Packers Roster: The Backs and Tight Ends

by Brandon on Sep 3, 2011 9:00 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers Training Camp

The Green Bay Packers kept a combined total of 11 players at quarterback, running back, full back, and tight end. While they might have kept as many as 13 players at these combined positions in 2010, they apparently wanted to keep fewer players at these positions, and more depth elsewhere on the roster. I expect they'll add a couple backups for these spots once they organize their practice squad.

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn stay, Graham Harrell is released. Harrell had a big game against the Cardinals, but a QB rating under 70 in his other three preseason games. I expect he'll be signed on the practice squad.

Running back: Ryan Grant, James Starks, and Alex Green stay. Dimitri Nance and Brandon Saine are released. The Packers didn't feature any running back much this preseason, but went a little bit more run heavy against the Chiefs. And neither Nance or Saine shined. I think both are still eligible for the practice squad, and I wouldn't be surprised to see either of them return.

Full back: John Kuhn stays, Jon Hoese and Quinn Johnson (trade) are gone. Hoese was a real long shot, and I'm not expecting him back. Johnson I expected would stay, but the Packers apparently feel fine with only one full back and are probably happy to get a draft pick for him from the Titans.

Tight ends: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, D.J. Williams, and Ryan Taylor all stay. I would have been very surprised if either Quarless or Crabtree had been released (they had both played well this preseason). Williams played well early, but struggled in the last couple preseason games. Apparently he has too much potential to allow to leave. When training camp opened, I thought Taylor might be a candidate for the practice squad, but he's played well (a big receiving game against the Colts) and he probably wouldn't have slipped through waivers.

Overall, it's a mild surprise that Johnson was traded (he wasn't the full back of the future if they re-signed Kuhn to a big money deal), but otherwise this remaining group was to be expected.

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I am thrilled to hear that we actually traded Quinn and not just released him. I think most of had realized that his time was pretty much done here so getting anything for him was a nice deal! I thought Nance or Harrell both had chances of sticking, I am okay with neither making the team…I just hope we stay healthy at RB this year or we could have some trouble!

The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010

by TrevorR on Sep 4, 2011 7:07 AM CDT reply actions

I can see either Williams or Taylor occupying the full back position at times over the course of the year,its all about flexibility in this league.

by tgifbipo on Sep 4, 2011 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions

Johnson

I think most of had realized that his time was pretty much done here

Some sooner than others! LOL He goes to a place that can really use his power blocking too. Tenn I believe employs a power blocking scheme so he’ll fit better in that scheme than our ZBS. And I’m sure Chris Johnson will like him quite a bit.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Sep 4, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I am surprised

That we didn’t keep Johnson, and that Taylor didn’t go to the practice squad….The Schlauderhaf trade also caught me a little off guard…Perhaps we will see a little more of the Freezer on those stacked backfield sets?

Packers over the Bears, Illini over the Badgers...

by SpaceGhost34 on Sep 4, 2011 7:58 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

I think there will be a lot of motion

from the typical I-form into the inverse wishbone. Having the extra TEs gives GB versatility to line them up at TE, WR (at least J-Mike, Quarless, & Williams), or FB (especially Crabtree & Taylor).

I barely realized Schlauderhaf was on the roster… Just lucky to get something for him.

With regards to Johnson, he has been underwhelming in his time in GB and lacks the versatility that I mentioned above. He’s a blocker only (and IMO not even that great of one).

"I'm tired of pretending I'm not a rock star from Mars."

by Kuhl on Sep 4, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Funny

He’s a blocker only (and IMO not even that great of one).

IIRC you were among those that yelled the loudest when I said long ago that Johnson wouldn’t make it… that he is only a power blocking FB w/ no other skills worthy of a roster spot.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Sep 4, 2011 1:04 PM CDT reply actions

reply fail

to space ghost and kuhl

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Sep 4, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought Johnson showed potential

but I don’t think that I

yelled the loudest

After seeing him underwhelm since he was drafted, I’m giving up on that potential. Also, that changed with the drafting of Taylor who played some FB in college.

"I'm tired of pretending I'm not a rock star from Mars."

by Kuhl on Sep 4, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions