Packers release LB Tariq Carpenter, DL Jonathan Ford from 53-man roster
To make room for tight end Ben Sims and safety Zayne Anderson, who were claimed off waivers on Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers released linebacker Tariq Carpenter and defensive lineman Jonathan Ford.
Carpenter and Ford were both seventh-round picks and members of the 2022 draft class. At least on the initial roster, all 11 picks from the 2022 class made the team. The number now drops to nine of 11.
Rob Demovsky of ESPN reported Carpenter’s release earlier Wednesday. Despite his value on special teams, Carpenter struggled in his transition to linebacker this summer. Ford, who improved greatly to start his second season, was the sixth defensive lineman on the depth chart, giving him a tenuous hold on a roster spot.
The transaction shows the cruel twist of the “initial” 53-man roster. While both Carpenter and Ford made the team on Tuesday, their roster spots were gone by Wednesday because the Packers liked two other players released by other teams on Tuesday.
Brian Gutekunst said players generally know the realities of the NFL. Players aren’t just competing against teammates in camp but players from the other 31 NFL teams as well. In this case, the Packers valued Sims as an athletic, inline tight end and the special teams ability of Anderson over Carpenter and Ford on the 53-man roster.
It’s possible the Packers will bring back one or both on the practice squad. The team has an open practice squad spot after signing 16 players on Wednesday, including International Pathway Program participant Kenneth Odumegwu, who gets an exemption.
