Packers backups brought significantly more effort and focus to Lambeau on Saturday against the Ravens than they had in Denver last week, and none too soon, with teams needing to get down to 53-man rosters by tomorrow (Tuesday). 

I’ll let others do full-roster predictions, especially since it is highly doubtful the roster set Tuesday will be what we see in Brazil for opening night a week from Friday. Green Bay’s front office still has several decisions to make, and will want to peruse cuts made by other teams before and after the cutdowns. But here’s where some of the key position battles stand:

Backup QB: Although both played better than last week, neither Michael Pratt nor Sean Clifford grabbed the job and made it theirs. Pratt had the better numbers in the 30-7 win over Baltimore, but neither man broke a passer rating of 80, and there were some rough patches against Ravens backups. There is a lot of buzz that the Packers will make a move, either keeping both and adding a free-agent QB, or cutting one and replacing him. I lean toward keeping Pratt, as Clifford just lacks the upside, but I much prefer seasoned vets backing up franchise QBs, because if the latter gets hurt a developmental quarterback can ruin your season. Green Bay has rarely gone this route, but I am intrigued by the possibility of Ryan Tannehill. The Tennessee Titans added Tannehill in 2019 and he took them to the playoffs the season after Matt Lafleur came to Green Bay. Tannehill no doubt wants a shot to start with salary to match, but if no decent opportunities arise I’d urge the Packers to try to get him to carry the clipboard on a one-year deal. Neither Pratt nor Clifford would be able to save the Packers if they had to start, so Green Bay is playing the football equivalent of Russian Roulette with the most important position in the game.

Kicker: Both Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph were much better than last week, a welcome relief though I remain uncertain how much to trust it. I suspect Carlson will keep the job because of Rich Bisaccia’s love for him, but it could still go either way. Australian Alex Hale is in the mix, but there has been little reason to consider him an upgrade. Perhaps a good cut candidate will come free, but right now it feels like the Packers and their fans are going to have to sweat every kick no matter who wins the job, which is a giant ugh. 

Offensive line: This issue here is primarily backups. The team seems set with Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Meyers, Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom from left to right, though Rhyan is a bit of a question mark. Jordan Morgan isn’t going anywhere as a first-round pick, but where he lands is still up in the air. Andre Dillard and Jacob Monk appear locked into backup slots. That leaves the question of whether the team carries nine or 10 O-linemen, with Royce Newman, Caleb Jones, Travis Glover and Kadeem Telfort in the mix for the last one or two slots. The team might opt for Newman’s experience, at a backup spot or starting at right guard, but I’m hoping I finally have a chance to do my best Jerry Seinfeld impersonation and say “Goodbye, Newman.” I’ve been practicing, because the man is not up to the task. Let’s take our chances with the kids, Mr. Gutekunst, or find someone who was cut that can play the position while also addressing the need for better run blocking  by the O-line room overall.

Defensive end: This is among the most fascinating situations on the team, although it’s more in the realm of a good problem to have. Out of almost nowhere, Arron Mosby has made a strong case for a roster spot as a fifth DE behind Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare. Brenton Cox is also in the mix, and one or the other (or both) will likely find themselves on the practice squad. It’s not clear whether Green Bay wants to keep five DEs, and some of it might depend  on whether the team keeps more than four D linemen. If not, Colby Wooden could be a roster casualty, though it’s rare when the Packers cut such a high draft pick so early. 

Linebacker: Another positive situation, with Kristian Welch suddenly looking like a lot more than just a special teams ace. I’m rooting hard for his addition, in part because I’m not sold on the LB room beyond a hopefully improved Quay Walker and an unproven high draft pick in Edgerrin Cooper. Welch just seems to have high football IQ and keen instincts for the ball.

Cornerback 5: It gets thin fast after Alexander, Stokes, Valentine and Keisean Nixon, who should be slot only. I have serious concerns about depth in this group, especially given the injury histories of Alexander and Stokes. Kalen King has not looked quite ready, and is a better practice squad candidate. This is another case where I’d be combing the waiver wire.

Lastly, wideouts 5 and maybe 6: After Reed, Doubs, Wicks and Watson, will it be Dubose? Heath? Melton? And will they keep 5 or 6? Flip whatever coins you like. Might come down to who has the best chance of not clearing waivers. This isn’t one that makes a big difference to the Packers’ fortunes. If I was the GM? Heath just gets open in clutch situations, and I like Melton’s size/speed combination.

GPG.