Quote Originally Posted by Brandon494 View Post
TT doesn't work like that though, he would have just not signed Kuhn and drafted a FB if he thought he was done. I like Ripkowski but hes still a late 6th round draft pick, we are SB contenders and I would much rather have Kuhn out there blocking in critical moments. Kuhn will remain the starter and I see Rip having a role similar to Ryan Taylor and Ryan Crabtree while they were here his first season then eventually taking over for Kuhn in 2016.
It's not that I think Kuhn couldn't play (as in, "done for good"), its that if Ripkowski is good enough to make the final roster (and not be targeted instead for PS), I don't see a reason to keep Kuhn. I think Kuhn was signed as a safety blanket, in case they were not able to finds a young one this year. But they did find one, and if he proves to be ready to play, Kuhn isn't needed.

In what areas could Kuhn be expected to contribute this year?
  • Special Teams - any of a number of younger guys will be better, as Kuhn has fallen off
    Lead blocker - Ripkowski's strength. Scouts said he will "wow" you at least once or twice every game. If he is ready to take these snaps, I think Kuhn is gone.
    Short yardage - GB has better options with Lacy, maybe Ripkowski, maybe the (big) 3rd back they keep.
    Third down - Lacy is growing into this role as both a receiver and a blocker.
    Pass situation extra blocker - Quarless or another TE, Lacy, maybe Ripkowski are options; but this might be the one situation where Kuhn still provides increased value.

    If Ripkowski is ready to take the brunt of the load as a blocker in the running game, I think there will be reasons to keep other younger guys, not Kuhn.