The Green Bay Packers will wrap up the team’s three-game preseason schedule on Saturday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. The game against Green Bay is scheduled to begin at noon CT.
Matt LaFleur’s team opened the preseason with a convincing win over Cleveland, but then got crushed in Denver, but no one is particularly concerned about the results. Saturday is the Packers’ last chance to evaluate their players and determine how their initial 53-man roster and practice squad will stack up before they fly to Brazil to play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1.
While it’s unclear whether Jordan Love and other starters will play against the Ravens, especially given the amount and quality of work during Thursday’s joint practice, it’s sheltered to assume most of the veterans and starters won’t play Saturday. But LaFleur wasn’t ready to answer a question about playing time before Thursday’s practice, and Love didn’t know the plan after practice.
Here are five things to watch for in Saturday’s preseason finale:
Start of the competition
There may be only a few real starting contests left to decide before the preseason finale. On offense, who will start at right guard? First-round pick Jordan Morgan was the favorite, but he has yet to return to 11-on-11 play after a shoulder injury. Sean Rhyan, who also gets a lot of play at center, is the second-best candidate. The defensive depth chart seems largely set, even if impressive rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams could split time with Xavier McKinney at safety. What about kicker? Anders Carlson took a behind schedule and likely game-changing lead. Everyone would be joyful to see him kick a few balls through the uprights at Lambeau Field on Saturday.
QB2 Battle
The Packers have one more preseason game to decide who will be Jordan Love’s backup. Sean Clifford had a mighty showing during Thursday’s joint practice and has to be considered the favorite, but he also split some second-unit snaps with rookie Michael Pratt and is coming off a worrisome performance in Denver. Both quarterbacks could operate some steady play after a volatile summer. Also, if Clifford wins the job, will the Packers keep Pratt on the 53-man roster or risk cutting him? There’s still a lot to be determined at quarterback before Saturday.
Special teams
In many cases, the winner of the toss-up contest at a position will be determined by special teams. This is especially true at receiver, tight end, linebacker and cornerback, where the Packers have a 53-man roster. Can Grant DuBose or Malik Heath make a gigantic block on the return or effectively cover a kick? Will Joel Wilson emerge in the third phase and push Tyler Davis into contention for a roster spot? If Kristian Welch continues to make plays and fill various roles on special teams, will the Packers keep six linebackers? Will Robert Rochell’s value on special teams outweigh Kalen King’s potential? While they may not be the most entertaining plays, all of the kickoffs and punts on Saturday could be game-changing plays on the Packers’ fringe.
Emerging defensive end
Second-year defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. is among the NFL’s preseason leaders with eight in two games. He produced a sack and a handful of other pressures last week. Cox Jr. could all but secure a spot on the roster as the No. 5 defensive end in the preseason finale with another solid performance. His overall game may not be fully realized, but Cox Jr. has a natural and impressive talent for pass-rushing. Don’t be surprised if No. 57 is in the backfield and makes life challenging for the Ravens’ quarterbacks on Saturday. And don’t forget No. 53 — Aaron Mosby also had a solid summer as a disruptor off the edge.
Newcomer in the spotlight
It’s unclear whether Jordan Morgan will play, and MarShawn Lloyd is still dealing with a hamstring injury, but the rookie class is always worth watching in the preseason. Saturday could be our first chance to see lively rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper play alongside each other at linebacker. Three rookies at safety have completely transformed the position this summer — Javon Bullard and Evan Williams will be Week 1 contributors, while Kitan Oladapo looked like a compelling and physical presence in his defensive debut last week. Jacob Monk, the Packers’ classic draft pick along the offensive line, is getting plenty of reps at center and guard and could be slotted in as a key interior backup. Pratt and King, both seventh-round picks, are vying for 53-man roster spots at key positions. The Packers may not have a single undrafted rookie free agent on the team this year. but the freshman class is once again loaded with talent and has the potential to make an immediate impact.
