Two unexpected standouts of the Green Bay Packers preseason will be released during final roster cuts on Tuesday.
According to Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com, the Packers are releasing defensive lineman Chris Slayton. And according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, the Packers are also releasing cornerback Kiondre Thomas.
Both players are considered to be strong practice squad candidates in Green Bay.
Slayton, previously a seventh-round pick of the Giants in 2019, produced 12 tackles, five total pressures and a team-high six stops, or tackles constituting a failure for the offense, per Pro Football Focus.
Depth along the defensive line made it tough on Slayton and Jack Heflin, who was also released. The Packers have five roster locks and may not want to keep six on the initial 53-man roster.
Thomas made a strong run at a roster spot at cornerback. He was strong in coverage, allowing just one catch on seven targets for eight yards over 65 coverage snaps, per PFF. He added two run stops and two special teams tackles.
Like the defensive line, the Packers probably have five roster locks at cornerback, complicating the path for Thomas. It’s possible Rico Gafford will make the team as the No. 6 option.
Getting Slayton and Thomas back on the practice squad would help bolster the depth at both spots. They will go on waivers but are likely to return if they go unclaimed.
Track all the Packers’ roster cuts on Tuesday here.
