Early Stab At The Roster

[Harlan Huckleby]

rich

[superfan]

Considering some of the tough cuts at other positions, I would strongly consider only going with two QBs. Martin and Thompson have yet to show that they can help the team this year, and neither is looking like starting material in the future. Thompson does appear to have some more upside than Martin at this point, and could be stashed on the practice squad.

Might be worth it to keep someone like Cole, Clowney, Muir, Culver, or another borderline guy over a third QB. And Holliday might be able to take a few snaps if the situation becomes truly dire. If both Favre and Rodgers go down in the same game, the odds of that game being winnable are very slim, so playing Holliday over Martin or Thompson likely wouldn't matter much.

Since the Favre era has started, has the third QB ever seen the field, except in mop up duty? Just taking up a roster spot.

Assuming Favre and Rodgers both get hurt, my guess is we could pick up almost anybody and they could be equally (in)effective.

[SkinBasket]

I'm also counting on Travon Williams passing Dendy on the depth chart and beating him out for a roster spot if it comes to it. Of course I'm not sure that's possible given how stubborn we've been with trying to make players succeed on our defense despite the fact they suck ass instead of cutting our losses and moving on.

[Brohm]

As far as third string QBs seeing the field the most infamous was the "audible" in the Vikings game years ago...what was his name? T. J. Rubely or something like that (former Ram). He never saw the field again.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Packers: Who will make the team?
By JASON WILDE

GREEN BAY — One of Ted Thompson's favorite words is competition. To the Green Bay Packers' third-year general manager, from competition springs individual improvement, which leads to team success.

"I think we have more competition at more positions than in the past, which I think theoretically will lead to a better team, if we put these players in the right positions and we make the right decisions," Thompson said. "So I feel pretty good about the team. Most of these guys are football guys. I like the group."

What Thompson doesn't like is paring the roster down from the 87 players on it to an NFL-mandated 53 for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener against Philadelphia, a task he says is going to be difficult given how close many of those competitions are.

While he has a general idea of how the roster will look, very little is certain going into Thursday night's third preseason game against Jacksonville at Lambeau Field.

"Things do change. Some guys that maybe aren't playing very well will all of a sudden play really good in the last couple of games, or vice versa," Thompson said. "We're constantly going through different combinations of players and looking at the board and seeing how it looks, and doing it again. But there's not that many decisions already made."

With the NFL's two mandatory roster reductions — to 75 players by 3 p.m. Tuesday and to 53 players by 3 p.m. Sept. 1 — in mind, here's a subjective look at where the Packers stand entering Thursday's game against the Jaguars.

Quarterbacks (2 or 3)

In: Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers.

On the bubble: Ingle Martin, Paul Thompson.

Favre is the icon. Rodgers has been impressive through two games — 28-of-43 for 265 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 105.3 rating — and now looks like a very worthy heir apparent. The question is at No. 3, where Martin, a 2006 fifth-round pick, hasn't shown much. Thompson, an undrafted rookie free agent, has shown flashes but was horrible against Seattle. The coaches want to see Martin take a step forward tonight after he was knocked out of the preseason opener at Pittsburgh by a blow to the head.

"When you've got a guy (in Ingle) who's been in your program now for over a full year, you want to see some development," offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said. "We'll be interested to see how far he's come."

It's possible the Packers could keep just Favre and Rodgers and put Thompson on the practice squad.

Running backs (5 or 6)

In: Brandon Jackson, Korey Hall.

On the bubble: Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, Corey White, Brandon Miree, DeShawn Wynn.

Out: P.J. Pope, Ryan Powdrell.

No area is more uncertain than the backfield, where Jackson, a rookie second-round pick, has assumed the starting halfback job because Morency hasn't practiced since the opening of camp July 28, when he strained the patellar tendon in his right knee. Coach Mike McCarthy thinks he'll be ready for the opener, but who knows for sure?

Miree is listed as the starting fullback on the depth chart but has missed significant time with a stinger, allowing Hall, a converted college linebacker and rookie sixth-round pick, to make a run at the job. Herron seems safe as the third-down back, but the position is in too much flux to know for sure.

Wynn teased the coaches with a glimpse of his ability in practice before a quadriceps injury put him back on the sideline before the games started. It's hard to believe he hasn't found a way to get back on the field. Pope and Powdrell's knee injuries killed their chances.

