Green Bay Packers Matt LaFleur Speaks on Alex McGough

One of the more eye-raising developments for the Green Bay Packers early in their offseason workouts is the status of Alex McGough. The team’s third-string quarterback, who spent the 2023 season on the practice squad, has converted positions this offseason.

After the team used a seventh-round pick on quarterback Michael Pratt out of Tulane, an updated depth chart was shared. Alex McGough was no longer listed with the quarterbacks, instead being listed as a wide receiver.

With Sean Clifford locked in as the team’s backup last season and facing competition from Pratt this year, the Packers decided it would benefit McGough to compete at a different position this offseason. With no path to playing time under center, wide receiver is where he will be playing.

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur recently commented on the positional change for McGough. They believe his athleticism will translate after seeing what he was capable of on the scout team in 2023.

“He’s a really athletic guy,” LaFleur said after Friday’s rookie minicamp. “He spent a lot of time on the scout team running receiver routes, and he did such a great job. We feel like he’s such a talented athlete, why not give him a chance there? He’s a smart guy, works his tail off. I think he can contribute on (special teams) as well. We felt like that might be his best chance here.”

This is certainly a major change for McGough, an MVP quarterback in the USFL, leading his team to a championship in back-to-back seasons. With virtually zero chance of making the roster as a quarterback, it is refreshing to see McGough take the challenge of learning a new position and attempting to earn his way onto the roster this route.

It certainly won’t be easy, as the Green Bay Packers’ depth chart at wide receiver is also very deep. But, he has endeared himself to the coaching staff, as they are giving him a chance to showcase his abilities in a new way.

If Alex McGough is going to make the 53-man roster or stick around on the practice squad, it was going to come at a different position. Getting a head start in rookie minicamp and offseason workouts will only improve his chances of defying the odds and making the team.