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UCF Alums Waived by Packers, Could Make Practice Squad
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- UCF Alums Waived by Packers, Could Make Practice Squad
(Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images)
Jaden Nixon and Nyjalik Kelly did not make the cut for the Green Bay Packers ' 53-man roster, but have a strong chance to stay with the team on its practice squad.
The UCF alums had strong performances throughout the preseason, making the most of every opportunity.
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Kelly showed his pass-rushing chops, tallying two sacks, which finished tied for fifth among a plethora of players. He relentlessly rushed the quarterback, fighting around the offensive lineman to get a sack from behind.
Green Bay also dropped him back in coverage, and he picked up an interception. Kelly tracked the quarterback's eyes and intercepted an overthrown pass across the middle.
His fellow Packer teammates surrounded him and celebrated his turnover, running down the field. It was a stellar performance in the preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals , and it could be the reason he returns to the practice squad.
Nixon had a quieter preseason, rushing for 64 yards and one touchdown. His lone score came against the Denver Broncos , where he faced another UCF alum, RJ Harvey .
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The former Knights running back pushed through the trenches for a three-yard touchdown . He pushed Green Bay's lead to 17 points en route to a blowout victory.
Final roster cuts are always a nail-biter for undrafted rookies, like Kelly and Nixon. It's a reminder that a great performance isn't the end-all, be-all.
Teams may choose to keep an extra player at another position, which sacrifices depth at another. Kelly and Nixon's NFL careers are far from over, though.
USA TODAY Packers beat reporter Ryan Wood believes there is a strong chance Nixon returns to the practice squad. Milwaukee Journal Packers beat reporter Tom Silverstein reported that the Packers hope Kelly clears waivers and bring him back.
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Their journey to the 53-man roster would continue, and Green Bay could call them up if the team is plagued with injuries.
At UCF, both had stellar senior seasons and were part of a dynamic duo at their position. Nixon played alongside Myles Montgomery and Kelly lined up on the opposite end of Malachi Lawrence.
The running back duo combined for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The edge rushers combined for 74 tackles and four sacks, and helped the defensive line win Big 12 Defensive Line of the Week for its performance against the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Kelly and Nixon clear waivers tomorrow at 1 p.m. EST, meaning they will likely return to Green Bay if another team does not swoop them up.