Wide receivers (5 or 6)

In: Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin.

On the bubble: Carlyle Holiday, David Clowney, Chris Francies.

Out: Calvin Russell, Carlton Brewster, Shaun Bodiford.

The release of Robert Ferguson was in part the result of Martin and Holiday's improvement. Holiday has the inside track on the No. 5 job, while Francies would have to do something spectacular to earn it. Clowney has struggled as a receiver and is more practice-squad material.

Bodiford had a realistic shot to make the team as a returner before a knee injury against Seattle knocked him out. Suspended receiver Koren Robinson is eligible for reinstatement Sept. 18, when his one-year ban for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy expires.

Tight ends (3)

In: Donald Lee, Bubba Franks.

On the bubble: Zac Alcorn, Clark Harris

Out: Joe Werner.

The team kept four tight ends last year but barely has two worth keeping this year. Franks looks like a new man after back-to-back disappointing seasons, while Lee remains listed as the starter.

They'll see the bulk of the action because neither candidate for the No. 3 job has done much. Harris, a rookie seventh-round pick from Rutgers, could have seized the job but didn't. The competition is so poor that injured Tory Humphrey (ankle) was probably the best option here. Don't be surprised if the team claims a tight end on the final cuts. Werner isn't ready to play in the NFL but a year on the practice squad could make him an intriguing prospect.

Offensive line (9 or 10)

In: LT Chad Clifton, RT Mark Tauscher, C Scott Wells, RG Jason Spitz, LG Daryn Colledge, G Allen Barbre.

On the bubble: RT Tony Moll, T/G Junius Coston, G/C Tony Palmer, C/T Tyson Walter.

Out: T/G Travis Leffew, T/G Adam Stenavich, G Pat Murray, T Orrin Thompson, C C.J. Blomvall.

Barbre, a rookie fourth-round pick, appears to be the top backup, mainly because Moll has missed so much time with a pinched nerve in his neck. Palmer had been an option as the backup to Wells at center but a hamstring injury has sidelined him. Still, he figures to stick, as does Coston, a 2005 fifth-round pick who's finally starting to show why the team drafted him. Walter's versatility and experience could land him the final spot.

Defensive line (9 or 10)

In: DE Aaron Kampman, DE Cullen Jenkins, DT Ryan Pickett, DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, DT Justin Harrell, DT Corey Williams, DT Johnny Jolly.

On the bubble: DE Michael Montgomery, DT Colin Cole, DE Jason Hunter, DT Daniel Muir.

Out: DE Larry Birdine, DE DeVon Hicks.

Jenkins, like Kampman last year, has taken his game to a higher plane after signing a big contract. Harrell, the rookie first-round pick, has been outplayed by Jolly, Williams, Pickett and Cole, but he's the No. 1 pick and will eventually be a player. Jolly's camp has been the most impressive, considering he did little as a sixth-round pick last year.

Montgomery was a lock after a strong camp but now could be headed to injured reserve with a knee injury suffered against Seattle. At best, he'll be inactive for the first few weeks of the season. That could open the door for Hunter. Cole deserves a roster spot but could be traded. Muir has been impressive as an undrafted rookie.

Linebackers (5 or 6)

In: MLB Nick Barnett, WLB A.J. Hawk, SLB Brady Poppinga.

On the bubble: MLB Abdul Hodge, WLB Tracy White, MLB Desmond Bishop, WLB Rory Johnson, SLB Spencer Havner.

Out: MLB-WLB Tim Goodwell, SLB Juwan Simpson.

The starters are set. The backups are anything but. White, a top-notch special-teamer, should make the team based on that alone. Bishop, a rookie sixth-round pick, is working ahead of Hodge, whose patellar tendinitis in both knees is troubling. Johnson, Havner, Bishop and Hodge are playing for the last one or two jobs tonight and next Thursday night.

Defensive backs (9 or 10)

In: CB Al Harris, S Nick Collins, CB Charles Woodson, S Atari Bigby, CB Will Blackmon, S Aaron Rouse, CB Jarrett Bush.

On the bubble: S Marquand Manuel, CB Patrick Dendy, S Tyrone Culver, CB Tramon Williams, CB Frank Walker, S Charlie Peprah.

Out: S Alvin Nnabuife, CB Antonio Malone.

