The Green Bay Packers will play their last preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Following this week will be the start of the regular season in two weeks. It is also the final opportunity for any roster bubble players to impress the Packers coaching staff and earn a spot on the 53-man roster for this season. Below is a list of bubble players and their status heading into the third and final preseason game.
Not A Lock-Emmanuel Wilson
Despite performing well in preseason games, rookie UDFA Emmanuel Wilson is not a roster lock due to his lack of impact on special teams and ability to make blitz pick-ups in pass protection. Wilson needs to improve in these areas to secure the third running back spot and make the roster. For example, Patrick Taylor is good at blitz pickups and is a significant part of special teams, despite not having a great preseason and that gives him the best opportunity to make the team. This week, Wilson must improve in these areas to convince the Packers to keep him on the roster this season.
Lock- Rasheed Walker
The Packers have a surplus of talent at offensive tackle this year, including Rasheed Walker who has shown impressive performances in training camp and preseason games. He may have come into training camp as a roster bubble due to limited preseason action last year. Yet he has continued what he did last year in the preseason. In fact, during the second preseason game against the New England Patriots, Walker stood out by not allowing a single pressure, which is very impressive. Take a look at this play, particularly in the first quarter, and look at what Rasheed Walker did.
All signs so far are pointing to Luke Musgrave FEASTING in the middle of the field
pic.twitter.com/1HNNjG3krH— Hogg (@HoggNFL) August 20, 2023
On this play, watch left tackle Rasheed Walker (#63) hold his ground against Matthew Judon, one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, in a one-on-one matchup. If he continues performing like this, he could become a starter in the near future. He is indeed a lock for the roster this year.
Grant DuBose-Not A Lock
Seventh-round pick Grant DuBose may not make the Packers roster this year due to a back injury that caused him to miss most of training camp. Although he looked good in the second preseason game, the time he missed was very valuable. It was very unfortunate that he had to miss time as he has to work his way up the depth chart with little time. What does help him is that the Packers usually keep all of their rookie draft picks on the roster. However, he needs a pretty big game this Saturday to secure a roster spot on the team.
Austin Allen-A Lock
It is probable that Austin Allen, the second-year tight end, will make the Packer’s 53-man roster. This is due to Tyler Davis’s unfortunate injury as he tore his ACL in the first preseason game which opened up the fourth tight end spot for Allen. Also, Josiah Deguara being utilized as a fullback more and is even listed as one on the roster currently really helps Allen as well. Assuming that he performs well in the game against the Seattle Seahawks and on special teams this Saturday, Austin Allen is expected to be on the roster this season.
Royce Newman-Not A Lock
Royce Newman most likely will not make the roster this year. He simply has not performed well at all in training camp and in the first preseason game. He did have a bounce-back game in the second preseason game against the New England Patriots, but that probably will not be enough to make the roster. He just has not been consistent and gets beaten badly far too often. The only thing that helps him a little bit is Jake Hanson getting released, but it does not do too much for him. Newman needs a big performance on Saturday because as of right now he is on the outside looking in from the 53-man roster.
Brenton Cox- A Lock
Brenton Cox the rookie UDFA from the University of Florida has been getting a lot of hype since signing with the Packers. The talent was there but due to characters’ concerns including getting thrown off both Georgia and last year Florida in college, he was not drafted. He has lived up to the hype as he has been showing that he should not have gone undrafted. In training camp, he has been making noise and has made an impact in both preseason games. The sacks have not been there, but he is being disruptive and has been very good against the run. He will be hard to keep off the roster as he would be claimed off waivers easily. The Packers might be forced to keep him on the roster especially if he has another strong game Saturday.
Lew Nichols-Not A Lock
Rookie running back Lew Nichols is in danger of not making the roster this year. He just has not been able to get healthy to show what he has on the football field. The saying is “the best ability is availability” and he has not been available. His status for this week is unknown and it is essential that he can hopefully play soon, or he could not make the team. Yes, the Packers like keeping rookie draft picks, but Nichols has not shown anything due to being injured. Do not be surprised if Lew Nichols does not make the final 53-man roster this year.
Malik Heath- A Lock
Since the offseason, Malik Heath has consistently impressed with his performance, demonstrating his worthiness to be on the team. He has made significant contributions in both preseason games, especially leading the Packers in receiving yards in the second game against the New England Patriots. He is also excelling in run blocking which is important in this Packers offense. It would be difficult not to include him on the final 53-man roster this season.
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