GREEN BAY, Wis. — After having fumble problems on punt returns, the Green Bay Packers released Amari Rodgers on Tuesday. He was a third-round pick in 2021.
“Amari, that one hurts a lot,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “I know how much this meant to him and he did everything we asked him to do. He was a great teammate. He worked his tail off. You could see him really grow and I feel for him. He’s a guy I got a lot of respect for and care for deeply. I’m confident he’s going to get another shot.”
In the locker room, Amari Rodgers’ release hit Randall Cobb particularly hard. Cobb has known Rodgers for years and had Rodgers’ father, Tee Martin, as his position coach in college at Kentucky.
“It was very unfortunate, but that’s the business that we’re in,” said Cobb. “I love the kid. He’s a great kid. He goes about things the right way, he prepares the right way, he puts in extra work, but this is a production-based business. I wish him well. I hope whatever opportunity comes, or wherever life takes him, that he continues to press and be the best version of himself.”
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers added people should keep in mind this decision affects a person’s livelihood.
“As much as there’s criticism from outside the building, and some people probably think that this is warranted, they’re excited about it,” Aaron Rodgers said. “You’re talking about a person’s livelihood, a person’s life, feelings, ego, memories. So a little sensitivity would go a long way, because we’re talking about people, not just numbers on the jersey that you watch on Sundays.”
Packers running back A.J. Dillon said the loss of Amari Rodgers isn’t easy.
“It’s tough because you grow such a good relationship, being with those guys all the time,” said Dillon. “We all do understand that’s the business at the end of the day. Try to reach out and make sure he’s doing all right. It’s sad to see him go.”
The Packers brought in Dede Westbrook to the practice squad. He has punt returning experience, but may not be able to get up to speed by Thursday.
Keisean Nixon replaced Rodgers on punt returns during Sunday’s game. He said he’s ready for whatever the Packers decide.
“I’m excited,” said Nixon. “They put me back there. I don’t know the plan for this week. That kind of was on the fly last week, but yeah, I’m excited for it.”
The Packers also released running back Kylin Hill, a seventh round pick in 2021. Patrick Taylor was promoted from the practice squad.
There’s not much time for the Packers to enjoy Sunday’s comeback win over Dallas. The Packers host the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night. The 6-3 Titans are in first place in the AFC South.
“We got a great challenge this week,” said LaFleur. “This is one of the most stout defenses in the National Football League, especially when you’re talking about stopping the run. So it’ll be a great challenge for us. You’re only as good as your last game. So new game, new opportunity. We’ll see what happens.”
At halftime Thursday night, the Packers will honor Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler of the Spectrum News Roundtable. His name will be revealed on the Lambeau Field facade by the other Pro Football Hall of Famers.
“It’s long overdue,” said Aaron Rodgers. “I’m really happy for him. He’s a Packers staple. I love the fact that we keep so many of our own tight in the family. He’s around. He came and gave us a great speech during training camp, and I really appreciated his words. Excited for him. It’s got to be a great honor not just to go in, but to get honored at the stadium that you played at. And obviously, he made the Lambeau Leap famous.”