For the Green Bay Packers, one last step exists between now and roster cutdowns on Tuesday: Saturday’s preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
After two preseason games, two joint practices and over 15 open practices, the Packers have one last big evaluation opportunity before having to cut the roster down to 53 players on Tuesday. For many players, performance in the preseason finale could be the determining factor between a spot on the roster and settling for one of the team’s 16 available practice squad positions.
Here are the Packers’ top position battles entering Saturday:
Quarterback: Sean Clifford vs. Michael Pratt
Unless the Packers aren’t satisfied and want to add a veteran quarterback, the backup will be either Clifford or Pratt come Week 1. Clifford rebounded from a rough couple of days in Denver, so he’s still the best bet to be the backup barring a terrible performance on Saturday. It would be a surprise if Jordan Love played against the Ravens, so Clifford and Pratt should each get a half of work to show they are the best QB2 option.
Receiver: Malik Heath vs. Grant DuBose
Good luck trying to pick between these two. Can the Packers go wrong? Given he was a draft pick last year and has a better athletic profile, DuBose is probably more likely to be claimed if released. Then again, every team has a young receiver they want to keep in camp. The Packers would probably like to keep both — one on the roster as the No. 6 receiver and the other on the practice squad.
Offensive tackle: Kadeem Telfort vs. Caleb Jones vs. Travis Glover vs. Luke Tenuta
Telfort and Glover played ahead of Jones and Tenuta last week. While they had some issues, especially in pass protection, Telfort and Glover were also playing against veterans. The Packers seem content with Andre Dillard as a backup offensive tackle, but he’s dealing with a new shoulder injury. One of these four offensive tackles needs to emerge as the best option coming out of Saturday’s finale.
Defensive end: Brenton Cox Jr. vs. Arron Mosby
Cox Jr. has eight pressures in two preseason games and is the best bet to be the No. 5 defensive end, but Mosby — who likely offers more special teams value — has made a legitimate run at a roster spot this summer. He’s made plays consistently, but Mosby would likely need a big preseason finale to pass Cox. It won’t be surprising if the Packers end up keeping Mosby on the practice squad again.
Cornerback: Kalen King vs. Robert Rochell
Rochell has been excellent on special teams this summer and is more experienced overall, while King has produced bright flashes of playmaking ability during camp. The rookie really struggled in Denver last week, so he must bounce back in the finale or risk being released next week.
Kicker: Anders Carlson vs. Greg Joseph
Carlson has enjoyed a nice week, while Joseph hit a really rough patch and has fallen well behind Carlson in terms of overall on-field kicking performance during training camp. Considering Carlson is the draft pick and Joseph hasn’t been consistent or reliable, this job looks like Carlson’s to lose. That is, of course, unless the Packers see a better outside option come cutdown day.
Others battling for a roster spot
RB Emanuel Wilson: Injuries to MarShawn Lloyd and A.J. Dillon have made Wilson a good bet to make the first 53-man roster.
G Royce Newman: He played every snap of the Packers’ preseason loss to the Broncos. Is Newman on the roster bubble? His game performance this summer suggests he should be.
TE Joel Wilson: Tyler Davis really struggled as a run blocker in Denver, but Wilson probably needs another year on the practice squad before he’s ready to be a contributor.
DL Jonathan Ford: The big man looks explosive in the new attacking front. There isn’t room for six down linemen, is there?
LB Kristian Welch: He was excellent in Denver and is a plus special teamer. If the Packers want to keep six linebackers, Welch is in.
S Benny Sapp III: The depth at safety is stocked with young talent, but Sapp has put good things on tape this preseason. He’s fearless and physical and has special teams experience.