Bigby starts Thursday night ahead of Manuel, and with rookie third-round pick Rouse, Culver and Peprah in the mix, Manuel could be cut. The team would take a $1.2 million hit on the salary cap in 2008, but it may be time for the club to admit it whiffed on him as a free agent. Marviel Underwood has already been cut, Manuel could be next.

Bush has taken the lead in the No. 3 corner spot over Dendy, but both figure to make the team. Blackmon's return work should land him a spot, too. Culver, a 2006 sixth-round pick, is reliable, while Peprah has flashed and is good on special teams.

Walker, the club's only unrestricted free-agent signing, simply hasn't shown as much as Bush, Blackmon, Dendy or Williams. He got a $150,000 signing bonus up front, but with a $750,000 base salary and $240,000 roster bonus (in the form of $15,000 for each game he's on the 45-man roster), he'll have to come on strong in the final two games to show he's worth keeping, both fiscally and given the younger players' improvement.

Special teams (3)

In: LS Rob Davis, P Jon Ryan.

On the bubble: K Dave Rayner, K Mason Crosby.

Out: P Ryan Dougherty.

Rayner and Crosby are in an intense duel for the kicking job, and special teams coordinator Mike Stock insists Crosby hasn't taken even a slight lead. Everything being equal, Crosby will likely get the nod based on potential, while Rayner's one year of experience kicking at Lambeau Field should help his chances. Ryan is punting extremely well, improving following a technique change.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Thompson knows feeling
By ROB REISCHEL

Green Bay - Ted Thompson will never forget when the end came.

It was the summer of 1985 when Thompson was set to start his 11th season as a linebacker for the Houston Oilers. Just four days before the season opener, though, Thompson found out that wouldn't be the case after all.

"I go through an entire practice on a Wednesday afternoon, and I come in and our head coach at the time was Hugh Campbell, and he's walking by my locker and he goes, 'Ted, can I see you for a second?' " said Thompson, who's Green Bay general manager today. "So I go in and talk to him, and we had a draft choice (first-round pick Ray Childress), . . . but he had been holding out all this time, and he had signed that day, so they released me to free up the roster spot for this new guy.

"So he gave me the speech, and then the defensive coordinator came in and gave me a speech, and the linebacker coach, and everybody else came in, and by the time they got through talking to me, not only was I surprised I got cut, I'm surprised I didn't get a raise, because everybody was saying what a great guy I was and all that. But that's what happened to me, and it really surprised me because I thought I was past that. I'd been through 10 years kind of wondering how it was going to go. I was an old grizzled vet, so I thought I was past the danger point, but I wasn't."

Today, Thompson's in a much different spot. Instead of hoping to make a roster, he'll hand pick Green Bay's 53-man team.

The first cut-down day is Aug. 28 when teams need to get their rosters to 75. Then on Sept. 1, teams set their final 53-man roster.

Thompson said he's still evaluating several scenarios, but by now, the roster is pretty well set. Here's a guess at how the 2007 Packers will look.

QUARTERBACKS (3)

• Keep: Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Paul Thompson.

• Cut: Ingle Martin.

The first two quarterbacks are clear-cut. Favre is nearing the end of a Hall of Fame career. Rodgers has had his most impressive summer since the Packers used a first-round draft pick on him in 2005. The only battle is between Martin, last year's No. 3, and rookie free agent Thompson. Martin has struggled throughout much of camp and doesn't appear to have gotten any better. Thompson is more raw than Martin and threw two interceptions Saturday against Seattle. Still, Thompson carries more upside, which makes him the perfect player to groom behind Favre and Rodgers.

RUNNING BACKS (4)

• Keep: Brandon Jackson, Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, Corey White.

• Cut: DeShawn Wynn, P.J. Pope.

Jackson has the inside track on the starting job, largely because Morency has been out since the first day of camp. Herron has done nothing to hurt his chances of being the third-down back again. White, a rookie free agent, could surprise and stick largely because he can also play fullback and his ability on short-yardage and goal-line plays. Wynn, a seventh-round draft pick, and Pope had their chances ruined due to injuries throughout camp.

FULLBACKS (2)

• Keep: Brandon Miree, Korey Hall.

• Cut: Ryan Powdrell.

Miree has missed both pre-season games with a shoulder stinger, but remains the best bet to be the opening-day starter. Don't rule out Hall, though, a converted linebacker who has taken to the position quickly. Regardless if Hall starts, his roster spot is safe because he's a potential standout on special teams. Powdrell, another converted linebacker, failed to impress then suffered an MCL injury against Seattle.

