide receiver Ruvell Martin, tackle Jamon Meredith, nose tackle Dean Muhtadi, linebacker Cyril Obiozor, cornerback Joe Porter, tackle Dane Randolph, safety Anthony Smith, running back Tyrell Sutton, defensive end Ronald Talley and nose tackle Anthony Toribio.

Not surprisingly, the perennially injured Justin Harrell was placed on the shelf, that is injured reserve, for the entire season as were cornerback Pat Lee, tight end Evan Moore and safety Charlie Peprah. Lee was seeing his first playing time of the exhibition season Thursday night when he hyperextended his knee...not a good time for an injury. Word had it that he wouldn't likely be able to return until the middle of the season and the Pack obviously wanted to make use of that roster spot.

Moll traded for safety
Safety Anthony Smith, who seemed to be in contention for a starting spot, also was a surprise release. This was probably triggered by the trade the Packers pulled off with the Ravens for safety Derrick Martin. As noted here in an earlier post, rumors had been circulating that the Packers where shopping Moll around. Seems as if that rumor was right on the money. Martin is only 24 years of age and is apparently a fast, hard-hitting safety that will fit in well with the Packers new coverage scheme

Sutton and Martin also axed
Rookie fan fave RB Tyrell Sutton and veteran WR Ruvell Martin also were sent packing. Although it's possible -- and hoped -- that Sutton goes unclaimed and can be added to the Packers practice squad. Martin, who has been a reliable #5 receiver for several seasons was bumped by second-year player Brett Swain. They are different types of receivers. But Martin's play seemed to be a bit inconsistent this preseason and Swain was apparently improving his play, especially on special teams. And on Thursday night, when the Pack ran short of defensive backs, Swain was able to play cornerback. The Pack likes versatility and that nod -- as well as less salary -- went in Swain's favor over Martin.

So, stay tuned for further developments as the Packers make their waiver claims, if any, as well as build their practice squad.