Title: Packers Finalize 53-Man Roster for 2023 Season, Undrafted Rookies Shine
Subtitle: Green Bay on Track to Extend Streak of Undrafted Rookies Making Week 1 Roster
Green Bay – The Green Bay Packers announced their final 53-man roster for the upcoming 2023 NFL season after the mandated roster reduction on Tuesday. The team will now proceed to build its 16-player practice squad once the waiver process concludes on Wednesday.
The breakdown of the initial roster by position reveals two quarterbacks, eight Sean Clifford and 10 Jordan Love. Quarterback Alex McGough, number 17, was released from the team. The running back position comprises AJ Dillon, Emanuel Wilson, and Aaron Jones, with Lew Nichols and Tyler Goodson waived/injured. Patrick Taylor and Nate McCrary were released from the team.
At wide receiver, the Packers have six players on their roster: Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Malik Heath, Samori Toure, and Romeo Doubs. Several receivers, including Jadakis Bonds and Dre Miller, were released. The tight end/fullback position includes Josiah Deguara, Tucker Kraft, and Luke Musgrave, while Henry Pearson and Austin Allen were released.
The offensive line boasts 11 players, the most Green Bay has carried on the initial roster in at least a decade. Notably, Rasheed Walker, the team’s draft pick, is part of this lineup. Cole Schneider, James Empey, Kadeem Telfort, and Jean Delance were released from the team.
Defensively, the Packers have a six-player defensive line consisting of T.J. Slaton, Karl Brooks, Devonte Wyatt, Colby Wooden, Kenny Clark, and Jonathan Ford. Jason Lewan, Antonio Moultrie, and Chris Slayton were released.
The outside linebacker position is made up of Justin Hollins, Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox Jr., Lukas Van Ness, and Preston Smith. Keshawn Banks, Arron Mosby, and Kenneth Odumegwu were released.
At inside linebacker, the Packers have Quay Walker, Tariq Carpenter, Eric Wilson, Isaiah McDuffie, and De’Vondre Campbell. Jimmy Phillips Jr., and Marvin Pierre were released.
In the cornerback position, the team has Jaire Alexander, Keisean Nixon, Rasul Douglas, and Carrington Valentine. Elijah Hamilton, Shemar Jean-Charles, William Hooper, Corey Ballentine, Tyrell Ford, and Kiondre Thomas were released. Eric Stokes remains on the physically unable to perform list.
Safety positions include Dallin Leavitt, Rudy Ford, Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Anthony Johnson Jr. Tarvarius Moore was placed on injured reserve, while Innis Gaines and Benny Sapp III were released.
In the special teams unit, Anders Carlson and Daniel Whelan secured their positions, with Broughton Hatcher waived/injured. Matt Orzech and Pat O’Donnell were released.
Notably, the Packers are on the verge of extending their streak of 19 consecutive years with at least one undrafted rookie making the Week 1 roster. This season, Malik Heath, Brenton Cox Jr., and Emanuel Wilson have joined the team, marking the first time since 2018 that multiple undrafted rookies have made the 53-man roster. In particular, Heath is the first undrafted rookie receiver to make Green Bay’s roster since Darrius Shepherd in 2019.
Daniel Whelan, a first-year punter, has made the roster, which was made possible by the release of veteran Pat O’Donnell. Whelan, an Irish-born player, will become the first Irish-born player to play in the NFL since 1985.
The Packers’ 2023 roster is comprised of 45 former draft picks and eight undrafted free agents. General Manager Brian Gutekunst has drafted 37 of the 53 players. Additionally, the team has kept 11 of its 13 rookie draft picks, with only two players being released or waived injured.
With their roster now set, Green Bay is preparing for the upcoming season as they aim to make a deep playoff run and contend for a Super Bowl title.