The Green Bay Packers have already begun the trimming process to get down to the required 75 players by Monday August 27. The biggest surprise might be defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove, who was brought in to help with the pass rush this season.
Hargrove was suspended by the NFL for eight games due to his participation in the New Orleans Saints “bounty program”. The Packers were well aware of the possibility of a suspension when they signed him but no one could have predicted it being for half of a season.
The eight-year veteran plays with his emotions on his sleeve and had a big role in boosting player morale in the locker room and during practice. However, the fact he was not getting much playing time during games and missed out on several repetitions during practice filled Hargrove with frustration to the point where he refused to play scout team when called upon. Also, an apparent scuffle with defensive line coach Mike Trgovac did not help his chances.
This is unfortunate for both sides, as I believed Hargrove could have been a great addition to the defensive line. He is known for getting interior pressure, which is something the Packers have struggled with since losing Cullen Jenkins to free agency following their Super Bowl XLV victory. Also, Hargrove could be in trouble finding another team to play for this season, but something tells me someone will give him a chance around the mid-season mark.
The other four players to get cut were offensive tackle Herb Taylor, wide receiver Andrew Brewer, safety Michah Pellerin, and cornerback Dion Turner.
Taylor is not a surprise to anyone who watched the first two preseason games. He started against the San Diego Chargers due to Marshall Newhouse being out with a concussion, but apparently could not handle the pressure. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was constantly dodging defenders from the left side and even took a decent hit after Taylor failed to make a block. Taylor was replaced by rookie offensive tackle Andrew Datko.
Brewer hauled in two receptions for 14 yards during his playing time this preseason. Green Bay’s waiver pick up did not stand much of a chance to begin with due to the Packers already being set at wide receiver, but they wanted to at least get a look at possibly signing him to the practice squad.
Pellerin and Turner were both undrafted free agents. Pellerin recorded one tackle while Turner had three.
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