Matt LaFleur makes final decision on if Packers starters will play the preseason opener against the Jets
Expect the Green Bay Packers to play their starters on Saturday against the New York Jets, at least for a few snaps. On Tuesday, the day of the first practice of the week ahead of the preseason opener, head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that every healthy player on the roster could be on the field.“Yes. […]
Expect the Green Bay Packers to play their starters on Saturday against the New York Jets, at least for a few snaps. On Tuesday, the day of the first practice of the week ahead of the preseason opener, head coach Matt LaFleur indicated that every healthy player on the roster could be on the field.
“Yes. They’re football players,” LaFleur said. “Everybody’s got to go into it expecting to play.”
There are a few exceptions, though, all related to injury. Cornerback Nate Hobbs is expected to miss three weeks because of a small knee surgery. Left tackle Rasheed Walker has a groin injury, and even though it’s nothing serious, it might be enough for Green Bay to be cautious.
“I wouldn’t anticipate anything too long term,” LaFleur added about Walker. “So he’s working back through it.”
On Family Night last Saturday, a long list of players didn’t practice due to injuries. Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Sam Brown, Nate Hobbs, Emanuel Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd, Kamal Hadden, Collin Oliver, Arron Mosby, Rasheed Walker, John Williams, Travis Glover, and Tucker Kraft.
Wide receiver Christian Watson and rookie offensive lineman John Williams are the ones with longer-term injuries, so they won’t play against the Jets—and probably will miss the entire preseason, just like Hobbs. Lloyd also has a groin injury and might not be available.
Because it’s still preseason, the Packers don’t have to reveal details for the injuries, nor injury designations ahead of the game.
Quarterback Jordan Love is healthy, though, and is fully expected to play. He’s been active for preseason games even since he took over the starting job back in 2023—unlike Aaron Rodgers, who wasn’t playing exhibition games during his final years in Green Bay. Last year, Love played a couple of drives per game, which is probably the approach the Packers will have once again in 2025.
If Walker can’t play, though, Love’s blind side will be protected by last year’s first-round pick Jordan Morgan, who struggled at left tackle on Family Night. The rest of the offensive line has Aaron Banks at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center, Sean Rhyan at right guard, and Zach Tom at right tackle. Rookie second-rounder Anthony Belton would be the swing tackle—he had all left tackle snaps with the twos and some right tackle reps with the ones on Family Night.
Green Bay Packers News
How to watch the Packers preseason opener against the Jets with full TV info, kickoff time, and viewing options
It’s football time. On Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, the Green Bay Packers host the New York Jets at Lambeau Field for their preseason opener. It’s the first big opportunity to watch rookies like wide receiver Matthew Golden, check out impactful positional battles, and enjoy a Packers game after seven months of a long, tiring […]
