Every year, the Green Bay Packers have contributors from previous teams who get injured in training camp and then get released. This year will probably be no different.
In fact, the Packers cut last year’s starting safety, Charlie Peprah, before camp even began, when he proved slow to recover from from an injury he suffered last season. Here’s a look at the guys who need to get on the field or they’ll probably find themselves on the chopping block.
Frank Zombo
A one-time starter at outside linebacker, Zombo has been dealing with a hamstring injury throughout camp. He failed his physical when camp started and hasn’t been on the field yet. That doesn’t bode well for Zombo, who would have faced an uphill battle to make the roster anyway. The Packers added Nick Perry at outside linebacker and holdover Erik Walden has been playing well. Throw in undrafted rookie Dezman Moses and Zombo’s only shot to stick with the Packers is probably by going on injured reserve.
Sam Shields
Last season’s nickel back has been out since early August with an elbow injury. He returned to practice Sunday, but he has a lot of ground to make up. When he’s been on the field, Shields has been outplayed by fellow backups Jarrett Bush, Davon House and Casey Hayward. With House now injured, Shields has an opportunity to restate his case, but he’d better do it soon.
Andrew Quarless
God’s Gifts, as his arm tattoo says, suffered a pretty horrific knee injury in December. The tight end won’t be ready to play anytime soon, so he could end up on the physically unable to perform list. Quarless could also end up on injured reserve, which means he’d miss the entire season. The latter seems the likely scenario, but there’s no guarantee Quarless will play another down for the Packers. They’re well-stocked at tight end.
Brandon Saine
Saine made the roster as an undrafted rookie last season, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he didn’t make it this season. However, the Packers genuinely seemed to like what Saine was doing last season. Unfortunately for him, he’s been dealing with a hamstring injury during camp. With Cedric Benson, Alex Green and James Starks, assuming he gets healthy, there doesn’t seem to be room for Saine.
I agree with all of these. I think James Starks will be feeling some pressure too. He was really stinking up the joint before he was hurt. One positive – it is good to have a better option to go to!
As I have been saying, I don’t see Shields in trouble. You can’t have too many CBs in a division with the Lions.
Frank Zombo is gone.
Quarless is going to the IR.
And Seine is either gone or to the PS.
Saine might be ineligible for practice squad because of the amount of playing time he received during last season.
Starks was “really stinking up the joint”? For god sakes it was 1 game in the preseason in which he had 6 carries, yeah he dropped a pass and fumbled, but I don’t think the Packers are too concerned, dear God, relax.
I think Saine will make the team, if for no other reason than injury concerns at RB (not to mention he does everything well, just doesn’t excel at anything in particular).