:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47068838/usa-today-8771468.0.jpg)
Five down. Eight to go.
Though the Green Bay Packers don't have to complete their cut-downs to 75 until later today, a good portion of the work has already been completed. The front office waived five players on Monday, leaving the roster at 83. Though most of the roster will survive to play another preseason tilt, the bigger cut looms shortly after. That makes the final few practices and game all the more important for those occupying the fringes of the roster.
Preseason injuries mean big opportunities for young Packers receivers | Fox Sports
Wideouts like Ty Montgomery were always going to make the 53-man roster if healthy. However, with Jordy Nelson sidelined for the season with a torn ACL and Randall Cobb's shoulder on the mend, at least one spot at receiver is up for grabs.
Packer players embrace concussion protocol | Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
The good news is the NFL and other sports leagues have begun treating concussions as the serious injuries that they are. However, for the players themselves, sitting out for longer periods of times can prove frustrating. Just ask Scott Tolzien.
Return of Clay Matthews, Mike Daniels fails to boost defense | ESPN
Though the Packers No. 1 defense hasn't performed well this preseason, it's too early to panic. Once the team begins game planning for opponents during the regular season, the results should improve considerably. That doesn't mean the defense will look pretty, but it shouldn't look like a total mess as it did last Saturday against the Eagles.
Packers DL Mike Pennel makes big improvement Year 2 in NFL | 247 Sports
Datone Jones and Letroy Guion won't suit up for the season opener. That leaves Mike Pennel as one of the main reserves the Packers plan to use in their stead. At times, he still looks like a guy that played most of his college ball at an FCS program. However, Pennel's size and athleticism do shine more often this season, and he's beginning to look like a player capable of regular contribution.