The Green Bay Packers made sweeping changes to their roster, slashing 32 players, placing two on injured reserve with a designation to return, three on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and one on season-ending injured reserve to meet the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline by Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. CT. Starting with a 91-player roster, which included international player Mark McNamee as the 91st, the Packers executed 38 total moves in a decisive overhaul. The team also secured a contract extension for long snapper Matt Orzech amid the roster shakeup.
Released Players: A Deep Cut Across Positions
The Packers parted ways with 32 players, with only three—offensive lineman Kadeem Telfort, defensive end Arron Mosby, and cornerback Corey Ballentine—having been on the 53-man roster at any point last season. The cuts spanned multiple positions, reflecting a strategic reset for the upcoming campaign. The released players are:
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Quarterbacks: Sean Clifford, Taylor Elgersma
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Running Backs: Israel Abanikanda, Amar Johnson, Tyrion Davis-Price
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Wide Receivers: Mecole Hardman, Julian Hicks, Cornelius Johnson, Will Sheppard, Isaiah Neyor
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Tight Ends: Johnny Lumpkin, Messiah Swinson
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Offensive Linemen: Kadeem Telfort, Trey Hill, Lecitus Smith, Tyler Cooper, JJ Lippe, Brant Banks
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Defensive Ends: Arron Mosby, Deslin Alexandre
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Defensive Linemen: James Ester, Devonte O’Malley
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Linebackers: Kristian Welch, Isaiah Simmons, Jamon Johnson, Jared Bartlett
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Cornerbacks: Kalen King, Corey Ballentine, Tyron Herring
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Safeties: Johnathan Baldwin, Jaylin Simpson
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Special Teams: Mark McNamee
This aggressive purge signals the Packers’ intent to refine their roster, prioritizing new talent and depth while moving on from players who didn’t make the final cut.
Injury Lists: Six Players Sidelined
In addition to the releases, the Packers moved six players to injury-related lists, impacting their availability for the early season:
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Injured Reserve with Designation to Return: Running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) and offensive lineman Jacob Monk (hamstring) were placed on injured reserve but designated for return, meaning they must sit out at least four games before being eligible to rejoin the active roster.
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Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List: Wide receiver Christian Watson (knee), rookie defensive end Collin Oliver (hamstring), and rookie offensive lineman John Williams (back) were placed on the PUP list, also requiring them to miss at least four games before they can return.
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Injured Reserve: Safety Omar Brown (chest, lung) was placed on season-ending injured reserve, though an injury settlement could allow for a potential return under specific circumstances.
These moves reflect the team’s cautious approach to managing injuries while keeping key players in the pipeline for later in the season.
A New Chapter for the Packers
The Packers’ roster reduction from 91 to 53 players underscores a bold strategy to reshape the team for the 2025 season. With only three of the released players having prior 53-man roster experience, the cuts demonstrate a willingness to embrace fresh faces and emerging talent. The injury designations, meanwhile, preserve depth for later in the season, particularly for high-profile players like Christian Watson, whose return could bolster the offense.
The extension for long snapper Matt Orzech provides a note of stability amid the upheaval, ensuring continuity in the special teams unit. As the Packers finalize their 53-man roster, the focus now shifts to how this restructured squad will perform at Lambeau Field and beyond.