The Green Bay Packers released tackle Chad Clifton today.  The 2-time pro bowl tackle reportedly failed his physical.

Chad Clifton

Clifton was selected by the Packers in the second round (44th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft.  He played in 165 games for the Packers with 160 starts at left tackle during his 12-year career. 

Clifton ranks second in franchise history for the most games played by an offensive tackle behind only Forrest Gregg (187 games).

Clifton helped pave the way for a 1,000 yard rusher in eight of his 12 seasons in Green Bay and was a part of top-10 offenses in nine of those seasons.   From 2000 through 2011, Clifton was a member of offensive lines that allowed a total of 350 sacks, good for No. 3 in the league over that span.  Clifton helped limit the opposition to a franchise-low 14 sacks in 2004 as the Packers did not allow a sack in eight games, another single season club record. 

Clifton played on eight playoff teams in Green Bay, highlighted by the 2010 squad that won Super Bowl XLV.

Clifton’s release leaves last years 1st round pick Derek Sherrod and Marshall Newhouse to likely push for the starters job at left tackle.  Bryan Bulaga returns as the starter at right tackle.

The Packers will gain about $5.7 million in cap space with Clifton’s release.

On Monday, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy indicated that Chad

Chad Clifton

Clifton would be his starter at left tackle, but the coach back pedaled on Wednesday.

AUDIO: Mike McCarthy on Chad Clifton and the left tackle position :25

Clifton lined up with the first team offense during drills on Wednesday.  He played 25 snaps on Sunday in his first game in three months due to hamstring and back injuries. 

The Packers are scheduled to work in pads today.