Packers sign two LBs, cut Simpkins

[Captain Erv]

Packers sign ILB Wilhelm, claim OLB Diyral Briggs, cut ILB Simpkins

By Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel

Oct. 26, 2010 5:52 p.m. |(3) Comments

Green Bay -- The Packers made a series of moves Tuesday to strengthen their linebacker position.

Obviously, the loss of Nick Barnett and Brady Poppinga has left them vulnerable at the position and they had been getting along with untested Maurice Simpkins and Robert Francois.

On Tuesday, they claimed outside linebaker Diyarl Briggs from the Denver Broncos. Briggs, 6-2 1/2 and 248 pounds, has played in six regular-season games over his career. He'll be used as a pass rusher, but don't expect him to contribute a lot other than on special teams.

In addition, the Packers signed inside linebacker Erik Wilhelm off the street. The former San Diego Charger and San Francisco 49er has been on the street since Sept. 9, when the 49ers cut him. Wilhelm was signed from a group of players who had tryouts Tuesday. In addition to Wilhelm, end Nick Reed and linebacker Erik Walden performed in front of team scouts.

The Packers released Simpkins, who was promoted from the pracitce squad Oct. 7 and had been active for two games, playing only on special teams. They also placed Poppinga (knee surgery) and defensive end Mike Neal (rotator cuff) on injured reserve.

Wilhelm, who is 6-4, 247 pounds, is a run-stuffer who essentially replaces Simpkins and will be a backup to Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk. He has played in 82 games, including 22 starts, all but one of which were with the San Diego Chargers.

The Packers have one spot open on the 53-man roster. Presumably, it will be filled by either cornerback Al Harris or safety Atari Bigby this week when one or both are taken off the physically unable to perform list. If both are activated, another player would have to be cut.

[eagle13]

They need another DL. vet NT Howard Green just cut by Jets.

[MickeyDavis]

We still need to cut two to make room for Harris and Bigby. Harris probably (hopefully) this week.

[Kerb Hohl]

We still need to cut two to make room for Harris and Bigby. Harris probably (hopefully) this week.

What about the fact that Poppinga is going on IR and they cut (I think, or was he just practice squad?) Simpkins?

Then after that, Starks eventually replaces Nance, we still have Neal's spot to fill in with Harris, and Bigby slots in after one of these LBs eventually gets cut or something.

[eagle13]

only need to cut 1 to activate both Harris & Bigby
have 1 open roster slot now.
put Neal & Popp on IR - cut Simpkins - signed 2 LBs

[eagle13]

hopefully Starks takes QJohnsons spot

[Turk Nowitzki]

I have a feeling Starks is going to end up on IR.

[RiotPunch]

I have a feeling Starks is going to end up on IR.

I hate to say it, because I am a huge Starks optimist... but I think you're right. He is just too far away from playing condition. He has to get back to where he was as a player for Buffalo and then some... I think he will turn out to be a nice player for us, but probably not until next year unfortunately.

[chuckleslove]

BrianCarriveau Brian Carriveau
The Packers have signed linebacker Eric Walden.

[Wade-A-Holic]

Walden's a pretty good special teams player.

[Turk Nowitzki]

They need another DL. vet NT Howard Green just cut by Jets.

Good call on that one eagle.

[eagle13]

thanks Turk - helped he's big and played for our next opponent.

[El Duderino]

It'll be interesting to see if Green can play both DE and NT if needed because Pickett and/or Jenkins could miss the game Sunday or even longer.

Major props to Raji this year, he has been asked to play a ton of snaps for such a big guy and he's largely stayed stout vs the run.

[Kerb Hohl]

Major props to Raji this year, he has been asked to play a ton of snaps for such a big guy and he's largely stayed stout vs the run.

Unfortunately, I believe this means he will be on IR within the next 2-3 weeks.