GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers made almost 40 transactions on Tuesday to build its initial 53-man roster.

The Packers made those moves official at about 4 p.m. Here’s how they got to 53.

Quarterbacks: Sean Clifford, Taylor Elgersma

Running backs: Israel Abanikanda, Tyrion Davis-Price, Amar Johnson

Receivers: Mecole Hardman, Julian Hicks, Cornelius Johnson, Isaiah Neyor, Will Sheppard

Tight ends: Johnny Lumpkin, Messiah Swinson

Offensive line: T Brant Banks, G Tyler Cooper, C Trey Hill, G JJ Lippe, Lecitus Smith, T Kadeem Telfort

Defensive ends: Deslin Alexandre, Arron Mosby

Defensive tackles: James Ester, Devonte O’Malley

Linebackers: Jared Bartlett, Jamon Johnson, Isaiah Simmons, Kristian Welch

Cornerbacks: Corey Ballentine, Tyron Herring, Kalen King

Safeties: Johnathan Baldwin, Jaylin Simpson

Kicker: Mark McNamee

Three Packers on PUP List

These players will be eligible to begin practice after Week 4: DE Collin Oliver, WR Christian Watson and G John Williams

These players will be eligible to begin practice after Week 4: RB MarShawn Lloyd and C/G Jacob Monk

Injured Reserve

S Omar Brown

Teams have until 11 a.m. Wednesday to put in waiver claims. After the league completes the waiver process, teams can begin building their practice squad. The Packers can have 17 players on their practice squad, including Irish-born kicker Mark McNamee.

Here is the analysis of the roster moves as they were reporrted by Packers On SI and others.

Two Long Shots

Nazir Stackhouse, an undrafted rookie this year, and Donovan Jennings, an undrafted rookie in 2024, have made the 53.

Nazir Stackhouse made the #Packers’ roster, so the streak continues.https://t.co/n6xg7LyOZ7

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) August 26, 2025

Also, two late-round picks, sixth-round defensive tackle Warren Brinson and seventh-round cornerback Micah Robinson, made the initial 53, as well, according to sources.

According to The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein, the Packers released undrafted rookie safety Johnathan Baldwin.

Baldwin started at safety at UNLV in 2022 and 2023 and moved into the slot in 2024. With the Packers, who gave him $115,000 guaranteed to sign, he was locked in at safety but couldn’t make enough headway in a crowded position group.

According to Silverstein, the Packers would like him on the practice squad.

Packers Cornerback Depth Chart Shaping Up

In the first real surprise of roster cuts, the Packers have released cornerback Kalen King. With Kamal Hadden and Micah Robinson still safe, it appears the Packers are going to roll with Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, Carrington Valentine, Bo Melton, Hadden and Robinson, a seventh-round draft pick.

So far, the only real surprise among the #Packers’ roster cuts has been the release of Kalen King.

He’s surprised too. Did he think he had done enough? “Yes. Definitely,” he said after the Seattle game. ⬇️https://t.co/2oSGdCNxED

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) August 26, 2025

The Packers’ reunion with Corey Ballentine didn’t last for long, as the Packers have released the veteran cornerback.

Ballentine was a savior for the Packers in 2023, when he started six games – his first six starts since the beginning of the 2020 season – and played 30-plus snaps in a total of eight games.

Ballentine was limited mostly to special teams last season. He signed with the Colts in free agency, was released early in camp and landed with the Packers.

“Obviously, it’s never fun getting released,” Ballentine said. “It was hard. I know why they did it but, at the same time, you go through the mental battles of [losing] a little bit of confidence. Because it’s like, ‘They didn’t want me,’ in a sense. Or maybe didn’t need me at the time, and it’s like, ‘What do I need to do to change that?’

“Just kind of going through the emotions, going through the situations, what I can do myself to fix it and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Honestly, I think the key to that is just showing up each day and doing the best I can and not having any regrets about it. As long as I put my best foot forward, however it plays out, I think I’ll be OK with it as long as I know I did the best I could that day. I pray every day, truthfully. So, I think it’ll work out. Whatever happens, I’m not really going to be too upset about it.”

Packers Release OL Kadeem Telfort

The Packers have released Kadeem Telfort, according to a source.

An undrafted free agent in 2023, the 6-foot-7, 322-pounder spent his rookie season on Green Bay’s practice squad and all of 2024 on the 53-man roster. He played in four games during the regular season, then was the second-man-up in the playoff loss to the Eagles after Travis Glover replaced injured Elgton Jenkins but was benched.

