As NFL teams face the Sunday, August 30, 2026 deadline to trim rosters from 90 to 53 players, the Green Bay Packers have begun releasing notable figures including safety Mark Perry and long snapper Cal Adomitis, while general manager Brian Gutekunst works through final evaluations ahead of the upcoming regular season.
NFL cutdown day brings sweeping changes across all 32 franchises as front offices finalize their 53-man regular-season rosters by the league-mandated deadline. In Green Bay, head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst are sorting through evaluations gathered across training camp, one joint practice, and three preseason games.
Unlike previous seasons when cutdowns extended to Tuesday, the 2026 calendar tightened the timeline significantly to Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. For the Packers, that meant evaluating roughly three dozen roster spots on Sunday alone following a Saturday move to acquire tight end Jonnu Smith that cost safety Tra Fluellen his roster spot.
Mark Perry, Cal Adomitis, and Early Roster Decisions in Green Bay
Among the notable transactions, the Packers released safety Mark Perry, who logged standout preseason moments including an interception in Denver and a crucial fourth-and-goal tackle against Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. Perry remains a strong candidate for the practice squad if he clears waivers.
At long snapper, the team released Cal Adomitis, who handled snapping duties through the preseason while Matt Orzech recovered from a calf injury. That move signals coaching staff confidence that Orzech will be healthy and ready for Week 1.
The club also cut cornerback Shemar Bartholomew, who joined the practice squad in December 2025 and saw action in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings. Offensive tackle Brant Banks, who signed a reserve/future contract in January, was waived alongside undrafted rookie linebacker TJ Quinn after a preseason featuring 12 total tackles and a forced fumble on special teams.
Josh Jacobs Status and Offensive Depth Chart Adjustments
Offensive roster construction hinges largely on backfield stability and health. Regarding running back Josh Jacobs and his recent charges of battery and criminal damage to property, LaFleur addressed the situation directly before the cutdown deadline.
If the NFL suspends Jacobs before the roster deadline, he would shift to the reserve/suspended list without consuming a 53-man spot according to projections, potentially opening immediate opportunities for Pierre Strong Jr., MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks.
Michael Sturdivant put up 112 receiving yards in Week 3 of the preseason, marking the most productive preseason outing for a Packers receiver since 2011 and cementing his standing over Isaiah Neyor.
Building Out the 16-Player Practice Squad on Monday
While trimming down to 53 players demands difficult choices on Sunday, the evaluation cycle continues immediately. Once the league waiver period expires on Monday, teams gain authorization to establish their 16-player practice squads.
Developmental prospects like Quinn, Perry, and Adomitis stand as prime candidates to return to the organization should they clear waivers, giving Green Bay structural depth as preparations turn toward the opening game of the regular season.
Читайте также
