Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love and other veterans will start the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.
Coach Matt LaFleur believes it’s crucial for players to prepare for games mentally and physically during the preseason.
“Just looking back, reevaluating the last couple of years when we had guys that didn’t play and last year when everybody played, I thought it was beneficial for us early on, especially Week 1, just washing off the rust,” LaFleur said Tuesday. “There’s a lot of value in transition and getting the mindset to play football. Obviously we’re going to be smart with those guys.”
Last year, the Packers fielded every player in the preseason and then opened the season with a 38-20 win over the Chicago Bears to open the regular season.
LaFleur said the veterans, both on offense and defense, will play again at the start of the preseason, although some may have different expectations regarding how much action they will play.
“Ideally, everyone will be equipped with shin guards. Then the question is how long will they play,” LaFleur said.
LaFleur likes the idea of fielding veterans because the Packers have three different scheduled season openers: Saturday against the Browns at 3:25 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18 against the Denver Broncos at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 24 against the Baltimore Ravens at 12 p.m.
“We have three different kick times so the students get a feel for the rhythm and what they need to do to prepare,” LaFleur said.
The Packers will try to minimize risk as best they can while also trying to prepare as best as they can for the game.
“We’ll be smart with them. I think the preparation is priceless. Why not take advantage of those opportunities,” LaFleur said.
