Roster

The Green Bay Press Gazette reports that the Packers signed tight end Matthew Mulligan to a one-year contract on Sunday. He will compete for the No. 2 tight end job behind Jermichael Finley, but Mulligan is better known for his blocking than receiving. Mulligan, 28, has played in all 16 regular-season games in each of the past two seasons, including last year with the Rams when he posted career-highs with nine starts, eight catches for 84 yards and a touchdown.

After the Packers selected both Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin in the NFL draft, the team has reportedly put running back James Starks on the trade block.

The Green Bay Packers selected UCLA defensive end Datone Jones with the 26th pick in the first round of the NFL draft. The Packers addressed one of their positions in greatest need of an upgrade by taking Jones. The 6-foot-4, 283-pound Jones had 19 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks for UCLA in a breakout season in 2012 as a fifth-year senior.

With the Packers leading 48-0, backup quarterback Graham Harrell gave starter Aaron Rodgers a breather in the fourth quarter Week 16 against the Titans and even led the Packers to another touchdown. He mostly just handed the ball off to Ryan Grant, though. Statistically, he went 1 for 2 for 9 yards.

The Cardinals began to cut their roster down to 75 players Friday, after Thursday's preseason game against the Titans. Among the players on the way out were: wide receivers Gino Crump, and Tre Gray and Jaymar Johnson; running backs Jared Crank, Thomas Clayton and Reagan Maui'a; defensive backs Eddie Elder, Marshay Green and James Nixon; linebackers Marcus McGraw, Zack Nash and Paul Vassallo; and defensive lineman Landon Cohen.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

The Oakland Raiders made their first round of cuts Monday and released the following players: linebacker Korey Bosworth; defensive lineman Mason Brodine; defensive back Aaron Henry; defensive lineman Wayne Dorsey; defensive back Chaz Powell; defensive back Terrail Lambert; wide receiver Thomas Mayo; wide receiver Dre Muhammad; quarterback Kyle Newhall-Caballero; running back Manase Tonga; and running back Rashawn Jackson.

The Packers are set to release defensive back Charles Woodson after he spent seven years in Green Bay. The news first appeared on the Twitter feed for Woodson's winery -- "Thank you Green Bay it was a great run!" -- and NFL Network reported that Carl Poston, Woodson's agent, said "They're getting ready to release him. It's part of the business." Wooson, 36, spent the first eight years of his NFL career in Oakland. The former Michigan star won the Heisman Trophy in 1997 and was the fourth player taken in the 1998 NFL Draft. He's an eight-time Pro Bowler, an NFL Defensive Player of the Year as well as a Super Bowl champion. Woodson, who moved to safety late in his career after playing cornerback, has 55 interceptions and is undoubtedly a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But conversations about Canton are premature; Poston said that Woodson "Sounds like he has a lot of football left," and that his client would "like to go play for a contender, win another Super Bowl. He caught that bug."

The Packers have signed Sederrik Cunningham, a 5-foot-11, 192-pound receiver out of Furman.

Linebacker Brad Jones re-signed with the Packers.

Packers defensive back Sam Shields came up big early on during Saturday's NFC Divisional Playoff game at San Francisco. Shields picked off a Colin Kaepernick pass and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown. He also registered four tackles and defended two passes in a 45-31 victory.

With the second of their two seventh-round compensatory picks, the Packers drafted B.J. Coleman, a quarterback from Chattanooga. Coleman (6-foot-3, 232 pounds) has an impressive physique, a strong (though inaccurate) arm and good mechanics. He's intelligent and an eager learner, which is good because he has much to absorb transitioning from Chattanooga to the NFL. Playing at the FCS-level, Coleman had a 52-31 career TD-INT ratio and only completed 57.4 percent of his passes. But the Packers like his intangibles, including size and character.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers tight end Jermichael Finley could see his role change this year with Greg Jennings gone. Finley could be used more in the slot and/or out wide as a receiver.

Packers DL Ryan Pickett left Week 14 against the Raiders due to a concussion. He recorded four tackles before being forced from the game.

The Packers have re-signed linebacker Robert Francois.

Packers defensive lineman Jerel Worthy suffered a concussion Week 8 vs. Jacksonville. He had no stats before leaving the game.