In three preseason games, Telfort played well. In 96 snaps, he played powerfully in the run game and allowed just two pressures. He was guilty of three holding penalties.

The source said Telfort probably will not land on the practice squad. After a strong preseason, though, he should land on his feet.

“Honestly, after high school, I kind of faced a lot of adversity,” Telfort said last year, alluding to getting bounced out of Florida, where he was a four-star recruit. “So now, when I face adversity now, it’s more so that  … I kind of thrive on adversity. When my back is against the wall and nobody is willing to bet on me, I’ll bet on myself just to double down every time.”

Undrafted rookie linebacker Jamon Johnson, who delivered a strong closing statement to training camp, has been released. There’s a good chance he’ll be back on the practice squad.

While at Georgia, Johnson was a key part of the Bulldogs’ national championship defense and was a finalist for the Butkus Award, which goes to the nation’s top linebacker. He spent his final season at Kentucky.

Johnson lacks the preferred measureables in terms of size and speed. In limited preseason action as the Packers focused a lot on Ty’Ron Hopper, Isaiah Simmons and Kristian Welch, Johnson had seven tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit and one pass defensed.

Of note, the Packers also released Simmons. That might clear the way for Welch to make it.

Packers Release Three Young Defenders

The Packers have released rookie linebacker Jared Barlett, according to a source. He was inactive for the Seattle game due to injury but had four tackles in the preseason opener against the Colts.

Williams, who went undrafted and was released by the Jets early in training camp, started 62 games in five collegiate seasons – 50 with West Virginia from 2019 through 2023 and 12 with Cincinnati in 2024. In 2024, he led the Bearcats in tackles (69), sacks (7.5) and tackles for losses (11.5). He ranked second in the conference and sacks and fourth in TFLs to be an honorable mention on the all-Big 12 team.

Bartlett’s brother is Stephon Tuitt, a former NFL standout with the Steelers.

According to reports, the Packers also released defensive end Deslin Alexandre and cornerback Tyron Herring.

Alexandre made an impressive closing statement against Seattle with one sack, one pass deflection and one tackle on special teams.

“Des, you can always count on Des,” coach Matt LaFleur said after the game. “He’s going to give 110 percent every chance, every opportunity he gets. It was cool to see him make some plays not only on defense but on special teams, as well.”

He is expected back on the practice squad.

Alexandre won the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award – the collegiate version of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award – while at Pittsburgh.

Herring had the same-saving pass breakup at the goal line against the Colts. PFF charged him with 4-of-6 passing for 52 yards in the preseason.

Herring might be going places, whatever happens in his football career.

In addition to releasing Canadian import Taylor Elgersma, the Packers let go of Sean Clifford, the 2023 fifth-round pick who just completed his third training camp with the team.

Who will make it on the practice squad? Elgersma might be the front-runner but the door hasn’t been closed on either.

Here’s the story on Sean Clifford, who just completed his third camp.

“I think that I’m a really good quarterback,” Clifford said. “I’m very positive and I’m very confident about my abilities.”https://t.co/rTleU2AscK https://t.co/ze61GK6YHk

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) August 26, 2025

Packers Release Tyler Cooper, Trey Hill

The Packers have released undrafted rookie guard Tyler Cooper, according to a source. The practice squad is a possibility.

Cooper played his college ball at Minnesota and grew up in the Western Wisconsin city of Saint Croix Falls High School. He went undrafted and pounced on the opportunity with the Packers.

“Even after getting the news, there’s still like a bit of almost hesitation,” he told Packers On SI. “It doesn’t quite feel real. It doesn’t quite settle in until walking the halls like yesterday, going around, getting in meeting rooms, all that stuff. That’s when it really starts to sink in. Put on a little bit of the gear, get a ‘G’ on the chest, and that’s when it really starts to sink in there.”

Cooper moved up to the No. 2 unit at the end of training camp. During the final preseason game, he split time at right guard with Trey Hill, who also was released, according to Ryan Wood of The Press-Gazette.

All of Cooper’s 72 snaps in the preseason came at right guard. He allowed four pressures in 38 pass-protecting snaps in the preseason.

“It’s a historic franchise. The trophy’s named after them,” he said. “It’s an unbelievable facility here, unbelievable coaches. Everybody here has just been amazing so far.”

Hill was a sixth-round pick by the Bengals in 2021 who started three games as a rookie and played in 24 games his first two seasons. In the preseason, he played 31 snaps at center (all against the Colts) and 49 at right guard. Shotgun snaps were an issue during the first half of camp.

