The Green Bay Packers’ initial 53-man roster was one that indicated that several more transactions were coming. First of all, the team had no long-snapper on the roster after releasing Rick Lovato.
On Monday morning, the Packers made official what was expected all weekend, announcing the re-signing of long-snapper Brett Goode. The eight-year veteran had spent his entire pro career in Green Bay, and he returns after suffering a torn ACL late last season in a game against the Oakland Raiders.
In the corresponding roster move, the Packers placed rookie cornerback Makinton Dorleant on injured reserve, likely ending his season. It was a surprise to see the team carry twelve defensive backs on the 53-man roster (six corners and six safeties), so this move makes a bit more sense. Josh Hawkins now becomes the sole rookie corner on the roster as the unit goes down to five.
The Packers’ announcement also discussed the waiver claim placed on running back Jhurell Pressley, who was claimed from the Vikings after final cuts. The Packers did indeed release running back Brandon Burks, ensuring that Pressley will be the team’s third running back for the foreseeable future.
Finally, Green Bay formally announced its practice squad signings. The big surprise is that Stanford wide receiver Devon Cajuste was not one of the signings, despite that signing being reported by 49ers reporter Eric Branch and Cajuste himself changing his Twitter bio to the following:
The practice squad consists of the following players:
- WR Geronimo Allison
- ILB Carl Bradford
- ILB Beniquez Brown
- OLB Reggie Gilbert
- RB Don Jackson
- G Blake Muir
- G Lucas Patrick
- DT Brian Price
- WR Herb Waters
- S Jermaine Whitehead
The situation with Cajuste is a confusing one, which we will continue to monitor. Stay tuned.
UPDATE (9/7): Cajuste is indeed signing with the Packers, who are releasing ILB Beniquez Brown from the practice squad. That finally puts this strange situation to rest.