Packers: Pros and cons to 53-man roster and practice squad

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 28: Matt Breida #22 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Shemar Jean-Charles #22 and teammate Christian Uphoff #40, both of the Green Bay Packers, during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Pro: Wide receiver depth, getting EQ on practice squad

Wide receiver is one of the deepest positions on the Packers’ roster. Although the final cut was made easier with the injury of Devin Funchess, there were still a number of guys who were worthy of spots on the roster. The good news is the Packers were able to keep their top eight guys with Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers, Randall Cobb and Malik Taylor making the roster while Equanimous St. Brown, Juwann Winfree, and Chris Blair were added to the practice squad.

That kind of depth is unprecedented across the NFL landscape and the Packers should be more than okay at receiver this year. Even better, they were able to slip St. Brown onto the practice squad, as he missed most of training camp with an injury. He still carries some upside at this point in his career.

Con: Not getting Christian Uphoff on practice squad or roster

One of the fiercest battles in the blogosphere was whether Christian Uphoff or Innis Gaines would make the team as the fifth safety. It turns out the answer was neither. However, Green Bay did add Gaines to their practice squad while Uphoff was left off it altogether. That’s a disappointing move, as Uphoff showed athleticism and potential on special teams. I’m sure the coaching staff knows a lot better than I do, however.

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