The Green Bay Packers have completed the initial stages of their training camp, setting the stage for the crucial upcoming weeks. The decisions made in the next three weeks will shape the final 53-man roster as the team moves closer to the roster cut deadline on August 27.
The Packers will engage in a packed schedule, including three practice sessions this week followed by the preseason debut against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. The upcoming joint practices and preseason clashes with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens will be instrumental for General Manager Brian Gutekunst as he faces some challenging roster decisions.
After 10 days of training camp, here’s our updated 53-man roster projection for the Packers:
Quarterbacks (3): Jordan Love, Sean Clifford, Michael Pratt. No changes have been made in this segment, but post-Jacob Eason’s release, the question remains whether keeping three quarterbacks is worth sacrificing a spot that could go to another player.
Running Backs (3): Josh Jacobs, AJ Dillon, Marshawn Lloyd. No changes here either, though releasing Emanuel Wilson was a tough call given his preseason performance last year and his improvements in overall gameplay.
Receivers (6): Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, Bo Melton, Grant DuBose. The addition of DuBose, who has had a strong showing at camp, meant keeping an extra receiver this projection.
Tight Ends (3): Luke Musgrave, Tucker Kraft, Tyler Davis. The team might go lighter in this area if Musgrave and Kraft step up as expected, making the decision to release Ben Sims, who had potential as a run blocker.
Offensive Line (9): Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jordan Morgan, Zach Tom, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, Travis Glover, Kadeem Telfort. Telfort replaces Andre Dillard, whose performance has not been up to the mark, particularly in adjusting to a different tackle position.
Defensive Tackles (5): Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, TJ Slaton, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden. No major changes here, although Jonathan Ford’s performance in camp was noted.
Defensive Ends (5): Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox. Cox is an addition, providing depth due to the concerns around Enagbare’s injury risk from last year.
Linebackers (5): Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Eric Wilson, Edgerrin Cooper, Ty’Ron Hopper. The key struggle was releasing Kristian Welch, a strong special teams player from previous seasons.
Cornerbacks (6): Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine, Kalen King. King has shown potential in the slot, securing his spot over Robert Rochell.
Safeties (5): Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, Anthony Johnson Jr., Kitan Oladapo. Oladapo’s recent absence due to a broken toe hasn’t impacted his potential contributions, particularly on special teams.
Specialists (3): Greg Joseph, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech. Greg Joseph replaces Anders Carlson as the place-kicker following his superior performance in practice field goals.
These decisions and performances in the upcoming preseason games will be crucial as the Packers shape their team for the regular season.