Packers decide to let go of Tauscher

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GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers cut long-time offensive tackle Mark Tauscher Friday.

The team had not confirmed any of its personnel cuts by late Friday afternoon -- but Tauscher confirmed a Milwaukee radio report that he was let go. The 34-year-old Auburndale native and former University of Wisconsin player missed a good share of last season with a rotator cuff injury. But in a rare move, Coach Mike McCarthy asked Tauscher to stay through the end of the season and mentor some of the younger players -- which he did. In the meantime, rookie Bryan Bulaga settled in as Tauscher's replacement at right tackle. Tauscher won a starting job during his rookie season more than a decade ago.

Also Friday, the Packers cut linebackers Brandon Chillar and Matt Wilhelm.

Tauscher might be the biggest name among five veterans released by the Green Bay Packers yesterday. Also gone are linebackers Nick Barnett, Brandon Chillar and Brady Poppinga, and lineman Justin Harrell. All five missed time last season with injuries. The release of Barnett and Chillar leaves Green Bay a little thin behind starters A.J. Hawk and Desmong Bishop. That may mean general manager Ted Thompson has something brewing. Free agent signings were announced in several markets yesterday. The Packers will return free agent kicker Mason Crosby, who signed a deal this week, but they are expecting to lose free agent guard Daryn Colledge to the Arizona Cardinals and running back Brandon Jackson to the Browns.

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