What to Know: Packers cut Amari Rodgers and Kylin Hill
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers made a pair of roster cuts on Tuesday—one surprising and one not so much.
The team announced that they decided to move on from wide receiver Amari Rodgers and running back Kylin Hill.
Rodgers had been given more than his fair share of opportunities as a punt returner but would again fumble against the Dallas Cowboys, which was the seventh of his short career. In addition to his blunders with the ball in his hands, he didn’t bring any big-play potential that may have warranted more opportunities.
Those issues, coupled with his limited role on offense, left Rodgers without any defined playing time. He is now another on what is becoming a long list of Brian Gutekunst draft picks that have not panned out.
In regards to who will take over those punt return responsibilities, Matt LaFleur said we would find out Thursday night, but Keisean Nixon took those snaps against Dallas after Rodgers was benched. Another option includes Samori Toure.
The decision to cut Hill was definitely more of a surprise, as he had just been activated off the PUP list two weeks ago. Ultimatley, this decision may have come down to special teams play.
With Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon being the primary ball carriers, there are really no offensive snaps to go around. Over the last two games, Hill saw only snaps on the kick coverage unit, while Patrick Taylor, who appeared in seven games this season, played in n multiple special teams units.
With Taylor still having two practice squad elevations remaining, the Packers could choose to roster just two running backs on the 53-man for the time being. Another running back on the practice squad is Tyler Goodson, although with no snaps on offense to go around and Taylor being the better teams player, I’d expect him to get that opportunity.
With these moves, the Packers have two roster spots open at the moment. One will likely go to Randall Cobb, who is eligible to come off IR this week. The other is more up in the air with the unknown of how many running backs the Packers will roster.