Packers release 3 players as final cuts loom

NFL teams do not need to reduce their roster to 53 until next week, but the Green Bay Packers have severed ties with three players in advance of final cuts. On Monday, the team announced the release of long-snapper Derek Hart, wide receiver Colby Pearson, and running back William Stanback.

For much of training camp, the Packers had only one long-snapper on the roster. However, Hart failed to adequately impress the coaching staff, leading to the return of Brett Goode on Aug. 12. Hart and Goode battled for the job over the ensuing two weeks, but the latter ultimately emerged victorious.

Pearson and Stanback both had opportunities on offense, but neither broke through during camp or the preseason. Pearson faced strong competition from returning wideout Max McCaffrey and rookies DeAngelo Yancey and Malachi Dupre while Stanback fell behind Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones, and Devante Mays in the backfield rotation.

The Packers’ roster now stands at 87 players. All teams must reduce their rosters to 53 by 3 p.m. CT on Sept. 2.