Shields Playing Nickel, Lee In Danger Of Getting Cut
Shields breaks up a pass to Pierre Garcon in Thursday's game
Undrafted free agent cornerback Sam Shields looks like he’s just about locked up a roster spot on the Green Bay Packers.
Pat Lee, a former second-round pick, looks like he’s in danger of getting cut.
Shields served as the Packers nickel cornerback during Sunday’s practice. While some sources have suggested he could soon be taking over that role, that doesn’t appear to be entirely accurate. Brandon Underwood, who’s served as the nickel back since camp opened, suffered a shoulder injury in Thursday night’s game and didn’t practice on Sunday. It’s unclear how long Underwood will be out.
Shields’ elevation does however signal impending doom for Lee.
Lee opened camp as the dime back, but when you take into account the fact Shields played more with the No. 1 defense on Thursday and today’s practice, it’s clear Lee has been surpassed by Shields.
Lee played with the third string defense on Sunday, along with D.J. Clark. Shields and Jarrett Bush, who is looking a lot like a cockroach these days, played with the No. 2 defense.
Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams will line up as the starters when the Packers open at Philadelphia on Sept. 12. Either Underwood or Shields will be third, since Al Harris won’t be ready for the season opener.
Bush now looks to have an edge on Lee for what will be the final roster spot at cornerback, unless the Packers decide to put Harris on the physically unable to perform list. Harris would have to be far from returning in order for that to happen, since the Packers wouldn’t be able to activate him for the first six weeks of the season.
That scenario appears unlikely. Harris should be able to start practicing this week or next, meaning he’ll occupy a roster spot and either Lee or Bush will be released.
[ad#totalpackers468x60]
ugh, just cut Jarrett Bush already!!! Pat Lee has been injured most of his career, he needs to get a shot at what he can do in the season, not preseason. we all know what Bush can do. Get beat by just about anyone and create stupid penalties on ST. Just cut Bush and give Lee a chance. hes a 2nd round pick btw, i wouldnt let him go just yet.
Jarrett Bush has not really done anything to deserve getting cut this season and he’s been a good performer on special teams overall…however, TT does like to hold onto draft picks and give them extended chances so we’ll see!
Why can’t they find a guy better than these two? Oh yeah, they forgot to draft a CB in the 2010 NFL Draft – that’s why! Also, let’s not forget that a team like Cincinnati may let go of a decent corner because they have no space for ‘a guy’.
I seam to remember some stupid penalties and poor coverage on the part of Jarrett Bush against the Seahawks. I can’t think of a reason to keep him unless no one else is healthy. I’d rather take my chances with Shields and Martin at gunner.
I’m not in agreement the logic in this post. Underwood has a shoulder injury of undetermined severity. I think that means that Lee has even more job security, despite the emergence of Shields. You can never have enough good DB’s. At some point, Al will return in some capacity. Perhaps it’s nickel as he’s eased into it. I don’t see him replacing Williams just for continuity’s sake. So, if we’ve got Charles, Tramon, Al, and Shields – that’s the dime package. Keep Lee on there for insurance. Perhaps he’s inactive a bit. I think TT learned his lesson last year by IR’ing him.