Let’s face it, even the most dyed-in-the-wool Cheesehead would probably need to be forcibly strapped to his or her recliner to even watch an entire half of Thursday’s fourth and final preseason contest.
It’s not that the Packers aren’t an entertaining bunch, but Week 4 finales serve as a grand stage for the future butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers that have little to no hope pursuing a long and fruitful playing career in the NFL.
Those hoping to see Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, and Randall Cobb in action will be lucky to catch any of the team’s big-ticket starters take the field for an entire series—but even that might be pushing it.
For some lesser names, however, this last exhibition marks the last time they’ll don the cleats and shoulder pads to compete in the game they love, while others will scratch and claw to earn one of the last few roster spots as the Sept. 3 final cut-down date draws closer.
So who are these men playing for their Packer lives? Here’s a short list of the ones who have the most on the line in an otherwise uneventful road trip to Kansas City.
WR TREVOR DAVIS: The rookie speedster has much to offer in terms of being both a vertical threat and dangerous return man. But thus far, the fifth-round pick has been more about potential than production.
While Davis showed flashes of brilliance during OTAs, he’s been unable to stand out with the pads on. It’s highly unlikely that he’ll bump established veterans Jared Abbrederis or Davante Adams off the roster while fellow rookie Geronimo Allison has decidedly outperformed the Cal product as well.
Davis has the raw tools to make the occasional crowd-pleasing play, but he hasn’t yet absorbed the necessary route concepts to serve as one on Rodgers’ trusted receivers. And at a spindly 188 pounds, the 6’1” pass catcher isn’t strong enough to trade blows with NFL-caliber defensive backs that can routinely outmuscle players who outweigh Davis by 15 pounds.
Then again, a couple of game-breaking plays and an injury to one of his wideout peers may create an opening for Davis, but the smart money says the Packers will try to get him on the practice squad.
OT KYLE MURPHY: The rookie fifth-round pick has struggled thus far. In last week’s win over the 49ers, Murphy was beaten for two sacks where it looked as though he was thinking instead of simply taking on his man and executing his blocks.
On one of those sacks, the former Stanford Cardinal completely froze as if his feet were stuck in concrete on a Marcus Rush spin move. The game is clearly too fast for him and he may be better off developing on the practice squad if the Packers can sneak him in.
But one can certainly argue that GM Ted Thompson and company should play it safe and clear room for him on the final roster given the draft-day investment they made in securing his services. The fact that Green Bay could see one or more of their starters walk during the upcoming free agency period is further reason to hold on tight to Murphy.
In any case, it would help to see the 6’7″ bookend play with more confidence in this last preseason game even if it’s just to make team decision makers feel better about future plans to make him a potential starter at right tackle down the road.
DL BRIAN PRICE: The Packers are woefully thin on the defensive line. In fact, if the season were to start today Mike Daniels would be the only one among their projected starters healthy enough to suit up.
Price has shown signs of being a two-down contributor during training camp thanks to his quick get-off and natural power in the trenches.
However, the 303-pound interior lineman has failed to distinguish himself in preseason games. In fact, last week’s victory saw Price getting hung up on blocks and experiencing difficulty in disengaging from opposing blockers.
The Packers like his upside, but there may be better options available once all 32 teams have trimmed their rosters. One defender who can be brought right away is veteran plugger Terrance Knighton, who was recently set free by the New England Patriots.
LB CARL BRADFORD: As noted in a previous TRS piece, Bradford has been one of the more remarkable stories of camp in the way he’s playing with greater speed and confidence, as he’s made a successful transition from outside rush specialist to inside linebacker.
But despite his turnaround, the third-year Packer may be the victim of a number’s game due to the fact he’s a reserve player with three teammates (Blake Martinez, Sam Barrington, and Jake Ryan) ahead of him on the depth chart.
Although Bradford could serve as a valuable reserve who specializes in being a special-teams coverage contributor, fellow inside linebacker Joe Thomas is considered as the superior performer in that area.
CB: MAKINTON DORLEANT: The pride of Northern Iowa has earned a place on the final roster with his consistent brand of natural coverage skills and sharp instincts that he’s used multiple times in camp against every Packers quarterback including Rodgers.
The only thing standing in the way of his ascent to the final 53 is his health. Dorleant went down with his second hamstring issue of the preseason in last Friday’s game.
If he can’t make it for the showdown with the Chiefs, he will probably be destined for the practice squad. The one silver lining about his injury is the fact that other teams will be reluctant to put him on their own Week 1 roster if he’ll need time to heal up.
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