Green Bay Packers Roster Cuts: Key Players Released Path to 53-Man Roster
As the Green Bay Packers work toward the league-mandated 53-player roster limit under general manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur, the franchise announced a wave of roster cuts and transactions on August 31, 2026. According to reports from Packers Wire and beat writers including Bill Huber, Ryan Wood, and Tom Silverstein, the club trimmed several notable prospects and veterans following a full training camp and three preseason games.
The timeline to the regular season forces difficult decisions across the organization. While initial cuts hit various position groups hard, many waived athletes remain prime candidates for the team’s 16-player practice squad once the waiver period expires.
Offensive Cuts and Skill Position Adjustments
The offensive side of the ledger saw significant changes as Green Bay refined its depth chart. According to Packers Wire, the team released offensive lineman Darian Kinnard, offensive tackle Brant Banks, and offensive lineman Dalton Cooper. Additional trench depth departures included Dillon Wade, Josh Gesky, and Dylan Barrett, as reported by Tom Silverstein and Aaron Wilson.
At the skill positions, running back Damien Martinez and running back Jaden Nixon were cut, alongside wide receivers Kaden Prather, Kisean Johnson, Chris Hilton Jr., and Will Sheppard. Sheppard notably flashed during the preseason with two touchdown passes and an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown, yet still found himself among the cuts alongside Isaiah Neyor, who was tracked by Tom Pelissero.
Tight end depth was also reshaped. According to reporting from Bill Huber, tight ends Messiah Swinson, Drake Dabney, and McCallan Castles were released, while Thomas Yassmin is expected to go on the injured reserve list. Meanwhile, the Packers traded quarterback Kyle McCord to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick, and finalized a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for running back Kaleb Johnson.
Defensive and Special Teams Roster Moves
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s unit experienced notable subtractions as well. According to Bill Huber and Ryan Wood, defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse, edge rusher Arron Mosby, and edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly were let go. The team also parted ways with defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy and edge rusher Arden Walker.
In the secondary and linebacker corps, the Packers released safeties Tra Fluellen and Mark Perry, alongside cornerbacks Shemar Bartholomew, Domani Jackson, and MJ Devonshire. Sixth-round rookie draft pick Domani Jackson missed time during camp with a core muscle injury before struggling in the preseason, leading to his release ahead of the waiver period. Linebackers TJ Quinn and Kristian Welch also joined the list of released players, alongside long snapper Cal Adomitis.
As the waiver period concludes, Green Bay will finalize its initial 53-man roster and begin assembling its practice squad to prepare for the 2026 regular season. The fluid nature of the NFL calendar ensures that personnel evaluations will continue long after the initial deadline passes.