Packers’ 53-man roster projection after preseason win over the Broncos
Green Bay has several intriguing individual takeaways from first exhibition win of the year, and roster battles are heating up ahead of the final preseason action.
During preseason times, the bottom of the roster can suffer significant changes from one week to the other. So, let’s update our 53-man roster projection after the Green Bay Packers beat the Denver Broncos in their second game of this preseason.
Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2026 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2026 undrafted free agents.
Packers’ 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (2)
IN: Jordan Love, Tyrod Taylor
OUT: Kyle McCord
The skinny: Kyle McCord made a case for himself against the Steelers, but was probably not as effective against a better defensive depth from Denver. Since last week, Kyron Drones has been cut, which also means McCord will play almost the entire game against the Arizona Cardinals next week.
Running back (3)
IN: Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks
OUT: Pierre Strong Jr., Damien Martinez, Jaden Nixon**
The skinny: Pierre Strong had a strong performance against the Broncos, with 4.6 yards per carry. But because the Packers should be able to stack him on the practice squad and elevate him when needed, spending a fourth spot with a running back doesn’t seem likely.
Wide receiver (6)
IN: Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Savion Williams, Skyy Moore, Bo Melton
OUT: Isaiah Neyor, Will Sheppard, J. Michael Sturdivant**, Chris Hilton Jr.**, Kisean Johnson, Kaden Prather
The skinny: Isaiah Neyor keeps playing well, but it’s obvious how much the Packers’ coaching staff trusts and likes Bo Melton.
Tight end (4)
IN: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Josh Whyle, Drake Dabney
OUT: McCallan Castles, Messiah Swinson, Thomas Yassmin (IPP)
The skinny: Okay, I had Castles over Dabney last week based on my opinion of the players. But the coaching staff obviously disagrees, and Dabney played significant snaps with the starters in 12 personnel. The big question here is if Musgrave will be ready by Week 1 or if he’ll start the season on PUP.
Offensive line (9)
IN: Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, Zach Bako-Bewele, Jager Burton*, Anthony Belton, John Williams, Donovan Jennings
OUT: Darian Kinnard, Travis Glover, Brant Banks, Dalton Cooper, Dylan Barrett**, Josh Gesky**, Dillon Wade**
The skinny: Monk wasn’t a lock to make the team earlier this offseason, and now he’s set to start. Maybe it speaks more about the Packers’ situation at right guard, but that’s the reality at this point.
Interior defensive line (6)
IN: Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave, Karl Brooks, Chris McClellan*, Warren Brinson, Anthony Campbell
OUT: Nazir Stackhouse, Jonathan Ford, Jaden Crumedy, James Ester
PUP: Jordon Riley
The skinny: Anthony Campbell had a sack against the Broncos, and he keeps playing well. Ford is a candidate to make the team too because he’s played a lot with the top defense, but he’s also played a lot with the bottom guys.
Linebacker (5)
IN: Edgerrin Cooper, Zaire Franklin, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty’Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann
OUT: Kristian Welch, TJ Quinn**
The skinny: This is probably the most logical positional grouping on the roster.
Edge defenders (5)
IN: Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox Jr., Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, Dani Dennis-Sutton*
OUT: Arron Mosby, Nyjalik Kelly**, Arden Walker
PUP: Micah Parsons
The skinny: The Packers added Arden Walker this week. But the overall picture of the unit hasn’t changed.
Cornerback (6)
IN: Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Benjamin St-Juste, Brandon Cisse*, Domani Jackson*, Kamal Hadden
OUT: Jaylin Simpson, Shemar Bartholomew, MJ Devonshire
The skinny: Kamal Hadden has been the starting slot corner when Javon Bullard doesn’t play, and Hadden has been pretty good at it. He’s essentially secured a roster spot.
Safety (4)
IN: Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo
OUT: Murvin Kenion**, Mark Perry, Trey Dean, Tra Fluellen
The skinny: Kenion was on the list last week, but we had to reduce the safety room to four to fit Hadden on the 53.
Specialists (3)
IN: Trey Smack* (K), Daniel Whelan (P), Cal Adomitis (LS)
OUT: Matthew Orzech (LS)
The skinny: Adomitis was signed because of Orzech’s injury. If both are healthy, there might not be time to create a real competition considering the connection Adomitis and Smack have created throughout training camp.
Final Word
The Packers’ bottom of the roster will have some excellent battles against the Cardinals. A final preseason game might not matter much in the grand scheme of things, but it certainly does for these players.
