Four Packers to Watch Tonight vs Steelers

The Green Bay Packers will open their 2026 preseason Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, giving Matt LaFleur and his coaching staff their first opportunity to evaluate this roster against someone other than themselves.

Green Bay’s starters are expected to play, although likely only for a series or two. That means the majority of the night will belong to the players fighting for roles, roster spots and the coaching staff’s trust. 

For some, Thursday night represents the next step toward a bigger role this season. For others, it could be the beginning of a three-game audition to stay in Green Bay.

Here are five Packers worth keeping a close eye on against Pittsburgh.

MarShawn Lloyd Finally Gets His Opportunity

It feels like Packers fans have been waiting forever to see what MarShawn Lloyd can actually do.

Thursday night should finally provide that opportunity.

With Josh Jacobs currently sidelined by a groin injury, Lloyd is expected to start against Pittsburgh. More importantly, it will be his first game action in nearly a full calendar year. 

Injuries have defined the beginning of Lloyd’s NFL career. His rookie season never gained much momentum, and another groin injury suffered during last year’s preseason ultimately wiped out his second season.

The talent has never been difficult to see.

Lloyd brings a different type of explosiveness to the backfield than Jacobs, particularly when he gets into space. Green Bay has been patient with him throughout the offseason, and a healthy Lloyd has looked like the clear favorite to become Jacobs’ primary backup.

Now he has to prove it in a game.

The Packers do not need Lloyd to dominate Thursday night. They need him to look healthy, decisive, and explosive.

If he does, one of Green Bay’s biggest offensive question marks could quickly turn into one of its most intriguing weapons.

Savion Williams Has a Chance to Force His Way Onto the Field

Few Packers have generated more momentum over the past week than Savion Williams.

The second-year receiver entered camp fighting for opportunities in a crowded room. Injuries to Matthew Golden and Jayden Reed opened the door for more snaps, and Williams took advantage.

During Sunday’s practice, Williams hauled in a 60-yard pass from Kyle McCord before adding four receptions from Jordan Love, including a touchdown in the red zone. 

Now comes the next test.

Williams caught only 10 passes for 78 yards as a rookie, but Green Bay found creative ways to get the ball into his hands. His combination of size, speed and strength gives the offense something different from many of the other receivers on the roster.

The question is whether he can become more than a gadget player.

Williams is battling Bo Melton, Skyy Moore, Isaiah Neyor and J. Michael Sturdivant for snaps behind Green Bay’s top receivers.

A big preseason could make that competition much more interesting.

Watch where Williams lines up, how often the Packers manufacture touches for him and, most importantly, whether he can consistently win as a traditional receiver.

Brandon Cisse Gets His First Real NFL Test

The Packers did not spend a second-round pick on Brandon Cisse expecting him to sit around and watch.

So far, he hasn’t.

Cisse has already worked extensively with Green Bay’s first-team defense at cornerback, including opposite Keisean Nixon during Tuesday’s practice.

Practice is one thing.

Thursday night will be different.

Cornerback remains one of the most fascinating positions on the Packers roster. Green Bay needs someone to establish himself opposite Nixon, and Cisse has received every opportunity to make his case.

Preseason football can be especially revealing for young cornerbacks. There is no hiding when the ball comes your direction.

Cisse will have opportunities to tackle in space, play the football downfield, and show whether the confidence Green Bay has displayed in him throughout camp is justified.

One preseason performance will not decide the starting job.

But a strong debut could go a long way.