The Green Bay Packers surprised many when they made a roster move on Wednesday; The team announced that they would be releasing defensive tackle Kingley Keke.
Keke, a third-year, fifth round drafted pro, was waived by the Packers on Wednesday, and could land on a new team as early as Thursday if he is to be claimed. He appeared in 12 games this season, but hasn’t seen field action since week 15 against the Ravens.
In addition, Keke missed the week 17 victory against the Vikings as he was on the COVID/reserve list; He also missed Week 18 due to an illness. Keke also missed the Packers’ final regular season matchup with the Detroit Lions after not getting the “all-clear”.
There isn’t a clear sign as to why Keke was released. When healthy, he was a preferred starter on the defensive line. However, with Randall Cobb, Za’Darius Smith, Jaire Alexander, and Whitney Mercilus all being available to play in the NFC game on Saturday, the Packers needed to make some room in the roster.
Over a total of 41 games in Green Bay, Keke had 6.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits. He ended this season with 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
In response to this, the Packers did not make a roster move. The Packers’ roster has 52 players.
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