Packers release QB Joe Callahan to free up a roster spot

If the Green Bay Packers plan to bolster their defensive line for Sunday’s tilt with the Dallas Cowboys by activating Mike Pennel, they have yet to do so. However, they did make a roster move today that will allow for them to bring Pennel onto the active roster at the date of their choosing.

That roster move is the release of third-string quarterback Joe Callahan. The product of Division III Wesley College had a great story this summer; when thrust into the lineup during the preseason thanks to an injury to Brett Hundley and the Packers’ unwillingness to play Aaron Rodgers, Callahan found a way to make a number of creative plays. That impressed the Packers’ coaching staff and front office enough to keep him on the active roster at the start of the regular season.

However, with Callahan being inactive on gameday for each of the Packers’ first four games and the team having a couple of holes to fill, he becomes a casualty of the 53-man roster limit. It would be little surprise to see the Packers re-sign Callahan to their practice squad if he clears waivers, however, especially since the Packers like to keep three quarterbacks in the organization.

Although we expect Pennel to return to the roster from suspension shortly, the other option that the Packers may exercise is adding a running back. The depth at the position is in question with both Eddie Lacy and James Starks hurt, and there are a few options available. First would be promoting Don Jackson from the practice squad. The undrafted rookie from Nevada spent much of the offseason with the Packers. Another option would be re-signing Jhurell Pressley, whom the Packers claimed on waivers following his release from the Vikings at final cuts. They could also consider poaching a player off another team’s practice squad.

Stay tuned to find out what corresponding move the team will make before Sunday’s game.