The Packers have released rookie receiver Isaiah Neyor, according to ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky.

He is a tantalizing prospect. Before this year’s draft, Neyor measured 6-foot-4 1/4 and 218 pounds. With 4.40 speed in the 40, his Relative Athletic Score of 9.90  was the fourth-highest among this year’s receivers

He went undrafted and signed with the 49ers, who guaranteed $259,000 of his salary. He joined the Packers midway through training camp.

“I just want to show them that I can make plays,” he said. “Anything that the team needs me to do – whether it’s blocking, whether it’s going on special teams, whether it’s making big catches – whatever it is, I want to be able to provide that for the team.”

Neyor didn’t catch any of his three targets in the preseason, but the quarterbacks missed him on a couple deep shots.

“First thing I really like his attitude,” receivers coach Ryan Mahaffey said. “He’s very professional with his approach. He’s really diligent in the meeting room, asking the appropriate questions, going out there and making sure that he’s doing the extra things on his own outside of here to put himself in a position where he can be comfortable enough to be able to go out there and practice.

“You see his length and you see his speed. I think you’ve seen at times he’s maybe a little bit quicker than I anticipated, just being able to separate at the second level. But he’s a big, long body who has been able to stretch the field vertically. Looking forward to see how he continues to develop.”

Also released at receiver:

– As first reported by Ryan Wood, former Michigan receiver Cornelius Johnson, a seventh-round pick by the Chargers last year.. Johnson spent last season on the Packers’ practice squad. He had a strong offseason but couldn’t parlay that into training camp. He caught 6-of-7 passes for 50 yards for the Packers this year.

“I’m not trying to overthink it,” Johnson said before the final preseason game. “Whether it’s one play or a hundred plays, I’m trying to get the most out of that one or that hundred. I just focus on play by play. I don’t think about past plays and stress myself out about that, or worry about what plays might come in the future. You just have to put yourself in that spot in the present and focus on that single play.”

– As reported by Packers On SI, the Packers released Mecole Hardman, Julian Hicks and Will Sheppard. Scroll down for more on those moves.

– Kawaan Baker, a seventh-round pick by the Saints in 2021, was released on Monday.

Packers Release Messiah Swinson

The Packers have released tight end Messiah Swinson, who started and ended his rookie season on Green Bay’s practice squad.

An undrafted free agent last year, Swinson failed to make Green Bay’s 53-man roster and was signed to the practice squad. He didn’t last there long, though, as he was poached by the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers released him a couple weeks later and he returned to Green Bay’s practice squad.

At 6-foot-7 and 259 pounds, the strength of his game is blocking. That’s also true of John FitzPatrick, though.

He caught 1-of-2 passes for 4 yards in this preseason.

“I just try to take pride in that and take pride in and do it to the best of my ability,” Swinson said while in Carolina. “My in-line blocking, my run blocking and stuff like that — I didn’t have any catches in the preseason. They asked me to do a job and I felt like I went and did it to full extent.”

Safety Jaylin Simpson, a fifth-round draft pick by the Colts last year who the Packers added for the final week of training camp, has been released, according to a source.

He is a strong candidate to return to the practice squad, where his safety/cornerback versatility can be groomed.

Simpson played 19 snaps against the Seahawks in the final preseason game. He had two tackles and one quarterback hit.’

At Auburn, where he played corner and safety, he said he had a “Plankton mentality.”

A what mentality??

Plankton is a character from Spongebob Squarepants. His goal is to get Mr. Krabs’ Krabby Patty formula.

“Since I’ve been knowing Plankton, dude just has one goal, to get that Krabby Patty Formula,” Simpson explained. “I just feel like he don’t stop, every episode he’s on it. So, I’m just like, man, we got to get that Plankton Mentality every game. We got to get that formula every game.”

Packers Release Two Receivers, Lineman

They’re coming fast and furious:

– Receiver Julian Hicks has been released. He could return to the practice squad, where he spent all of last season, but that could be dependent on if Mecole Hardman signs to the PS.

Hicks caught 5-of-8 targets for 31 yards but had a couple big plays eliminated due to penalties. He is a good route-runner who was targeted frequently by the quarterbacks throughout camp.

– Receiver Will Sheppard, an undrafted free agent from Colorado who was signed early in camp, was released. He caught three passes for 23 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown against the Seahawks on Saturday.

– Lecitus Smith, who was re-signed after competing for a roster spot last summer, has been released. He took some second-team snaps at center. According to PFF, he didn’t allow a pressure in 33 pass-protecting snaps in three games.

