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According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Green Bay Packers are waiving 2019 third-round pick Jace Sternberger. Sternberger was suspended for the first two weeks of the season due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. In Sternberger’s own words, he described mixing alcohol and anti-depressants in February of 2020 that led to him falling asleep behind the wheel.
Between the suspension, two concussions, an ankle injury, and a stint on the reserve/COVID list, Sternberger’s early career produced just 12 receptions, 114 receiving yards, and a touchdown before he was ultimately waived. Hopefully, Sternberger is able to overcome the negatives early on in his career and find a landing spot to showcase his talent, be it on the Packers’ practice squad or elsewhere.
Currently, Green Bay has four tight ends to lean on after this decision: Marcedes Lewis, Josiah Deguara, Dominique Dafney, and Robert Tonyan. Lewis and Dafney are blocking tight ends, with Dafney often playing a fullback role for the team. Tonyan and Deguara are the pass-catchers, with Deguara playing in the backfield at times.
Deguara missed last week’s game against the Lions due to a concussion sustained in Week 1 against the Saints, but the other three tight ends played at least 28 snaps a piece last night. The only tight end on the Packers practice squad is defensive line convert Bronson Kaufusi, a 30-year-old blocking tight end, which could leave open for the potential of Sternberger adding onto the practice squad as a pass-catching option in case of a late-season injury.
Update:
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein notes that the Packers want to bring Sternberger back to their practice squad, if possible.
#Packers are going to make a big push to get TE Jace Sternberger back on the practice squad if he clears waivers, but chances are he'll wind up somewhere where he has the best chance to make a 53-man roster. #Packers have four TEs they like a lot.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) September 21, 2021
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