Final Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction After Trade

The preseason is over, and the hard work is about to begin for Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst.

After a 2-1 exhibition season with some intense roster battles and injuries taking their toll, Gutekunst has some difficult decisions to make as he formulates the 53-man roster that must be set by 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Ultimately, the roster is a living organism, and as often as we call it the final 53-man roster, it really is just the initial group. Last year, for instance, the Packers kept Greg Joseph out of camp at kicker, only to be awarded Brayden Narveson on waivers.

That could happen this year at positions like the offensive line or cornerback should the Packers see someone released that they like more than the player they kept on the roster.

Injuries, obviously, play a factor here, as well, so taking that into account, here is a best guess at the Packers’ initial 53-man roster.

Quarterbacks (2)

Jordan Love, Malik Willis.

Analysis: This has been the easiest prediction to make throughout the summer.

Jordan Love was limited during the last two weeks of training camp but should be ready to roll when the Packers face off against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field.

Willis’ final numbers of the preseason don’t tell the full story. He did not light up the box scores like some suggested he might, but he is in command of the offense and in a much better place than he was a year ago.

The only real thing to watch in the quarterback room is whether the Packers will keep Taylor Elgersma, Sean Clifford or look outside the organization for a quarterback on the practice squad.

Running Backs (3)

Josh Jacobs, Chris Brooks, Emanuel Wilson.

IR: Marshawn Lloyd.

Analysis: Pro Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Torre used to always say that problems with a roster crunch tend to get solved by itself.

The running back position in Green Bay is no different. When Marshawn Lloyd was healthy and able to play, the Packers had four running backs on their roster that they liked. The issue in keeping four running backs, of course, is it would be overkill at a position group in which the majority of the workload is going to be carried by Josh Jacobs.

Unfortunately, Lloyd’s battle with injuries did not end this preseason, which could land him on injured reserve to start the season for the second consecutive year.

Chris Brooks will be on the roster as a role player who plays on all the primary special teams units. Emanuel Wilson, who rushed for 502 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry last season, would likely be the team’s bell cow if Jacobs were to miss time.

Wide Receivers (6)

Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, Savion Williams, Malik Heath.

PUP: Christian Watson.