GREEN BAY â The Packers wrap up their 2021 preseason on Saturday against the Bills in Buffalo.
Here's what to watch for:
QB development opportunity: If ï»żJordan Loveï»ż is cleared to play following his shoulder injury in the preseason opener, he could get some snaps against Buffalo's starting defense, which would be valuable experience even if it's only for a series or two.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur also said ï»żKurt Benkertï»ż will play as he's trying to make a case for the Packers to keep him on the 53-man roster as the No. 3.
Final audition at guard: LaFleur is letting the starting guard competition play all the way out, and he specified the top candidates with one game to go are ï»żRoyce Newmanï»ż, ï»żLucas Patrickï»ż and ï»żJon Runyanï»ż for two spots in Week 1. Newman and Patrick were up first for practice reps on the No. 1 offensive line this past week.
Roster questions: Will the Packers keep six or seven receivers, and who will the last one(s) be? ï»żMalik Taylorï»ż, ï»żReggie Begeltonï»ż and ï»żEquanimeous St. Brownï»ż all have a last chance to state their case.
How many safeties will make the roster beyond the two starters? All the reserves â ï»żHenry Blackï»ż, ï»żVernon Scottï»ż, ï»żInnis Gainesï»ż, ï»żChristian Uphoffï»ż â are young, in their first or second NFL seasons. Special teams will factor into the final decisions.
Which undrafted rookies have a shot? In addition to Gaines and Uphoff, defensive lineman ï»żJack Heflinï»ż has made a good impression thus far.
How will the depth on the offensive line shake out? Tackle ï»żYosh Nijmanï»ż has played a ton of preseason snaps, ï»żBen Bradenï»ż has worked at guard with the first unit and tackle with the second unit, and the Packers have five draft picks in the position group from the last two years trying to find their way. Some will make the 53, others will be brought back on the practice squad, and it could sort itself out any number of ways.
