Acme Packing Company
The Green Bay Packers announced on Monday that the team has released linebacker Kristian Welch, which is a surprise. Already, the Packers are going to gain an extra roster spot on the 53-man roster because tight end Tucker Kraft will eventually go on the injured reserve with a torn ACL. Beyond that, Welch was released instead of offensive lineman Jacob Monk, offensive lineman Donovan Jennings, defensive tackle Warren Brinson and kicker Lucas Havrisik, who were all healthy scratches in the loss to the Carolina Panthers.
With Nick Niemann on the injured reserve and Welch released, the Packers only have four linebackers on the active roster: Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie and Ty’Ron Hopper. It’s going to be tough for the team to only carry four on their 48-man gameday roster, considering how many special teams snaps defenders, particularly linebackers, play. Both Niemann and Welch, who replaced Niemann, were significant contributors in the kicking game.
Welch played nine special teams snaps last week, only beaten by McDuffie and defensive tackle Karl Brooks.
Keep an eye out for a corresponding roster move, because the Packers are going to use this open roster spot for something. Welch will not be subject to waivers because he’s a vested veteran. There’s a possibility that he returns to Green Bay’s practice squad before practice on Wednesday.
