4 Surprise Cut Candidates For The Green Bay Packers
![Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath (18) does a Lambeau Leap during Family Night on Aug. 5, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath (18) does a Lambeau Leap during Family Night on Aug. 5, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ec63a945c3f5ea9efe954343a6268228b42eb22aeb10f066d83f72ac3cb8acac.jpg)
As a rookie in 2021, Royce Newman impressively earned the starting nod for all 16 games at right guard for the Green Bay Packers. Carrying that momentum into 2022, he secured an additional six consecutive starts at the season’s start. However, the present reality finds him teetering on the precipice of losing his cherished roster spot.
Such is the swift and unforgiving nature of the NFL.
For Newman, a fourth-round draft pick, the ability to string together accomplishments and exhibit marked progress in his role as a guard has proven elusive. His ongoing struggles with handling stunts, an issue evident since his debut, have become a chink in his armor, exploited repeatedly by opposing teams.
These four players on the Green Bay Packers could be unexpectedly left off the initial 53-man roster at the end of August.
His potential lifeline might hinge on the Packers’ less-than-ideal depth at the guard position. With Elgton Jenkins showcasing his prowess and Jon Runyan holding down a dependable starting role, the options thin out considerably thereafter.
In the event of an injury, the cupboard appears rather bare. Sean Rhyan, the lone other potentially serviceable player in the lineup, struggled mightily during his rookie season, casting doubts over his reliability. If the Packers are willing to entrust Zach Tom and other alternatives to shift inside if the need arises, it could leave Newman on the outskirts as the Packers finalize their 53-player roster on August 29.
Three additional names could unexpectedly find themselves on the chopping block.