Green Bay Packers sign surprise cut off waiver wire
The Green Bay Packers are bringing back a surprise cut from yesterday. Today, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero announced that the Packers have re-signed quarterback Kurt Benkert to their practice squad.
Originally, Pelissero mentioned that the Packers planned to bring Benkert back if he wasn’t claimed. Luckily, the former Virginia quarterback will return to Green Bay.
Benkert has been impressing the Packers during the preseason
Aaron Rogers is locked in as the Packers’ starting quarterback. Behind him, second-year player Jordan Love is the backup.
Love was dealing with shoulder issues over recent weeks, opening the door for Benkert to see more playing time. In the Packers’ second preseason game, Benkert had a strong showing, completing 18-of-25 passes for 151 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Benkert knew ahead of roster cuts that he wasn’t going to sneak above Love on the quarterback depth chart. He was the team’s third quarterback, and Benkert understood that.
“I know my spot, I know my role. I know I’m the ‘3’ guy,” Benkert said earlier in the preseason. “The No. 2 job is not on my mind. I know my role, I know my spot. And for me, it’s just bringing value whatever way I can.
“I may not have to touch the field this year. That’s awesome, and I’ll follow 12’s lead and all that. But if I have to play, I’ll be ready and I’ll show that I can do what I can do. But that’s way out of my hands.
“I’m just here to bring value to everybody else and have a good time in the room.”
Benkert’s release came down to a numbers game
Earlier in the offseason, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur admitted that Benkert’s status on the roster is simply a battle against the numbers.
“I think Kurt has done a really nice job,” LaFleur said. “His performance is definitely going to make it tough on us to decide which way we want to go. I think it’s a question of whether we want to keep two or three.”
While the Packers opted to release Benkert, they’re thankful he’s able to return to them as a member of their practice squad.
Additionally, the Packers are bringing back another weapon on offense to their practice squad. It was also announced that wide receiver Equanimeous St-Brown was re-signed as well.
On the other hand, Green Bay didn’t forget about their defense. They re-signed linebacker Tipa Galeai and defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson as well.
While Green Bay was forced to trim their active roster down to 53, they have to be satisfied returning Kurt Benkert and other promising players to their practice squad.
On3’s Jonathon Wagner contributed to this article.