Three Packers players that must have the game of their lives vs. Seahawks
Saturday represents the final preseason game for the Green Bay Packers, which means it's the last chance for a lot of guys to show they are worthy of a spot on the 53-man roster. Things get even more urgent when adding in the fact that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur plans on playing the majority […]
Saturday represents the final preseason game for the Green Bay Packers, which means it's the last chance for a lot of guys to show they are worthy of a spot on the 53-man roster.
Things get even more urgent when adding in the fact that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur plans on playing the majority of starters on both sides of the ball. He said their playing time will likely be a case-by-case basis and it will go off a gut feeling, which further adds to the unknown amount of playing time for guys on the bubble.
There are plenty of players that need to show up in a big way on Saturday night, but the following three are guys who could potentially make the team with a big showing. Either way, they need to put out good film for whatever happens next, which is important enough in its own right.
CB Shemar Jean-Charles
The 2021 fifth-round pick received some bad news on Wednesday when he was demoted after Innis Gaines returned to the lineup. SJC had been practicing as the No. 2 nickel in Gaines' absence, but obviously didn't do enough to hold on to the job.
With the emergence of Carrington Valentine, the Packers cornerback room is pretty much set, but they could certainly use a true inside guy in case Keisean Nixon goes down with an injury.
Jean-Charles can certainly be that guy, but he's gotta prove it with a very good game against the Seahawks.
OLB Brenton Cox Jr.
The more Rashan Gary looks to be on track for Week 1 (which looks really good, right now), the less likely it is that Cox Jr. makes the team – and that's simply based off numbers.
Right now, it's safe to assume the top-5 options on the edge are Gary, Preston Smith, JJ Enagbare, Lukas Van Ness, and Justin Hollins. Even if you have Cox Jr. ahead of Hollins, it's still more likely the Packers cut Cox Jr. because Hollins is a vested veteran and won't have to pass through waivers – he's allowed to sign with any team he chooses/that chooses him. Cox Jr. would have to pass through waivers and based off his past behavioral issues, there's a good chance he slips through and signs back on the Packers practice squad.
Carrying six OLBs doesn't make a ton of sense, either. Sure, Cox Jr. could help the giant special teams void left by Tyler Davis, but he's only recorded six ST snaps through two games and he hasn't really made any splash plays.
But, with all that being said, everyone knows how valuable pass rushers are and if Cox Jr. can show out on Saturday night -especially on teams- then he could certainly force his way onto the Packers roster.
RB Patrick Taylor
Taylor is the leader for the RB3 by default, for the most part. Tyler Goodson and Lew Nichols III are still dealing with injuries and rookie sensation Emanuel Wilson still has to work on things like his conditioning before he's ready for an NFL roster spot.
Still, Taylor has to have a good game on Saturday because as we saw last year, the Packers are perfectly content with carrying two running backs on the roster. That's both in heading into the season and during the season – they didn't sign Taylor (or any other RB for that matter) to the active roster until Week 3 of last year.
So, Taylor has to put together not only a consistent game, but an impressive game. The good part is he'll have plenty of opportunity to do just that.
Answers to important Packers questions are already on the roster
Sometimes outside help isn’t required and that appears to be the case with a couple of Packers questions.
Featured image via Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin