The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported earlier this month that Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green had heard his name pop up in trade whispers. Ultimately, he won't be shopped -- but he will be cut.
Green announced Saturday, via Twitter, that he's no longer on the team, and the Packers later confirmed the running back had been released.
On the surface, Green's departure is an intriguing piece of business, considering he opened training camp taking first-team snaps. But a crowded backfield and the emergence of rookie Eddie Lacy quickly pushed the third-year back into roster-bubble territory. Green's vanilla preseason play did the rest, as he managed just 71 yards on 21 attempts.
NFL roster cut tracker
Teams had until 6 p.m. ET on Saturday to reduce their rosters to a maximum of 53 players. Who was cut?
With DuJuan Harris lost for the season to a knee injury, Packers coach Mike McCarthy obviously is sold on Lacy's ability to roll with the starters. It's also a sign that former New York Jets runner Joe McKnight impressed the Packers during his workout Saturday. Rounding out the backfield are James Starks and underwhelming rookie Johnathan Franklin, who appear safe for now.
The Packershaven't been afraid to shake things up. Parting ways with Green -- their third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft -- is another interesting move on paper, but less so if McKnight has a place on the final 53.
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