WIDE RECEIVERS (5)

• Keep: Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin, Carlyle Holiday.

• Cut: Shaun Bodiford, David Clowney, Carlton Brewster, Chris Francies, Calvin Russell.

Jones has been the surprise of camp and could eventually push Jennings as the starter opposite Driver. Martin has had a big summer and built on what was a solid first year in Green Bay. Holiday, who has caught a TD pass in each of the first two pre-season games, has the edge for the fifth and final job. Holiday could be a real weapon in the red zone and has become integral on special teams. Bodiford appeared to have a decent chance of surviving earlier in camp. But he's been passed in the return game by CB Will Blackmon and suffered an MCL injury against Seattle. Clowney is weak and has been awful as a receiver, but GM Thompson might try saving face and store the fifth-round pick on the practice squad. The rest of the group were all long shots coming to camp and didn't show enough to stick around.

TIGHT ENDS (3)

• Keep: Donald Lee, Bubba Franks, Zac Alcorn.

• Cut: Clark Harris.

Lee has had a solid camp and is the likely starter. But Lee's still best suited to be a backup and the Packers would be well advised to add another tight end before camp ends. Franks flashed against the Seahawks (4-30) for one of the first times all summer and will stick. Alcorn gets the nod at No. 3 over Harris, although Harris might wind up on the practice squad.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9)

• Keep: Chad Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, Mark Tauscher, Tony Moll, Allen Barbre, Junius Coston, Tyson Walter.

• Cut: Tony Palmer, Orrin Thompson, Travis Leffew, Pat Murray, Adam Stenavich, C.J. Blomvall

The starting five of Clifton, Colledge, Wells, Spitz and Tauscher returns intact. Moll can play guard and tackle, but it appears he's being groomed to replace Tauscher in 2009. Barbre, a rookie fourth-rounder who has spent most of training camp at left guard, has impressed and appears to be a future starter, as well. Coston has likely bought himself a third year with his ability to play multiple positions. Walter's versatility gives him the edge over an injured Palmer for the ninth and final spot.

DEFENSIVE ENDS (4)

• Keep: Aaron Kampman, Cullen Jenkins, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Mike Montgomery.

• Cut: Jason Hunter, DeVon Hicks, Larry Birdine.

Kampman, a Pro Bowl selection in 2006, and the ascending Jenkins give the Packers a dynamic pair of ends. Gbaja-Biamila figures to make a major impact as a nickel pass rusher. Montgomery, a third-year player, was having his best camp before suffering an MCL injury against Seattle. If Montgomery rebounds quickly enough, he's in. If he has to go on the PUP list, Hunter is likely to survive.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES (5)

• Keep: Ryan Pickett, Corey Williams, Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell, Colin Cole.

• Cut: Daniel Muir.

This is the deepest and arguably the most talented position on Green Bay's roster. The Packers believe they have at least three players who are of starting caliber and will employ a rotation system. There is a chance Green Bay could trade a tackle and try shoring up an area of weakness such as tight end. If the Packers do so, Williams - a free agent at the end of the year - would be the most likely to go.

LINEBACKERS (6)

• Keep: A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brady Poppinga, Tracy White, Desmond Bishop, Abdul Hodge.

• Cut: Spencer Havner, Juwan Simpson, Tim Goodwell, Rory Johnson.

The starters - Hawk, Barnett and Poppinga - could develop into an upper echelon unit. White will return for a second season because he's one of Green Bay's best special teams players. Bishop, a sixth-round draft choice, has passed Hodge up in this camp as the top reserve in the middle. Bishop might also be able to play on the strong side. Hodge, a third-round pick in 2006, has been limited by patellar tendinitis in both knees. But because GM Thompson has a soft spot for linebackers, the guess is he'll keep six and Hodge will survive by a whisker.

CORNERBACKS (5)

• Keep: Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Jarrett Bush, Will Blackmon, Patrick Dendy.

• Cut: Tramon Williams, Frank Walker, Antonio Malone.

Woodson should have been a Pro Bowl pick a year ago. Harris is a solid complement. The pair rivals Chicago and Philadelphia for the best tandem in the NFC. Bush and Blackmon are young, ascending players who've had strong camps. Dendy, the No. 3 cornerback a year ago, has probably done enough to stick, but is unlikely to keep his job in the nickel. It's not unfathomable that Dendy could lose out to Williams, a practice-squad player last year who's clearly improved. Walker, Green Bay's only free-agent acquisition this off-season, has flopped and figures to be sent packing.

