Well, the Green Bay Packers are just full of surprises, aren’t they? On Monday, they released fourth-year tight end Ryan Taylor and promoted second-year receiver Kevin Dorsey from the practice squad.
Taylor was known for his special teams prowess and/or for being the fourth tight end on the only team that keeps four tight ends. He caught only eight balls for 45 yards and a touchdown in his four seasons in Green Bay. He never threatened to take anyone’s snaps on offense and lately his special teams’ role has decreased significantly.
Taylor has averaged 11 special teams snaps per game this season and had just one tackle. He was second on the team in special teams tackles with 10 back in 2011. That number decreased to eight in 2012 and five in 2013.
The Packers were obviously content to hand his role over to other guys on the roster.
It’s also obvious why they added Dorsey.
Third (or fourth) receiver Jarrett Boykin has been battling a groin injury that’s worse than expected. Boykin is expected to miss this week’s game with Miami and who knows how much longer after that.
Dorsey gives the Packers some depth at a position that currently features two rookies — Davante Adams and Jeff Janis — behind starters Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.