Projecting the Green Bay Packers 53-Man Roster with One Preseason Game Remaining

The Green Bay Packers have one preseason game remaining before its time for roster cut downs. The team presently has 90 players fighting for 53 spots on the initial roster. There are also 15 players who can be placed on the practice squad and one international player who can be placed on the practice squad with an exemption. Here is a look at our projections for the Packers 53-man roster with one preseason game remaining.

Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster as of Now: Quarterbacks (2)

Jordan Love and Malik Willis are locks to make the roster if they stay healthy. The big battle is for the third spot between Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma. Clifford has more experience, but Elgersma has more upside. The winner will likely end up on the practice squad.

Running Backs (3)

Josh Jacobs will start with Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks providing depth. MarShawn Lloyd showed promise last week against the Colts but also injured his groin and may start the season on IR. Lloyd can’t seem to stay healthy.

Some of the depth players have potential. Look for two of them to make the practice squad. Amar Johnson and Israel Abanikanda are the most likely duo to fill those spots.

Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster as of Now: Wide Receiver (6)

This group has already been hit hard by injuries in camp. Christian Watson likely starts the season on the PUP list. Yes, reports are he could be back sooner than expected, but he’ll probably still miss the first four games and start on the PUP. There are five other players who are almost locks barring a trade. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks will be the veterans. First round pick Matthew Golden and third rounder Savion Williams will also be locks.

The sixth spot is a likely battle between Malik Heath and Mecole Hardman. Heath blocks well and contributes on special teams. Hardman also adds special teams ability and has earned Pro Bowl honors as a return specialist. Heath has a slight edge as of now.

The team will likely keep two more receivers on the practice squad. Julian Hicks, Will Sheppard, and Cornelius Johnson are the leading candidates to fill those two spots.

Tight Ends (4)

Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave are locks to make the roster. The team has a pair of strong candidates for the depth spot. Will they keep three or four tight ends? Ben Sims and John FitzPatrick are the candidates for the third and fourth spots. Both played well in preseason, and both can contribute on special teams. The Packers would like to find a way to keep both.

Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster as of Now: Offensive Line (10)

Zach Tom will start at right tackle with Rasheed Walker and Jordan Morgan battling for the left tackle spot. All three will make the roster with one being the swing tackle or rotating in for several series. Aaron Banks and Sean Rhyan will start at guard with Elgton Jenkins at center. Second-round pick Anthony Belton will make the roster. Donovan Jennings and Kadeem Telfort are the likely reserves to make nine. Jacob Monk may stick around one more year, but he’s struggled in camp.

The team will keep at least two, more likely three linemen on the practice squad. J.J. Lippe and Lecitus Smith being the leading candidates to fill those spots. Seventh round pick John Williams likely starts the season on IR.

Defensive Ends (5)

Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness are locks to make the roster and are the likely starters. If he’s healthy, fourth-round pick Barryn Sorrell will also make the roster. Depth will likely be provided by Brenton Cox and Kingsley Enagbare. Fifth-round pick Collin Oliver likely starts the season on IR.

Deslin Alexandre and Arron Mosby are the leading candidates to stick on the practice squad.

Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster as of Now: Defensive Tackles (5)

Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt are locks to make the roster. Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden provide experienced backup help. The last spot will likely be a battle between sixth-round pick Warren Brinson and undrafted free agent Nazir Stackhouse. The two were teammates at Georgia. Stackhouse likely gets the nod because of his ability as a run stuffer with Brinson starting the season on the practice squad.

Linebackers (5)

Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper will be two of the starters. Veteran Isaiah McDuffie will make the roster regardless of whether he’s the third starter. The final two roster spots likely go to Ty’Ron Hopper, who has looked better in his second training camp, and Kristian Welch who provides experience and has outstanding special teams credentials.

Isaiah Simmons has the tools and athleticism but can’t seem to consistently put it all together on the field. Look for Jamon Johnson to fight for a spot on the practice squad. Welch could also end up on the practice squad if Simmons beats him out for the final roster spot.

Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster as of Now: Cornerbacks (5)

Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine will be at the top of the depth chart and will all make the roster. Bo Melton likely makes the roster after playing well after switching from wide receiver. The final spot will be a fight between Kalen King and Corey Ballentine with King likely making the roster and Ballentine starting on the practice squad. Seventh-round pick Micah Robinson should also stick on the practice squad.

Safeties: (5)

Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams will start with Javon Bullard splitting time between safety and slot. Zayne Anderson likely makes the roster on the strength of his special teams while Kitan Oladapo remains the favorite for the final roster spot.

Omar Brown made three interceptions at Family Night and will likely land on the IR after being injured against the Colts.

Projecting the Packers 53 Man Roster as of Now: Special Teams (3)

The Packers know who their specialists will be. Brandon McManus returns as the kicker. Daniel Whelan is the only punter in camp. Matt Orzech has no competition for long snapper.

The Packers may stash Mark McNamee on the practice squad as their international player.