There’s a reason why the first roster is called the “initial 53-man roster.” Only one day after setting their first roster, the Green Bay Packers made an adjustment — releasing rookie cornerback Micah Robinson on Wednesday to make room for the addition of veteran linebacker Nick Niemann.
Robinson, the 237th overall pick in the 2025 draft, made the initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. Now released, Robinson will need to go through waivers but could possibly return on the practice squad as soon as Friday.
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The Packers kept only four linebackers on the first roster and needed to add depth at the position. The answer was Niemann, a veteran who played his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before signing with the Houston Texans in free agency. He was released at final roster cuts.
Niemann is arriving in Green Bay as an accomplished special teams player at the NFL level.
The Packers’ bio on Niemann:
Niemann (6-3, 234) is a fifth-year player out of the University of Iowa who was originally selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the sixth round (No. 185 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played for the Chargers for four seasons (2021-24), appearing in 64 games with three starts and tying QB Justin Herbert for the most games played on the team over that span. Overall, Niemann registered 51 tackles (26 solo), a tackle for a loss, a QB hit, an interception, three passes defensed and a fumble recovery on defense while his 36 special teams tackles tied for No. 13 in the league from 2021-24. He led the Chargers in special teams tackles in 2021 (14) and 2024 (11) and tied for the team lead in 2023 (eight). Niemann also appeared in two postseason contests, registering a tackle on special teams. He spent this past offseason and training camp with the Houston Texans. Niemann will wear No. 51 for the Packers.
Without Robinson, the Packers are down to Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, Carrington Valentine, Bo Melton and Kamal Hadden on the 53-man roster at cornerback, although safety Javon Bullard can play in the slot and Robinson is a strong candidate to return on the practice squad.
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The Packers signed 13 players to the practice squad on Wednesday and are expected to sign at least two others as soon as Thursday. Robinson could be one of the two final additions to the 17-player practice squad.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers release CB Micah Robinson to make room for signing of LB Nick Niemann