Green Bay Packers waive quarterback during NFL roster cuts
The Green Bay Packers have made a move at quarterback. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero announced on Tuesday that the Packers are waiving quarterback Kurt Benkert. This leaves Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love as the two quarterbacks on Green Bay’s depth chart.
“The Packers are waiving QB Kurt Benkert,” Pelissero tweeted. “But they plan to bring him back on the practice squad if he’s not claimed, per source.”
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. He completed 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. With the Packers hoping to retain Benkert on the practice squad, that notion might still hold true.
“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.”
Benkert becomes one of many Packers to be cut as Green Bay trims their roster down to 53 on deadline day. On offense, the Packers released running backs Patrick Taylor and Dexter Williams, wide receiver Reggie Begelton, and offensive linemen Jason Capra and Ben Braden. Defensively, they cut cornerbacks Stephen Denmark, Rojesterman Farris, and Kabion Ento, safety Christian Uphoff and linebacker Tipa Galeai.