This news comes as quite a shock to Packers fans. According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the Green Bay Packers have decided to release tight end Ryan Taylor today.
Taylor, a fourth-year tight end out of North Carolina, was a seventh-round draft choice of the Packers' in 2011. In his three-plus years with the team, Taylor was active for all but three games and though he had a minimal impact on offense, he was a critical member of the special teams units. In his career, Taylor has been credited with eight receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown, but has recorded 19 special-teams tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. He has played just 10 snaps on offense this season, all coming late in the blowout win over the Vikings on Thursday.
This brings the Packers' tight end group down to three players: Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick, and rookie third-round pick Richard Rodgers. The team also has a fourth tight end, rookie Justin Perillo, on the practice squad. What the Packers plan to do with the now-open 53rd roster spot is anyone's guess.
Taylor was signed through the end of the 2014 season on his rookie contract, under which he was scheduled to earn 645,000 in base salary this season.
We will keep an eye out for today's transaction report this afternoon to see if a corresponding roster move has been made and will update you with any further news.