Packers rookie defensive linemen Mike Daniels turned in his best performance of the season as he scored his first career touchdown during Sunday's contest against the Lions in Week 14. Daniels scooped up a loose ball and returned it 43 yards to the house for a touchdown. Outside of that, he finished with just one tackle in a 27-20 victory. "[Mike] Daniels' play was the momentum shift for us that we needed," head coach Mike McCarthy said. "That was a big play."

Cornerback and special teams ace Jarrett Bush has agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Green Bay Packers, according to his agent.

Packers receiver Randall Cobb told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he's just getting started to put up numbers. With it looking like Cobb will no longer work on returns, the door is open for him to once again lead the Packers in receptions and receiving yards. "I really don’t think I've peaked yet," Cobb said. "I'm 22 years old. I've got a lot of learning still to do. I have a long way to go and I just hope I continue to get better over the next years. ... I think definitely with Donald (Driver) retiring and Greg (Jennings) leaving, it's definitely going to be a lot more weight on me, James and Jordy's shoulders. But we’re taking on the challenge head-on. We've been really excited to get back and work."

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers running back Alex Green still has designs on starting this season even though Green Bay added rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin. "Last year, I didn't do anything too good in the running game," Green said, "so I think it was a great thing for us to get back out there, make a step in the draft and help the team win football games." The report says maybe Green is at peace because he's finally healthy after a torn ACL suffered seven games into his rookie season in 2011. Last offseason, Green hurried back from the injury - prematurely, he admits now - to compete for carries in training camp. He did earn an on-again, off-again role as the team's No. 1 back. But by December the knee was sore and swollen and Green finished the 2012 season on the sideline. At no point, Green said, was he 100 percent last season. "No, I wasn't, I wasn't," Green said. "I came back, I got close to it, but once I got close, then I had a couple setbacks. I was never really quite where I wanted to be, but I made great strides in the off-season. I'm definitely getting ready for this year."

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk, who entered the game with only one sack all season, recorded two Week 16 against the Titans. He also had seven tackles, including six solo.

Packers receiver Donald Driver will announce his retirement on Feb. 6, the team announced. Driver is the Packers all-time leading receiver in receptions and yards and a member of the Super Bowl XLV championship team. "I played my entire career in Green Bay and have always enjoyed a special bond with the fans," said Driver. "I can think of no better way to retire than to celebrate with them and the Packers organization."

Packers defensive back Tramon Williams finished with just two tackles in Week 11 against the Lions, the second game in a row he has had that total. He had no other stats in a 24-20 win.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Green Bay signed running back DuJuan Harris and wide receiver Jeremy Ross to the active roster Saturday. They were on the practice squad. The Packers placed tight end Andrew Quarless (knee) and safety Sean Richardson (back) on injured reserve, ending their seasons in corresponding moves.

Green bay cornerback Davon House told reporters that he is hopeful of playing come Week 1 of the regular season against the 49ers. House suffered a separated left shoulders and will not require surgery. "What I was told, if it was to pop out again, then I'll have to get surgery," House said. "As long as it doesn't pop out again, I'll play with the harness on. Hopefully it doesn't pop out at all."

Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson failed to get it going early on as he endured a rough performance during Saturday's NFC Divisional Playoff game against the 49ers. He was unable to come up with a grab in the first quarter but bounced back with a decent second half. Nelson was targeted seven times and finished with five catches for 46 yards in a 45-31 defeat.

Green Bay signed running back DuJuan Harris and wide receiver Jeremy Ross to the active roster Saturday. They were on the practice squad. The Packers placed tight end Andrew Quarless (knee) and safety Sean Richardson (back) on injured reserve, ending their seasons in corresponding moves.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.

On Monday, the 49ers waived fullback Cameron Bell, linebacker Kourtnei Brown, defensive tackle Patrick Butrym, wide reciever Ben Hannula, wide receiver Joe Hastings, defensive tackle Matthew Masifilo, cornerback Cory Nelms, cornerback Deante’ Purvis, tight end Joe Sawyer, kicker Giorgio Tavecchio and wide receiver Brian Tyms.

The Packers and linebacker Clay Matthews agreed to terms on a five-year extension, keeping him with the team through 2018. Matthews had 13.0 sacks last season with 43 total tackles and three passes defensed.

