The Green Bay Packers are entering the final stretch of their preseason, and while optimism is high about their young core, tough decisions still loom. By the end of training camp, every NFL team must trim its roster down to 53 players, and that process always comes with difficult goodbyes.
For the Packers, a few notable names could be on the chopping block. Some are veterans who haven’t lived up to expectations, while others are younger players squeezed out by depth at their positions. Here’s a closer look at three players who may not survive the final cutdown.
Mecole Hardman
When Green Bay signed Mecole Hardman, the front office hoped his speed and playoff experience from Kansas City and New York would add another dimension to their wide receiver group. Unfortunately, the fit has been awkward from the start.
Hardman has struggled to separate himself in practice and preseason action, and with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs all firmly ahead of him, his role has shrunk dramatically. The Packers also have younger receivers fighting for a chance, making Hardman’s spot even more vulnerable.
His contract doesn’t guarantee him much security, and unless he delivers a last-minute spark, the veteran could be one of the more surprising names left off the roster.
Isaiah Simmons
Simmons arrived in Green Bay with plenty of intrigue. Drafted in the first round by Arizona in 2020, he was once viewed as one of the most versatile defensive prospects in football. The Packers hoped a change of scenery might help unlock his potential.
So far, though, the experiment hasn’t panned out. Simmons has flashed athleticism but hasn’t carved out a clear role—too inconsistent in coverage to stick at safety and too undersized to thrive as a full-time linebacker. With Quay Walker, De’Vondre Campbell, and a wave of younger defenders ahead of him, Simmons has been caught in roster limbo.
His pedigree will likely earn him another shot somewhere else, but the Packers’ defensive depth may leave him without a seat in Green Bay.
Micah Robinson
Robinson’s story is a little different. A mid-round draft pick, he came into camp hoping to fight for a backup role on the defensive line. While his effort hasn’t been questioned, he has struggled to produce impact plays, and preseason film hasn’t shown the kind of disruption coaches wanted to see.
The Packers’ defensive line rotation is already crowded, and Robinson’s lack of versatility hurts his chances. Green Bay will likely prefer keeping veterans who can anchor the run defense or younger players who have flashed more upside. Robinson could be a candidate for the practice squad, but making the 53-man roster feels unlikely at this stage.
The Bigger Picture
Every preseason, roster cuts are a harsh reminder of how competitive the NFL is. Talented athletes, even former first-rounders like Simmons or experienced playmakers like Hardman, can quickly find themselves on the outside looking in.
For the Packers, these decisions are less about talent in isolation and more about how each player fits into the long-term plan. With a young quarterback in Jordan Love and a core of ascending receivers and defenders, the team is looking to build around youth, chemistry, and consistency.
That means veterans who don’t immediately deliver, or rookies who fail to flash enough potential, often become expendable. As the preseason finale wraps up, fans should brace for a few recognizable names to be released.
The official roster deadline is set for August 26, and until then, Green Bay’s coaches and front office will be making some of their toughest calls of the summer.