SAFETIES (4)

• Keep: Nick Collins, Atari Bigby, Marquand Manuel, Aaron Rouse.

• Cut: Marviel Underwood, Tyrone Culver, Charlie Peprah, Alvin Nnabuife.

Collins has Pro Bowl ability and is a lock at one starter. Bigby looked like the second coming of LeRoy Butler against Seattle and seems poised to win the job opposite Collins. Manuel, a starter last season, has been better this camp than any time in 2006. Manuel could be cut if he loses out to Bigby, but he's a Thompson favorite who will likely serve as a veteran backup. Rouse has shown little this summer, but survives because he was a third-round pick. Underwood is coming off a torn ACL and hasn't been nearly the player he was last summer. Because of that, his time could be up. Culver was Green Bay's No. 3 safety last season, but loses out in a numbers game this year.

SPECIALISTS (3)

• Keep: Kicker Mason Crosby, punter Jon Ryan, long-snapper Rob Davis.

• Cut: Kicker Dave Rayner, punter Ryan Dougherty.

The best battle in camp has come between the incumbent Rayner and the rookie Crosby. Their daily accuracy has been extremely close to date, but Crosby has the bigger leg and more upside. Rayner, who made a disappointing 74.3% of his attempts a year ago, will likely kick somewhere in the league. It just won't be in Green Bay. Ryan has been much more consistent this summer after changing to a two-step approach.

[Guiness]

I dunno about keeping only 2 QB's. Do we have any WR's or anyone who could fill in as an emergency QB?

Don't forget the game against NE last season when Rodgers went in, and broke his foot, after they took Favre out with a banged up elbow. Rodgers toughed it out, and stayed in, but if he'd come out...

[HarveyWallbangers]

I dunno about keeping only 2 QB's. Do we have any WR's or anyone who could fill in as an emergency QB?

WR Holiday was a QB at Notre Dame.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Roster analysis: Trades, waiver-wire pickups may be utilized to fill Packers' roster
By Pete Dougherty, Green Bay Press Gazette

Ted Thompson might be just as busy on the waiver wire and making trades at the end of this training camp as he was after last year's.

After final cuts last September, the Green Bay Packers' general manager picked up three players off waivers for his 53-man roster. This year, because injuries and shaky play have put his team in a roster bind at halfback, fullback and tight end, Thompson and his scouting staff are studying every team's game tapes especially close at those positions for possible trades or waiver pickups before the start of the regular season.

"That's what we're working on — we work on all positions all the times," Thompson said. "So, if we can upgrade, we will."

The Packers say they expect to get back halfback Vernand Morency, a likely significant contributor, by the regular-season opener. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

Regardless, along with injuries to halfbacks P.J. Pope and rookie halfback DeShawn Wynn, and fullbacks Ryan Powdrell and Brandon Miree, the team alarmingly is thin at both backfield positions only two weeks before the regular-season opener.

At tight end, the Packers are desperate for a third-stringer after being left thin by Tory Humphrey's season-ending broken leg early in camp, and the struggles of Zac Alcorn (blistered feet) and rookie Clark Harris.

Perhaps one or two of those problems will fix themselves —aybe Wynn returns from his thigh injury next week and performs well, for instance. Or Alcorn or Harris plays much better in the final two exhibition games. But there's at least as good a chance Thompson and his scouting staff will have to acquire a key backup or two.

The Packers might have some trade bait with their excess depth at the defensive line and secondary, if they can find someone who wants to deal.

"To do a trade," Thompson said, "you have to have two teams where what you have extra, they need, and what they have extra, you need. Nobody's going to be trading starting quarterbacks or anything like that. If you're looking for something at a particular position and fits what maybe another team is looking to do, it works out."

Following is a breakdown of the Packers' 87-man roster before the cuts to 75 on Aug. 28 and final cuts to 53 on Sept. 1.

Quarterbacks (2 or 3)

# Locks: Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers.

# On the bubble: Ingle Martin, Paul Thompson.

# Comment: In 2001, former coach and GM Mike Sherman carried only two quarterbacks the final six weeks of the season, and several NFL teams opened last season with only two quarterbacks on the roster. Ted Thompson never has done that, but even if it's not likely, it's something he might consider this year, especially if there's an extra defensive lineman or defensive back he values.