The Packers have released explosive undrafted rookie running back Amar Johnson, according to a source.

Johnson had the only highlight of the preseason loss to the Jets with his 39-yard touchdown run. He added another touchdown against the Colts. He carried 22 times for 115 yards in the preseason, a 5.2-yard average that included six broken tackles.

Green Bay was his preferred destination.

“I feel like it was a great opportunity to come here and showcase my talent,” he said after the Jets game. “I always felt like the love was from them from pro day. Definitely a place I want to be at.”

Packers Release Mecole Hardman

Here’s the story on the #Packers releasing Mecole Hardman. ⬇️https://t.co/rqzUkTzhtS

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) August 26, 2025

The Packers have released running back Israel Abanikanda, a source told Packers On SI.

A fifth-round pick by the Jets in 2023, he was added off waivers from the 49ers on July 25.

At the University of Pittsburgh in 2022, he led the ACC with 1,431 rushing yards and led the nation with 20 rushing touchdowns and 21 total touchdowns.

“Iz got a little bit of stuff to him,” Packers running back Josh Jacobs said. “We were just talking about it today on the sideline. I can’t wait to see him actually go full-go. Obviously, the two rookies, we’ve been around them for a minute. I just want to see live reps. It’s always different when you know you’re getting tackled and you know you got to really run. We’ll see.”

He carried 24 times for 71 yards (3.0 average) in the preseason. While he fumbled against the Seahawks, he showed potential as a kickoff returner, in particular, and on special teams, in general.

“I’m trying to show everybody what they think I couldn’t do: catch, block, kick return,” Abanikanda said. “So, I’m trying to show them what I could do. Exactly what I could do.”

“All through my life,” he added, “a lot of people have been saying I could only run the ball. So, I’m psyched to show everybody’s wrong, prove everybody wrong.”

Packers Release RB Tyrion Davis-Price

The Packers have released Tyrion Davis-Price, a late addition to the running back room.

A third-round pick by the 49ers in 2022, he carried nine times for 32 yards in the final two games. Of that total, 26 came after contract, according to Pro Football Focus.

“Man, it’s the best,” he told Packers On SI after signing. “I’ve got to thank God. It’s a great organization. I’m glad to be here and being able to do my part and doing whatever I can with my opportunity.”

With a running style reminscent of another No. 44, former Packers back James Starks, , he was too far behind the eight-ball to catch up to returning veterans.

According to a source, the Packers have released rookie offensive tackle Brant Banks, with the plan to sign him to the practice squad on Wednesday.

At Rice, Banks started at left guard in 2023 and at right tackle in 2024. He only gave up two sacks during his final season.

For the Packers, he was anchored at left tackle and played well considering his lack of experience at the position. According to PFF, he allowed zero pressures in 22 pass-protecting snaps.

Packers Make First Move at Quarterback

The Packers have released quarterback Taylor Elgersma, the strong-armed import from Canada, according to a source.

The #Packers have released quarterback Taylor Elgersma, according to a source.https://t.co/NgfB5ca1Vt

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) August 26, 2025

He might end up on the practice squad but that wasn’t a guarantee at the moment. It would be unlikely, but not totally unreasonable, for Elgersma to be claimed off waivers.

The Packers released linebacker Isaiah Simmons, according to CBS Sports.

The first big one of the day, from @mzenitz https://t.co/t586FNBYxn

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) August 26, 2025

Simmons was the eighth pick of the 2020 draft. His release could be good news for Kristian Welch, the Wisconsin native who went undrafted in 2020.

The First Cuts for Packers

According to sources, the Packers have released guard J.J. Lippe – a native of Milwaukee – tight end Johnny Lumpkin.

Lumpkin caught three passes for 26 yards in the preseason. PFF charged Lippe with one sack during the preseason but he had a solid camp overall.

“It’s definitely a dream come true,” Lippe told Packers On SI about joining the Packers. “Growing up as a Packer fan and everything and watching Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, it’s something that’s a lifelong dream of mine, so I’m very happy to be here.”

The Packers are expected to release a couple of their young defensive tackles, James Ester and Devonte O’Malley, with the possibility of them returning to the practice squad, according to a source.

Ester, who spent last season on the practice squad, finished fifth on the team with five pressures, according to PFF. O’Malley signed with the Packers last week. He had a sack during his first practice and another during the preseason game against Seattle.

Packers Rookie Impact

“Draft and develop” is the lifeblood of franchises like the Packers, who use free agency sparingly.

The “develop” part will be crucial because there doesn’t look to be a lot of impact – at least sudden impact – from Green Bay’s rookie class.

