The Packers trimmed the roster on Saturday but the maneuvering may not be finished as there were some interesting names on Ted Thompson's list of cuts. Most notably, Will Blackmon, the Pack's primary return man on special teams last year. Coming back from knee surgery, Blackmon never could shake the soreness. He would try it one day and sit out the next couple. Green Bay couldn't count on that so he was placed on season ending injured reserve but the plan is to reach a financial injury settlement with him soon. Considering Jason Chery was also cut, the Packers are likely in the market for a punt and kick off returner unless they expose Jordy Nelson, Brandon Jackson or Tramon Williams in that role early on this season. The only other mildly surprising cut was Spencer Havner, a fan favorite and two way performer who caught 4 touchdown passes last year as a tight end, intercepted a pass as a linebacker this pre-season and was a part of nearly every special teams unit. Havner was let go in favor of free agent Tom Crabtree, giving the Packers 4 tight ends on the roster. The rest of the cuts were pretty cut and dried, although on the offensive line, another undrafted free agent survived Nick McDonald essentially replaced Evan Dietrich-Smith from last year's team. McDonald, a hard worker from Grand Valley State, will be inactive most weeks and might even be replaced on the roster by Monday if the team signs a waived player from another team to handle kick returns for instance. The linebackers cut loose to allow Frank Zombo to stick included Alex Joseph, Cyril Obiozor, Robert Francois and Mauarice Simpkins. At least one will return on the practice squad. Two defensive linemen on the team last year, won't be on it this year as Anthony Toribio and Jarius Wynn were released in favor of 7th round pick C.J. Wilscon and yes, Justin Harrell, who survived. Running back Kregg Lumpkin's release leaves the Packers with two running backs and for the second year in a row, three fullbacks. Tim Masthay deservedly won the punting job over Chris Byran.
Around the rest of the NFL, some interesting names hit the wire, Matt Leinert in Arizona, Michael Clayton in Tampa. Former Packers are also looking for work. Despite a late camp signing, Javon Walker didn't make the cut in Minnesota. Tight end David Martin was released by Miami, running back Samkon Gado was cut by Tennessee, Shaun Bodiford and Joe Porter didn't make it in Oakland, Cincinnati cut Abdul Hodge and Ruvell Martin was released by Seattle.



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