Undrafted rookie Paul Thompson shows some potential with a live arm and good mobility, and is pushing second-year pro Ingle Martin for the No. 3 job. But both have had their struggles in camp and especially the first two preseason games. Both are eligible for the practice squad. Considering Favre's historic durability, the Packers are as well equipped as any team to go with only two quarterbacks. Plus, with receiver Carlyle Holiday a strong bet to make the roster, the Packers at least would have an emergency quarterback who played the position in college, at Notre Dame.

Running backs (5 or 6)

# Locks: RB Brandon Jackson, RB Vernand Morency, FB Korey Hall.

# On the bubble: RB Noah Herron, RB-FB Corey White, FB Brandon Miree, RB DeShawn Wynn.

# Long shots: RB P.J. Pope, FB Erryn Cobb, FB Ryan Powdrell.

# Comment: The injuries to seventh-round pick Wynn (quadriceps pull) and second-year pro Pope (knee cartilage) helped blow up this position, because both are more talented than Herron, and the Packers hoped one of them would upgrade their No. 3 halfback. Instead, Herron holds that job for now. He's conscientious and dependable, but that still has to scare the Packers because of Morency's patellar-tendon injury sustained on the first day of camp. If Morency has more problems with his knee, or the rookie starter Jackson gets hurt, Herron would move up to the No. 2 job, where his pedestrian explosiveness is a liability.

The team also is hurting at fullback, where converted linebacker Korey Hall has made a fast transition as a rookie and will be the starter unless the Packers pick up a more experienced player at that position. Miree started camp slowly and then has been in and out of practice the last three weeks because of a nerve injury in his neck and shoulder. Powdrell, an undrafted rookie, lost whatever shot he had at making the roster with an MCL injury last week that will sideline him three to six weeks. Also, White hasn't done enough so far to warrant a job at a hybrid halfback-fullback and has only two games to change that.

Receivers (5 or 6)

# Locks: Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin.

# Good bet: Carlyle Holiday.

# On the bubble: David Clowney.

# Long shots: Chris Francies, Shaun Bodiford, Calvin Russell, Carlton Brewster.

# Comment: The third-round pick Jones has been one of the stars of training camp and a surprise to any scouts who considered him a late-round prospect. He's wrapped up the No. 3 receiving job and might provide a substantial upgrade from last year.

Martin and Holiday played well enough in camp to make injury-prone Robert Ferguson expendable. Neither is fast, but Martin is a big (6-foot-4) and polished receiver who could be a red-zone threat, and Holiday has become a good special-teams cover man.

Clowney, a fifth-round pick, is the best pure vertical threat on the roster and has improved as camp has gone on, but he's still raw and a better bet for the practice squad than the 53-man roster. Bodiford had a shot at a roster spot as a special-teams player and receiver prospect until his MCL injury last week against Seattle.

Tight end (3 or 4)

# Lock: Donald Lee, Bubba Franks.

# On the bubble: Zac Alcorn, Clark Harris.

# Long shot: Joe Werner.

# Comment: Lee, the new starter, has been a consistent receiver so far in camp, but this looks like a weak position overall. Franks, the best blocker of the group, looks a tad quicker this year and has had an OK camp after two sub-par years, but still has the same limitations with speed and agility that he's always had. He and Lee will share time and probably get plenty of snaps in two tight-end sets.

Alcorn supposedly has the best hands of the group, and the Packers had high hopes for him going into camp, but he hasn't distinguished himself. He gamely practiced through horrendous blistering on his feet, caused by excessive practice reps after injuries hit early in camp, and that's surely contributed to his struggles. But he'll need to play well in the last two games to win a roster spot.

Harris has been better lately but probably not good enough after an extremely slow start in camp. Joe Werner, the former UW-La Crosse basketball player, might warrant a shot on the practice squad. Humphrey probably was the best athlete of the group and might have won the No. 3 job if not for his broken leg.