Packers running back Ryan Grant collected seven carries for seven yards during Green Bay's 24-10 win over Minnesota in an NFC Wild Card matchup Saturday night. Grant, who was playing in his fifth game since being picked up by Green Bay in early December, also registered a 16-yard catch on his lone target from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. DuJuan Harris paced the Packers' running game with 17 carries for 47 yards and a score.

Packers defensive back Morgan Burnett led his team in tackles in Week 17 against the Vikings. He recorded seven solo tackles in the 37-34 loss.

Packers defensive back Casey Hayward intercepted his fourth pass in five games Sunday against the Lions in Week 11. Hayward added four tackles -- three solo -- in a 24-20 win.

Linebacker Desmond Bishop told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he plans to be "110 percent" for training camp. He's working his way back from a torn hamstring.

Hamstring - Questionable for start of training camp

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Packers kicker Mason Crosby wasn't asked to do much during Saturday's NFC Divisional Playoff game at San Francisco. He converted a 32-yard kick in the third quarter for his only field goal attempt of the night. Crosby also added four extra points in a 45-31 defeat.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Packers have released running back Brandon Saine.

Packers tight end D.J. Williams, who had gone nine games without catching a pass, hauled in three passes for 20 yards Week 16 against the Titans. They were his only three targets on the day.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.

Much has been made of the fusion surgery running back Eddie Lacy had on his toe after the 2011 season, reportedly scaring teams away from drafting him. But the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel did some digging on the procedure, including meeting with the doctor who did the surgery, and came away with the belief that the procedure will not hurt Lacy long-term. Alabama team doctor E. Lyle Cain Jr. said the surgery was a modified version of a standard fusion surgery -- only the bone on the very tip of his big toe was fused -- and that there's no concern about the surgery causing problems for Lacy now. "The joint underneath the toenail was fused to allow the ligament to work better basically," Cain said. "It's something you do to give you a better push-off. His big toe moves just like a normal big toe in terms of motion. ... If you fused it completely, it'd give you a stiff big toe and you can't push off and that's a big problem. In Eddie's case, he does not have that. His fusion does not affect his big-toe motion. The bottom line is, the fusion he had does not affect his big-toe motion."

Hamstring - Questionable for start of training camp

Notable players waived or released by the Bengals on Friday include: FB Jourdan Brooks, TE Colin Cochart, LS Bryce Davis, FB James Develin, DE DeQuin Evans, DT Nick Hayden (injury settlement), WR Vidal Hazelton, CB T.J. Heath, RB Daniel Herron, LB Grant Hunter, DE Micah Johnson, LB Emmanuel Lamur, CB Chris Lewis-Harris, DT Vaughn Meatoga, LB Roddrick Muckelroy and QB Zac Robinson.

The Packers placed running back Johnny White (concussion) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Packers defensive back M.D. Jennings intercepted the first pass of his career Sunday in Week 11 against the Lions. He took the Matthew Stafford pass 79 yards the other way, to give the team a 14-10 lead. They would eventually go on to win, 24-20.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers tight end Brandon Bostick is someone to monitor this offseason. The report says "keep an eye on Brandon Bostick. He's a receiver first and a blocker second, but the Packers kept him around last season for a reason."

Packers receiver James Jones told NFL Network he's prepared to play as the team's No. 1 receiver in the event Greg Jennings leaves via free agency this spring. Such a development is expected. Jones did add, however, that being the No. 1 receiver is just a title and not necessarily a role that guarantees a certain amount of work because quarterback Aaron Rodgers knows he must spread the ball around. Jones had only 784 yards on 64 catches but hauled in a ridiculous 14 touchdowns along the way while starting all 16 games in 2012.

On Monday the Jaguars released quarterback Dan LeFevour, safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, receiver Nelson Rosario, receiver Jarrett Boykin and defensive end Frank Trotter.

Packers DE DE C.J. Wilson was ruled inactive for Friday's game against the Colts with a head injury. He may be able to play in the preseason finale against the Chiefs on Sept. 1.

The Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in Green & Gold for the next seven years that makes him the highest paid player in NFL history. Since becoming the full-time starter in 2008 Rodgers has thrown 170 touchdowns, rushed for seven more and led the Packers to four-straight 10-plus win seasons including a Super Bowl XLV win.