Receiver Matthew Golden, obviously, will have an important role. However:

Second-round pick Anthony Belton will be the No. 4 offensive tackle.

Third-round receiver Savion Williams was injured throughout camp and didn’t play in the preseason. He’ll have to earn a role in Green Bay’s crowded receiver room.

Fourth-round defensive end Barryn Sorrell is out with a knee injury and will start the season as the fifth defensive end.

Fifth-round defensive end Collin Oliver missed all of training camp with a hamstring injury and will open the season on PUP.

Sixth-round defensive tackle Warren Brinson is on the roster bubble with former college teammate Nazir Stackhouse to be the fifth defensive tackle.

Seventh-round cornerback Micah Robinson might end up on the wrong side of the roster behind Kalen King and Kamal Hadden.

Seventh-round offensive lineman John Williams missed all of training camp following back surgery and will join Oliver on PUP.

“It’s in the back of your head but, at the end of the day, the third game is just another game,” Robinson said after the Seattle game. “You’re going out there every week with the same mindset and everything else will take care of itself. You just got to control the controllables, go out there and do your job and make plays.”

During last year’s roster cuts, the Packers lost offensive lineman Royce Newman, receiver Grant DuBose and safety Anthony Johnson on waivers.

The Packers will release some talented players on Tuesday with the hope they can be re-signed to the practice squad. While GM Brian Gutekunst will consider the chances of losing a player on waivers that he would like to retain, the reality – despite what happened last year – is it doesn’t happen very often.

Every year, about 1,200 players are released in the 53-man cutdown. Over the past decade, claims ranged from 17 to 44.

Aaron Rodgers will face the #Packers this season, just like Brett Favre faced the Packers in 2009 and 2010.

In a phone interview today, Rodgers looked ahead to Week 8 and back to those games. ⬇️https://t.co/drITyfxtCT

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) August 26, 2025

The Key Decisions

At almost every position, there are complicated questions to consider.

Quarterback: Probably not for the 53-man roster. Who will be the third quarterback? Incumbent Sean Clifford or Canadian import Taylor Elgersma?

“I think that I’m a really good quarterback,” Clifford said after Saturday’s game. “I’m really proud of the work that I put in with Green Bay so far. I’m very positive and I’m very confident about my abilities. So, we’ll see what happens.”

Running back: Will the Packers place MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) on injured reserve? If so, will the Packers go with the trio of Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks or add Israel Abanikanda to the group?

Receiver: Based on reps during training camp and the preseason, Malik Heath has the edge on Mecole Hardman to be the sixth receiver. Injuries to Jayden Reed (foot), Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Savion Williams (hamstring) could change the dynamic.

Tight end: Especially with injuries at receiver, will the Packers keep three or four? Ben Sims appears to be the player on the bubble.

Offensive Line: The trade for Darian Kinnard added important depth. The starting six, so to speak, rookie Anthony Belton and Kinnard are locks for eight spots. Jacob Monk might be the front-runner for No. 9 but is dealing with a hamstring injury. Donovan Jennings and Kadeem Telfort are on the bubble.

“I think I showed myself and these coaches what I’m capable of doing,” Jennings said after starting at right guard against Seattle.

Defensive tackle: Will the Packers keep five defensive tackles or six? Six seems like overkill at a position in which only two are on the field most of the time. However, while  the fear of losing a player on waivers is usually overblown, there’s a good chance if the Packers cut Colby Wooden, Warren Brinson or Nazir Stackhouse, that player will not be coming back.

Defensive end: Injuries are a factor here, too. Will fourth-round pick Barryn Sorrell (knee) have to start the regular season on injured reserve? If so, that would open the door for Arron Mosby.

Linebacker: Will the Packers keep Isaiah Simmons or Kristian Welch? Or will the Packers keep Simmons and Welch? Welch had a strong training camp for the second consecutive year. Simmons had a strong finish vs. Seattle. Simmons has more upside but will the Packers care about upside for their fifth linebacker?

Cornerback: There was confidence after Nate Hobbs’ knee surgery that he’d be ready to roll for Week 1. We’ll see. Kalen King had an excellent training camp and Kamal Hadden had a superb final preseason game. Assuming Hobbs is ready, will the Packers keep one or both?

Safety: Again, injuries make this murky. With Xavier McKinney out, Zayne Anderson started the preseason game against the Jets but suffered a knee injury on the opening series and missed the rest of camp.

Specialists: None, with Brandon McManus, Daniel Whelan and Matt Orzech having excellent training camps and preseasons.