The Green Bay Packers have a number of roster decisions to make before and after the preseason ends Tuesday, but three of the biggest questions come after Saturday’s preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
By Friday, Sept. 6, when the Packers open their season in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles, coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst must meet to answer the following questions:
1. Who is the right back?
2. Who is the digger?
3. Who is the backup quarterback?
Compared to other teams and rosters, the Packers aren’t in a bad spot as the regular season approaches. The Packers believe they have two starting options at right guard, a backup quarterback isn’t playing in an ideal scenario, and there are ways to work around an uncertain kicker.
But let’s take a look at the most critical questions that will need to be answered before the first week:
Right defender
LaFleur praised Sean Rhyan, a third-year pro, for what he’s accomplished in training camp. Last season, Rhyan rotated with Jon Runyan Jr. and gained valuable experience. It’s possible a similar scenario could play out in the rotation with first-round draft pick Jordan Morgan, who was the favorite to win the starting right guard job before a shoulder injury sidelined him for all three preseason games. LaFleur didn’t rule out the possibility when asked about it Saturday. Ask yourself: Would the Packers enter Week 1 against a formidable Eagles defense with Morgan — who hasn’t seen any snaps in joint practices or preseason games — starting at right guard? LaFleur said Rhyan had an “exceptional” training camp and improved his game-ready durability. The Packers were great up front with Rhyan at right guard during Thursday’s joint practice against a mighty Ravens front. He is the likely starter in Week 1.
Kicker
Minutes after Anders Carlson missed a 32-yard field goal over the right, LaFleur left the door open for the Packers to add an outside kicker after the final cuts. Carlson enjoyed a warm streak and teamed with Greg Joseph to make the first six kicks, counting extra points, Saturday. But the miss — in near-perfect conditions with a perfect touchdown — was a stark reminder of Carlson’s inconsistency. Counting all kicks from practices and preseason games, Carlson and Joseph finished the summer at about 80 percent. The Packers can and should do better. Another waiver-wire hunt is likely. If the Packers believe a capable kicker is available, releasing both Carlson and Joseph on Tuesday is possible.
Reserve quarterback
LaFleur gave much the same answer when asked about backup quarterback and kicker. In miniature: Inconsistency has plagued the position all summer, and the door is open for an outside addition if the right player is available. For most of the summer, neither Sean Clifford nor Michael Pratt looked like they could step into the regular-season game and hold down the fort. Jordan Love played in all 17 games last season, but quarterback injuries happen, and the Packers can’t let their season be ruined by an absence. Will the Packers release both Clifford and Pratt on Tuesday in hopes of signing one of them to the practice squad while adding a veteran as Love’s backup? That’s looking increasingly possible after the two newborn quarterbacks struggled again in the preseason finale against the Ravens. The Packers could be joyful to know that one or both quarterbacks will clear waivers and could return to the practice squad.
