The NFL regular season is getting closer and closer every day, but as of right now the Packers are preparing for their second pre-season game. For the second straight year, the Packers have hosted joint practices. This year the Jets come to Green Bay prior to the teams’ preseason matchup.
QB1
Cent02 7fxwjeuk7dvxuyjf71c Original
Matt LaFleur has made it clear that Aaron Rodgers will be shut down this preseason to avoid injury. After Jordan Love sustained a minor shoulder injury in last week’s game vs. the Texans it’s, even more, likely that Rodgers won’t see any action this week.
Jordan Love is “unlikely” to play Saturday against the Jets, Matt LaFleur says. Kurt Benkert would start.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 19, 2021
With that being said, Kurt Benkert should be in line to get the start. Kurt is a fan favorite and should off his arm last week. Getting a chance with the higher-ups on the depth chart should, even more, enhance his game.
Things to Watch For
The biggest thing to watch is the wide receiver group yet again. The Packers should end up taking five to six wideouts onto their 53 man roster. Assuming five of those spots are locked by Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Randall Cobb, and Amari Rodgers then there is some real competition for that last spot. Devin Funchess played great last week and will look to follow that up this week.
The offensive line is another unit to keep an eye on. The Packers will see some shuffling along the line early this year if David Bakhtiari is unready to go week one. There will be some competition on the line between guys like Dennis Kelly, Royce Newman, and Jon Runyan.
The special teams looked like they still had a long way to go. Maurice Drayton said that Kylin Hill is the favorite to be the team’s kick returner. In the past years, the Packers special teams have been characterized by Mason Crosby being clutch and everything else being a disaster. Last week the special teams weren’t too great but will have a chance to redeem themselves.
A player to watch would be Eric Stokes. Matt LaFleur said that he is fine with Stokes and King competing for the second cornerback spot. King has dealt with an injury so far this preseason and missed some practice. Stokes is very talented, and the Packers need the best player playing at the position across Jaire Alexander.
Matt LaFleur says he's content to let Kevin King and rookie Eric Stokes compete for starting job through camp. LaFleur hasn't soured on King: "When he challenges guys at the line of scrimmage, I think he's as good as anybody."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 19, 2021
Overall
The Packers host the Jets Saturday, August 21st at 3:25 CT. The Packers are 0-1 in the preseason so far and will look to pick up the win after a week of joint practice.
As Always
Make sure to follow me on Twitter @Aaliyan525 and follow us @WiscoHeroics1 for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here. Check out our shop for new merchandise. Use promo code WISCO at checkout for $1 off! To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here.
