The preseason is over following the Green Bay Packers’ 30-7 win over the Baltimore Ravens, and the league’s roster cutdown deadline — on Tuesday afternoon — is approaching fast.
Coach Matt LaFleur admitted there are several difficult roster decisions facing the Packers over the next few days. Between now and Tuesday, LaFleur will work with general manager Brian Gutekunst and the rest of the staff on building out a consensus on the first 53-man roster and practice squad.
Instead of a 53-man roster prediction, here’s an overview of the toughest decisions ahead for the Packers:
Which backup quarterback?
Neither Sean Clifford nor Michael Pratt impressed this summer, opening up the possibility that the Packers need to make an outside addition behind Jordan Love at quarterback. Several paths forward are available here. The Packers could keep Clifford and cut Pratt, hoping to keep him on the practice squad. They could cut Clifford and keep Pratt, banking on potential, although the seventh-round rookie hardly looked ready to play in a regular season game. They could cut both Clifford and Pratt, hoping to get one back on the practice squad, and sign a veteran backup.
How many running backs?
A.J. Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd are both dealing with injuries, and LaFleur wasn’t sure if either would be ready for Week 1. Emanuel Wilson was excellent again this summer and earned a spot on the 53-man roster; in fact, he could go into Week 1 as the backup behind Josh Jacobs if Dillon and Lloyd are still hobbled. New NFL rules allow teams to place up to two players on injured reserve at the roster cutdown deadline and still return, and Dillon and Lloyd are both candidates for the designation. It’s possible the Packers will have to carry four running backs on the initial 53.
Six or seven receivers?
Bo Melton, Malik Heath and Grant DuBose are all legitimate NFL receivers, and all three made a compelling case for making the 53-man roster. It would be shocking if the Packers didn’t keep at least six receivers, so picking two out of Melton, Health and DuBose is possible. While difficult to project given the numbers, the Packers could also keep all three and roll with seven receivers early in the regular season. All three can play special teams, so there’d have to be a sacrifice elsewhere, possibly at tight end, linebacker or in the secondary. The Packers may have to decide which receiver has the best chance of returning on the practice squad.
How many offensive linemen?
The Packers like to be deep and versatile along the offensive line, so keeping nine or more is likely. The top eight looks relatively straightforward, with Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers and Zach Tom as starters, Sean Rhyan and Jordan Morgan as the top options at right guard, and Jacob Monk and Andre Dillard as top backups. Who makes it from there? Royce Newman has experience but hasn’t developed. Kadeem Telfort was used on both the left and right sides for the second-team offense. Travis Glover is a sixth-round pick who flashed potential but needs time. Caleb Jones and Luke Tenuta were mostly third-teamers and must be considered long shots.
Any chance of six defensive ends?
Keeping five defensive ends is likely, and both Brenton Cox Jr. and Arron Mosby were impressive this summer. Cox Jr. led the team in pressures, while Mosby made several disruptive plays, including a fourth-down pass breakup in the opener, a sack in Denver and a strip-sack and interception in the finale. The Packers would probably love to keep both players, with one on the 53 and the other on the practice squad, but is there any chance they’d keep both on the first roster? Mosby’s performance in the finale might have changed the roster math, especially because he can play special teams.
Will Kristian Welch make it?
Quay Walker, Eric Wilson, Isaiah McDuffie, Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper are locks, but what about Welch, who created three takeaways and is a plus special teamer? Keeping six linebackers makes sense in a 4-3 base front, and Welch would be a core special team option for Rich Bisaccia. It won’t be surprising if the Packers reward Welch for all his good work this summer with a roster spot.
How many cornerbacks?
The top four — Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine — are set, and Corey Ballentine is a good bet to be the No. 5. Do the Packers want to keep more than five? Robert Rochell had a nice summer, especially on special teams, but he’s dealing with a new hip injury. Rookie Kalen King flashed a lot of playmaking potential, but he needs time. The Packers probably can’t risk exposing King to waivers.
Who are the specialists?
The only lock among the specialists is punter Daniel Whelan. Matt Orzech is the only long snapper on the roster but it’s possible the Packers will attempt to upgrade after final cuts. At kicker, all options are on the table. The inconsistency of Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph must be maddening for the Packers, and the waiver wire will likely provide 3-4 potential options. After hunting all offseason for kicking competition, the Packers may need to start over with Week 1 under two weeks away.
What about injuries?
The Packers will be navigating some tricky injury situations on the first 53. A.J. Dillon, MarShawn Lloyd, Tyler Davis, Andre Dillard and Robert Rochell are all dealing with injuries, potentially forcing some difficult decisions. Don’t be surprised if an injury costs one of the five players listed above a roster spot come Tuesday. And remember: the new rules allow for the Packers two place two players on injured reserve during final cuts and still have them return during the season.