'Sconnie Six Pack 11/15
Amari Rodgers is released, the Bucks lose to the Hawks, the Badgers prepare for UWGB, and more!
Packers release WR Amari Rodgers and RB Kylin Hill
It finally happened.
The move Packers fans have been clamoring for his entire time in Green Bay has happened - Amari Rodgers has been cut. It hurts to make light of someone losing their job, but it appears the Packers front office has finally joined the team’s fans in finally having seen enough of the former third-round pick. Rodgers leaves the team with more fumbles than receptions during his career.
In a more surprising move, the Packers have released another member of their 2021 draft class, running back Kylin Hill. Hill is a former seventh-round pick who had just returned to the Packers roster two weeks ago after a stint on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The Packers even waived running back Patrick Taylor and re-signed him to their practice squad to make room for Hill’s return to the Packers roster at the time.
The Packers now have two roster spots available. One will likely go to Randall Cobb as he is eligible to return from injured reserve this week. Subscribe to get continued Packers roster updates throughout the week before the Thursday Night Football matchup in Green Bay against the Titans.
Bucks fall at home to the Atlanta Hawks, but MarJon Beauchamp shines
The Milwaukee Bucks lost at home last night by a score of 121-106. I was (un)fortunately in attendance for this game which ended my run of seeing a Bucks victory in every NBA game I have ever attended. Now 10-3, the Bucks began their season with a 9-0 start, but have since dropped three of their last four.
With key players injured, the Bucks continue to struggle on offense. After a night where they shot only 41.5% from the field, the Bucks are the NBA’s second-worst shooting team in the NBA. Milwaukee also struggled mightily from three-point range, only shooting 20.7% from beyond the arc in the fifteen-point loss. More players the Bucks would hope can provide an offensive spark failed to finish last night’s game due to injury concerns. Grayson Allen did not return following an ankle injury that kept him out of practice today according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. Wesley Matthews also left last night’s game with a hamstring injury and has already been ruled out for tomorrow’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers also per Eric Nehm.
One huge positive out of the Bucks’ performance on Monday night was rookie MarJon Beauchamp. The young guard had 20 points on seven of nine shooting including hitting three of four shots from three-point range. MarJon’s connection with Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to be growing as they connected throughout the night including on a highlight-reel dunk by Beauchamp in the second half.
Wisconsin men’s basketball back in action against UW-Green Bay tonight
The Badgers are back at the Kohl Center tonight looking to improve their record to 3-0. You can catch the game at 8:00PM CST on the Big Ten Network.
The Badgers and Phoenix played last year in a game the Badgers won 72-34. At the time, guard Kamari McGee suited up for the Phoenix, but tonight he will face his former team after transferring to play for the Badgers this offseason.
How Greg Gard splits minutes between his guards will continue to be the main focus for Wisconsin in a non-conference matchup the Badgers are heavily-favored in. McGee, Max Klesmit, Isaac Lindsey, and Connor Essegian have each played in Wisconsin’s first two games this year. Seeing how McGee, Klesmit, and Essegian each will be assigned playing-time will be of particular interest as they each try to find a place in the rotation during their first season at Wisconsin.
The Badgers will continue to celebrate their 125th season of men’s basketball tonight by welcoming-back Bronson Koenig as an honorary captain.
Wisconsin football releases updated injury report
With a road-trip to Lincoln, Nebraska upcoming this Saturday, Wisconsin released its updated injury report and depth chart today. While the Packers and Bucks continue to have notable additions to their injury reports, Wisconsin football has some notable subtractions.
Running back Chez Mellusi participated in practice this week and has also been removed from the injury report. A return by Mellusi would be a great asset for Wisconsin’s run-game as RB Braelon Allen is enduring a shoulder injury. It seems Mellusi is not confirmed to return this week against Nebraska as Isaac Guerendo is still listed as Allen’s backup on the updated depth chart. Regardless, Mellusi moving in the right direction is a positive development.
Defensive end Isaiah Mullens was also removed from Wisconsin’s injury report this week. Even if Mullens is unable to return this week against Nebraska, the potential that he could return to give the Badgers defense a spark up-front against a formidable rushing attack from Minnesota the following week should make fans excited.
Wisconsin volleyball holds steady at #3 in latest AVCA coaches poll
For the third-straight week, Wisconsin volleyball remains ranked third in the top-25 poll. Wisconsin received three first-place votes. Texas and San Diego remain the only teams ranked ahead of Wisconsin receiving 56 and three first-place votes respectively.
Around the Big Ten, Nebraska fell two spots to sixth following its defeat by Ohio State. The Buckeyes rose one spot to fifth. Purdue fell four spots to 19th after a tough week in which the Boilermakers lost to both Ohio State and Penn State. Penn State rose two spots to 14th. Minnesota remains ranked ninth after sweeping both Maryland and Indiana.
Topping-off the six pack: Team USA and Team Canada play first game in seven-game rivalry series
After a hiatus for the Olympics, Team USA and Team Canada renew their rivalry series as the globe’s foremost powers in women’s hockey square-off. The first game in the seven-game series can be seen tonight at 9:00PM CST on the NHL Network.
Badgers fans are familiar with having fellow alumni on both the USA and Canada rosters; this year is no different. Team USA has two former Badgers on the roster: Hilary Knight and Abby Roque. Team Canada has five former Badgers on the roster: Sarah Nurse, Emily Clark, Blayre Turnbull, Ann-Renée Desbiens, and Kristen Campbell.
Teams USA and Canada have split the first two Rivalry Series. Team Canada won the inaugural edition taking the three-game series two games to one. Team USA won the most recent edition of the Rivalry Series with an overtime victory in the seventh game to clinch the series four games to three.
On, Wisconsin.