Offensive line (9 or 10)

# Locks: T Chad Clifton, G Daryn Colledge, C Scott Wells, G Jason Spitz, T Mark Tauscher, G Allen Barbre.

# Good bets: G-T Junius Coston, T Tony Moll.

# On the bubble: C-T Tyson Walter, C-G Tony Palmer.

# Long shots: G-T Adam Stenavich, C C.J. Blomvall, G Pat Murray, G-T Travis Leffew, T Orrin Thompson.

# Comment: The fourth-round pick Barbre has been better than either Spitz or Colledge were last year as rookies. He could be a left guard or left tackle of the future.

Coston finally has made a nice jump in his third season, and with his versatility — he probably could play anywhere on the offensive line if needed — has all but locked up a backup job. Moll has had a tough camp, because he's still unpolished and has been in and out of practice since Aug. 7 because of a shoulder stinger. Still, he has too much potential to cut.

Palmer is one of the best drive blockers on the roster, so that could win him a job even though he's been slowed by a hamstring injury the past week. Walter's versatility to play several positions also could land him a job.

Defensive line (9 or 10)

# Locks: DE Aaron Kampman, DT Ryan Pickett, DT Justin Harrell, DE Cullen Jenkins, DT Corey Williams, DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.

# Good bets: DT Colin Cole, DT Johnny Jolly.

# On the bubble: DE Michael Montgomery, DE Jason Hunter, DE Larry Birdine.

# Long shots: DT Daniel Muir, DE DeVon Hicks.

# Comment: The Packers are deep enough at defensive tackle to warrant keeping five — Pickett, Harrell, Williams, Jolly and Cole. They could deal one of them, but Thompson values big men and might be loathe to leaving the position vulnerable to injuries.

Montgomery was having a good camp as a backup DE but probably will miss six weeks because of an MCL injury, so Thompson will have to decide whether to carry him on the roster while he recovers for the first month or more of the season, or place him on injured reserve. Hunter has played a big role on special teams and is a decent outside rusher who could replace Montgomery. Birdine, an undrafted rookie, has looked more like the good prospect he was early in his career at Oklahoma rather than the underachiever of the last couple years. He has some pass-rush talent that might make him worth keeping. Muir, another undrafted rookie, might have a decent shot at making the roster in past years, but unless there are injuries or trades appears out of luck this year.

Linebackers (5 or 6)

# Locks: WLB A.J. Hawk, MLB Nick Barnett, SLB Brady Poppinga.

# On the bubble: SLB Spencer Havner, WLB Tracy White, MLB Abdul Hodge, MLB Desmond Bishop, WLB Rory Johnson.

# Long shots: WLB Tim Goodwell, SLB Juwan Simpson.

# Comment: The starters are set and a strength of the defense, but the backups are a major concern. Hodge's patellar tendinitis in both knees has diminished his play and left him in a dead heat with Bishop for the backup job at middle linebacker. Bishop worked with the No. 2 defense this week in practice.

Havner could be a special-teams core player and is versatile enough to play two or three of the linebacker positions, so he has a decent shot at a job. White is a special-teams standout from the last two seasons and could win a spot on that account. Undrafted rookie Rory Johnson is the most physically gifted of the group and will get a long look the last two games now that he's close to fully recovered from an abdominal strain.

Defensive backs (9 or 10)

# Locks: CB Charles Woodson, CB Al Harris, S Nick Collins, S Atari Bigby, CB Jarrett Bush, S Aaron Rouse, CB Will Blackmon.

# On the bubble: S Marquand Manuel, S Charlie Peprah, S Tyrone Culver, CB Patrick Dendy, CB Frank Walker, CB Tramon Williams.

# Long shots: S Alvin Nnabuife, CB Antonio Malone.

# Comment: Bigby has a great shot at beating out Manuel for the starting job opposite Collins this week. If Bigby performs, Manuel could become trade bait or a possible cut. The Packers cut Marviel Underwood so they could get a longer look at Peprah and Culver before deciding whether either should be No. 4 safety if Manuel is expendable.

Similar to Bigby at safety, Bush has a chance to nail down the No. 3 cornerback job this week after replacing Dendy in that role in practice. He's been the third-best cornerback for most of camp. Blackmon, who has all but locked up the job as punt and kickoff returner, still could get consideration for that job as well. Williams and Walker will be battling Dendy for the fifth and likely final CB job. Dendy was the No. 3 last year and is assignment-sure, but didn't improve as much as Bush and Blackmon. Williams has flashed cover skills, especially early in camp. Walker, who received a $150,000 bonus as the Packers' only free-agent signee this offseason, hasn't played as well as projected and needs a big final two games to win a spot.