Green Bay linebacker Desmond Bishop (hamstring) was among five players placed on injured reserve Monday and will miss the entire upcoming season. Bishop, who suffered a hamstring injury during the first quarter of the team's preseason opener, joins running back Duane Bennett; tight end DeMarco Cosby; defensive lineman Johnny Jones; and wide receiver Shaky Smithson on injured reserve.

Packers defensive lineman Mike Neal, who had 1 1/2 sacks last week at Chicago, added another Week 16 against the Titans. He's up to 4 1/2 this season. He also had two tackles, both solo, in Week 16.

Suspension - Suspended indefinitely

Green Bay signed running back DuJuan Harris and wide receiver Jeremy Ross to the active roster Saturday. They were on the practice squad. The Packers placed tight end Andrew Quarless (knee) and safety Sean Richardson (back) on injured reserve, ending their seasons in corresponding moves.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports that Packers rookie running back Johnathan Franklin has to miss all of the remaining offseason work except this weekend’s mandatory minicamp because of the NFL’s graduation-related rules. According to NFL rules, players can’t take part in their new team’s offseason work except for their rookie minicamp until after their schools’ final exams in the spring or summer. It doesn’t matter whether the player is or isn’t enrolled in school, unless he's in graduate school. According to UCLA’s website, its exams end Friday, June 14. The Packers’ offseason work finishes that same week, so Franklin is not allowed to participate in any OTA practices or the full-squad, mandatory minicamp held June 4-6. He is allowed to participate in this weekend’s rookie minicamp, which has one practice per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's excited for running back DuJuan Harris heading into this season. "I wish we would have had DuJuan earlier," McCarthy said. "Once he got ready I felt great about the way DuJuan finished the season. I’m looking forward to having him for an offseason and getting good things from him." McCarthy said Harris has the chance to start in 2013. "He’s going to play for us next season," the coach said. "That’s his responsibility if he wants to be the starter."

Packers fullback John Kuhn entered Saturday's NFC Wild Card game with just one touchdown in the regular season. Kuhn found the end zone twice -- once on the ground and once through the air -- in a 24-10 victory. He barged in the end zone from 3 yards out in the second quarter and caught a short 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers in the third quarter for his second score of the night. He finished with four yards and a touchdown on three carries and two catches for 15 yards and touchdown on three targets.

ESPN reports the Packers and running back Cedric Benson will meet on Wednesday to talk about a new deal. Benson suffered a Lisfranc foot injury last October but has been rehabbing it; the Packers let Benson go back into free agency in March.

Foot - Probable for start of training camp

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Packers placed linebacker Nick Perry on injured reserve Wednesday after undergoing wrist surgery earlier this week.

Packers TE Ryan Taylor recorded some firsts in Week 14 against the Raiders. Not only did he make his first career reception, he scored a touchdown on his lone grab in the 46-16 win. QB Aaron Rodgers found him from 4 yards out in the first quarter for Taylor's lone target in the game.

The Packers released safety Nick Collins on Wednesday, citing concerns about his ability to safely continue his playing career. Collins had a single-level cervical fusion surgery after attempting an open-field tackle in the Packers' win at the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 18.

Packers DL B.J. Raji did not have his most productive day on defense in a Week 11 win over the Buccaneers. However, he was used for one play on offense and scored the game's first touchdown, as he bulldozed his way into the end zone from the 1-yard line late in the first quarter. Raji did not make any tackles in the game, though he deflect one pass.

Notable players the Bears either waived or released Friday include: LB Xavier Adibi, RB Armando Allen, WR Joe Anderson, CB Cornelius Brown, WR Terriun Crump, DE Chauncey Davis, WR Rashied Davis, CB Isaiah Frey, WR Brittan Golden, SB Mark LeGree, QB Josh McCown, CB Greg McCoy, DT Jordan Miller, TE Brandon Venson, DE Aston Whiteside, CB Jonathan Wilhite and LB Jabara Williams.

The Packers claimed nose tackle Howard Green off waivers to fill Brad Jones' spot on the roster headed into Week 8 against the Jets -- the team that waived him Tuesday.