Rams keep Bryce Perkins, while Packers cut Kurt Benkert

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Two former UVA quarterbacks experienced separate fates on Tuesday, the NFL deadline for teams to reduce their rosters to 53 players.

In a rare move to keep three quarterbacks on the roster, the Los Angeles Rams retained former Cavalier quarterback Bryce Perkins. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers cut former Wahoo Kurt Benkert, who confirmed on his Twitter account that he was released.

Benkert could return to the Packers if he isn’t claimed on waivers, which would allow Green Bay to place him on its 16-member practice squad. Benkert spent the previous two seasons on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad.

Meanwhile, the Rams decided to keep Perkins, who played the entire past two games and was impressive.

Prior to the 1 p.m. deadline, Perkins said, “Whatever happens these next few days, I know that I’m a better player because these guys gave me a shot.”

In the Rams’ three preseason games, Perkins led NFC quarterbacks with 451 yards passing, and also rushed for 114 yards. He beat out former Pittsburgh Steelers backup Duck Hodges for the No. 3 quarterback spot on the Los Angeles roster.

Perkins is No. 3 behind starter Matthew Stafford and backup John Wolford.

Los Angeles coach Sean McVay was clearly impressed with Perkins’ performances in the preseason, pointing out his versatility and said after last Saturday night’s loss at Denver that Perkins had made a strong case, that it was forcing the Rams to make a very difficult decision.