Specialists (3)

# Locks: P Jon Ryan, LS Rob Davis.

# On the bubble: K Dave Rayner, K Mason Crosby.

# Long shot: P Ryan Dougherty.

# Comment: Rayner and the sixth-round pick Crosby have been in a near dead heat for the kicking job all training camp. Crosby ultimately could get the nod because of his youth and perhaps slightly better long-term talent, but Rayner has a strong leg as well and kicked in Green Bay's climate for a year. Both have good temperaments for the job. The last two preseason games will be critical.

Ryan has adapted well to changing from a three-step punter to two steps and improved his hang times as well.

[CaliforniaCheez]

IT is no longer early and the Jacksonville game will likely be the deciding factor.

The Titans game is a nonfactor.

[Guiness]

I dunno about keeping only 2 QB's. Do we have any WR's or anyone who could fill in as an emergency QB?

WR Holiday was a QB at Notre Dame.

Didn't know that...why not then?

[HarveyWallbangers]

Late Stab At The Roster
By Harvey Wallbangers

QUARTERBACKS (2): Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers

Paul Thompson hasn't shown enough to keep on the roster. WR Carlyle Holiday can be the emergency QB.

RUNNING BACKS (4): Brandon Jackson, Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, DeShawn Wynn

If he shows anything against Tennessee, Wynn will make the roster.

FULLBACKS (2): Korey Hall, Brandon Miree

If Wynn falters, then Corey White has a good chance at making the roster as a combination RB/FB at the expense of Miree.

WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin, Carlyle Holiday, David Clowney

Clowney has looked better in practice recently, and if he can put together a good game against Tennessee, he may stick as a 6th WR. Interestingly, it may come down to whether Tony Moll is healthy enough at the start of the season. If Moll is healthy, the Packers can afford to go with 8 OL.

TIGHT ENDS (3): Donald Lee, Bubba Franks, Clark Harris

Zac Alcorn has had a year to improve, and it appears he hasn't taken that step. More than likely, both Harris and Alcorn get cut and a TE is picked up later in the week.

OFFENSIVE LINE (8): Chad Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, Mark Tauscher, Tony Moll, Allen Barbre, Junius Coston

If Moll returns before the opener, the Packers may keep only 8 OL. A healthy Moll and Coston could fill all 5 OL spots because of their versatility. If Moll is slow in returning, look for Tyson Walter to be on the team in the early part of the season. Tony Palmer had a good shot at making the team, but he's missed too much time to injury. Adam Stenavich is not out of the running yet.

DEFENSIVE ENDS (5): Aaron Kampman, Cullen Jenkins, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Mike Montgomery, Jason Hunter

Montgomery looked improved before his injury, and he should be able to return by the end of September, so he makes the team. The last spot is a tossup between Hunter and Larry Birdine.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES (5): Ryan Pickett, Johnny Jolly, Corey Williams, Justin Harrell, Colin Cole.

Daniel Muir still has a chance at winning a roster spot. The Packers may attempt to trade Cole or Muir for help at another position.

LINEBACKERS (6): A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brady Poppinga, Tracy White, Desmond Bishop, Spencer Havner

The guess here is that the Packers keep Havner or Rory Johnson. White is a good special teams player, but he's limited as a LB. Bishop looks like a MLB only at this point. Havner provides more versatility--while Johnson has more upside.

CORNERBACKS (5): Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Jarrett Bush, Will Blackmon, Frank Walker

The final corner spot looks to be between Walker and Patrick Dendy. Walker struggled early in camp, but has played well in the last two preseason games. Dendy has little upside, and the guess is that the Packers keep Walker.

SAFETIES (4): Nick Collins, Atari Bigby, Aaron Rouse, Charlie Peprah

Tyrone Culver and Marquand Manuel still have a shot, but this could come down to Peprah. If he has a good game against Tennessee, he likely beats out Culver and Manuel.

SPECIALISTS (3): Mason Crosby, Jon Ryan, Rob Davis.

Dave Rayner and Crosby are similar kickers, but Crosby has a little more upside. Crosby has been better on FGs--while Rayner has been slightly better on kickoffs. The Packers are hoping to get compensation for Rayner.

[Partial]

I think you have it 100% correct.

Birdline and Muir seem like pretty good players to cut unfortunately. That is a good problem to have, though.