The Green Bay Packers have just one more step left before Tuesday’s roster cuts: Saturday’s preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
After two preseason games, two joint practices and more than 15 open practices, the Packers have one last chance to make a huge assessment before they have to cut their roster to 53 players on Tuesday. For many players, playing in the preseason finale could be the difference between making the roster or settling on one of the 16 available practice squad spots.
Here are the Packers’ top matchups heading into Saturday:
Quarterback: Sean Clifford vs. Michael Pratt
Unless the Packers are unhappy and want to add a veteran quarterback, Clifford or Pratt will be the backup in Week 1. Clifford bounced back after a abrasive few days in Denver, so he’s still the top candidate to be the backup unless he has a terrible performance on Saturday. It would be a surprise if Jordan Love played against the Ravens, so Clifford and Pratt should get half the work to show they’re the best QB2 options.
Recipient: Malik Heath vs. Grant DuBose
Good luck trying to decide between the two. Can the Packers make a mistake? Given that he was drafted last year and has a better athletic profile, DuBose would likely be a higher-profile prospect if released. On the other hand, each team has a youthful quarterback they want to keep in camp. The Packers would likely want to keep both — one on the roster as their No. 6 quarterback and the other on the practice squad.
Offensive Player: Kadeem Telfort vs. Caleb Jones vs. Travis Glover vs. Luke Tenuta
Telfort and Glover played in front of Jones and Tenuta last week. While they struggled, especially in pass protection, Telfort and Glover also played against veterans. The Packers seem ecstatic with Andre Dillard as their backup offensive quarterback, but he is dealing with a fresh shoulder injury. One of those four offensive linemen has to emerge as the best option after Saturday’s finale.
Defensive End: Brenton Cox Jr. vs. Arron Mosby
Cox Jr. has eight pressures in two preseason games and is a prime candidate to be the fifth defensive quarterback, but Mosby — who likely offers more value on special teams — has struggled for a roster spot this summer. He’s been a consistent performer, but Mosby likely needs a huge preseason finale to pass Cox. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers kept Mosby on the practice squad again.
Cornerback: Kalen King vs. Robert Rochell
Rochell has been great on special teams this summer and has more experience overall, while King has shown flashes of playmaking ability during camp. The rookie really struggled in Denver last week, so he needs to rebound in the finale or risk being released next week.
Kicker: Anders Carlson vs. Greg Joseph
Carlson had a good week, while Joseph had a really tough time and lagged Carlson significantly in terms of overall kicking play on the field during training camp. Considering Carlson is a draft pick and Joseph hasn’t been consistent or reliable, this job seems like it could be Carlson’s to lose. Unless, of course, the Packers see a better outside option on cut day.
Others are fighting for a place in the squad
RB Emanuel Wilson: Injuries to MarShawn Lloyd and AJ Dillon have made Wilson a likely candidate for the initial 53-man roster.
G. Royce Newman: He played every snap in the Packers’ preseason loss to the Broncos. Is Newman on the roster bubble? His performances this summer suggest he should be.
Lecturer Joel Wilson: Tyler Davis really struggled as a blocker in Denver, but Wilson likely needs another year on the practice squad before he’s ready to become a player.
Attorney Jonathan Ford: The huge man looks explosive in the fresh attack. There’s no room for six linemen, right?
Bandleader Kristian Welch: He was great in Denver and is an extra special player. If the Packers want to keep six linebackers, Welch is in.
S Benny Sapp III: The defensive depth is loaded with youthful talent, but Sapp has put up some good performances this preseason. He’s fearless and physical, with experience on special teams.
