Packers release fullback Aaron Ripkowski as part of final cuts, per report

Once an understudy to Green Bay Packers’ folk-hero John Kuhn, fullback Aaron Ripkowski had the name and grit to quickly become a fan favorite in his own right. But at least for the time being, Green Bay is cutting ties with the fourth-year player.

As has been noted in the past, the role of the fullback has been diminishing across the NFL. The Packers were one of very few teams to utilize the position in a prominent role. However, even last season, there were signs that Green Bay was also beginning to move away from its traditional use of the fullback. Ripkowski was called on for just five carries and seven receptions in 2017, a far cry from his 34 carries in 2016. His offensive snap count…