Jaden Nixon and Nyjalik Kelly, both alumni of the University of Central Florida (UCF), have been waived by the Green Bay Packers as the team finalized its 53-man roster. Despite not making the main roster, both players are anticipated to have a strong chance of being retained on the practice squad.
Throughout the preseason, Nixon and Kelly showcased their talents, making significant contributions during their time on the field. Kelly, in particular, stood out with his impressive pass-rushing abilities, finishing the preseason with two sacks, which tied him for fifth among all players in that category. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback proved effective, as he managed to sack the opposing quarterback by maneuvering around offensive linemen.
In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Kelly demonstrated his versatility by dropping back into coverage, where he intercepted a pass during the preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals. This interception highlighted his ability to read the quarterback's intentions, as he capitalized on an overthrown pass. His teammates celebrated the turnover, and this performance could be pivotal in his potential return to the Packers' practice squad.
Nixon's preseason was quieter compared to Kelly's, as he rushed for a total of 64 yards and scored one touchdown. His touchdown came in a game against the Denver Broncos, where he faced off against fellow UCF alum RJ Harvey. Nixon's three-yard touchdown run helped extend the Packers' lead to 17 points, contributing to a decisive victory.
The final roster cuts are always a tense time for undrafted rookies like Nixon and Kelly, reminding them that standout performances do not guarantee a spot on the active roster. Teams often make strategic decisions, opting to keep players at different positions, which can affect the depth at other positions. However, the NFL careers of both players are not over yet.
According to Ryan Wood, a beat reporter for USA TODAY covering the Packers, there is a strong likelihood that Nixon will return to the practice squad. Meanwhile, Tom Silverstein, a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal, indicated that the Packers are hopeful Kelly will clear waivers, allowing them to bring him back as well.
Both players' journeys towards the 53-man roster may continue, especially if the Packers face injuries during the season. At UCF, Nixon and Kelly had standout senior seasons, forming a dynamic duo at their respective positions. Nixon played alongside Myles Montgomery, while Kelly lined up opposite Malachi Lawrence. Together, the running back duo accumulated over 1,200 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while the edge rushers combined for 74 tackles and four sacks, helping their defensive line earn the title of Big 12 Defensive Line of the Week for their performance against the West Virginia Mountaineers.
As both Kelly and Nixon await the waiver deadline, which is set for 1 p.m. EST tomorrow, they are likely to return to Green Bay unless another team claims them first. Their potential return to the Packers could provide them with another opportunity to showcase their skills and continue their professional careers in the NFL.
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