Cheese Curds, 8/26: Raven Greene, step right up

On Sunday, a roster transaction made official what has been apparent since the start of training camp: the Green Bay Packers have a major role in mind for second-year safety Raven Greene.

Following the team’s release of former second-round draft pick Josh Jones, Greene is set to be the team’s primary dime linebacker when defensive coordinator Mike Pettine lines up a safety in that spot. This was something that had been coming for a while — Greene took the first reps in that position once rookie Darnell Savage returned to practice in the starting free safety spot early in camp. But Jones’ departure locks in Greene, an undrafted second-year pro, into that spot.

Meanwhile, he will probably get additional snaps due to the team’s injury issues at the WILL linebacker spot. Oren Burks and Curtis Bolton, the top two options, are both out indefinitely with shoulder and knee injuries, respectively. That opens the door even further for Greene to take hold of a position that will effectively be a starting spot early in the season.

It’s easy to root for Greene, who went through some injury issues after having an impressive run at safety in the preseason and in a few regular season games a year ago. Now it’s on him to validate the Packers’ faith in him by playing well.

Raven Greene in line for key role on Packers’ defense | Packers.com
Greene was exclusively a free safety at James Madison University, but now he's preparing to line up in the box regularly, playing the Packers' hybrid safety/linebacker position. He jokes that it's an entirely new perspective for him, and that he never blitzed even once in college.

Packers safety Raven Greene set to benefit from Josh Jones' departure | Packersnews.com
Here's another look at Greene and why his development seemingly made Josh Jones expendable. In addition, the team also seems to envision Ibraheim Campbell as a future contributor as a dime linebacker once he comes off the PUP list.

How the 102nd best rookie WR and a guy with 1 catch could make Packers - ESPN
This is a great in-depth look at both Allen Lazard and Darrius Shepherd, who will make their final bids on Thursday to make the Packers' final roster as depth receivers and special teams contributors.

8 position battles still to be determined on Packers roster | Packers Wire
Here's a good look at the things that still need to be decided this Thursday night.

Andrew Luck retires: Colts’ personnel moves forward with Jacoby Brissett | SI.com
This is one of the crazier football-related stories of the past few years, as Luck unexpectedly retired on Saturday night. While it's unfortunate for the Colts and their fans, Luck has gone through a ton of injuries in his career, and he won't hear any criticism from this writer for doing what's right for him and his family.

QuikTrip security guard shoots man after assault with didgeridoo | tulsaworld.com
This story needs no further context.