Leach cut to make room for Robinson

By Rob Demovsky
rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

The Green Bay Packers have cut Vonta Leach before, but this time it might be for good.


The Packers released the third-year fullback on Tuesday in order to make room for receiver Koren Robinson, who was added to the roster a day after he agreed to a two-year contract.


Leach, 25, started Sunday's regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears in place of injured fullback William Henderson, but coach Mike McCarthy used tight end David Martin as a fullback on several plays.


The move leaves the Packers with only one natural fullback on the roster, and it suggests Henderson will be ready to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.


Since being promoted from the practice squad in Week 11 of the 2004 season, the 6-foot, 250-pound Leach has played in 23 games for the Packers.


Last year, the Packers cut Leach at the end of training camp but signed him to the practice squad the next day. Two days later, he was promoted to the active roster and played in all 16 regular-season games.


In addition to backing up Henderson, he was one of the Packers' top special teams players.


Leach is subject to the NFL's waiver wire, and he could be claimed by the Saints. Not only do NFL teams like to bring in players who can help them prepare for specific opponents, but the Saints lost both their fullbacks — starter Mike Karney and backup Keith Joseph — to injuries in Week 1. Neither is expected to play Sunday