GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers are approaching Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a more competitive mindset than a typical exhibition game.
Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated Tuesday that Green Bay intends to put several healthy starters on the field, including quarterback Jordan Love. LaFleur cautioned that plans can always change before kickoff, but for now, the expectation is that the Packers’ first-team players will get an opportunity to experience live-game action.
The decision gives Green Bay one final chance to evaluate several position battles before the preseason begins.
Love and Packers’ Offense Ready for Game Action
Love’s expected appearance is one of the biggest storylines heading into Thursday’s matchup. The quarterback has been one of the central figures throughout camp and will now have an opportunity to operate the offense against an opposing defense in a game setting.
The Packers also received encouraging news on the injury front Tuesday.
Wide receivers Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden returned to practice after dealing with ankle and toe issues, respectively. Tight end Josh Whyle also returned after missing time with a neck injury.
Their return is especially important for an offense that has been trying to establish its receiving hierarchy during camp.
Green Bay’s offensive line remains another area worth watching. Anthony Belton is listed as the starting right guard, but Jager Burton and Jacob Monk continue to receive opportunities with the first unit. Donovan Jennings has also received work at guard.
Aaron Banks remains sidelined from team drills, adding another layer of uncertainty to the interior offensive line.
Thursday’s game could provide the coaching staff with a better indication of how the competition is developing when the pace and physicality increase.
Packers Continue to Sort Out Cornerback Competition
The battle at cornerback remains one of the more intriguing position competitions in Green Bay.
Keisean Nixon has been a consistent presence with the starting defense throughout camp. On Tuesday, he worked alongside rookie Brandon Cisse with the first unit, while Benjamin St-Juste worked with the second team.
Carrington Valentine also returned to practice after dealing with a hamstring injury, although he was not yet participating in team drills.
The current group appears to have Nixon, Valentine, Cisse and St-Juste near the top of the competition, but the preseason could significantly alter that order.
Cisse, in particular, has continued to make an impression throughout training camp and could strengthen his case with another strong performance against Pittsburgh.
Safety Situation Shifts
The Packers also made roster moves at safety, adding two players while releasing offensive lineman Dylan Barnhart and tight end Drew Biber.
The moves come as Green Bay deals with an injury to Javon Bullard, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury.
Kitan Oladapo stepped into the role Tuesday after Bullard’s absence. With Johnathan Baldwin recently waived with an injury designation, Oladapo could emerge as an important depth option in the secondary.
Trey Smack Getting Ready for His First Preseason Test
Rookie kicker Trey Smack continues to be one of the most closely watched players in camp.
Smack went 4-for-5 during Tuesday’s practice, bringing his overall training-camp total to 20 successful kicks on 28 attempts, a 71.4% conversion rate.
The rookie is currently the only kicker on Green Bay’s roster, meaning Thursday’s game against Pittsburgh could be particularly important.
Training-camp kicks come without the pressure and unpredictability of an actual game. Smack will now have to perform with a live rush, game-clock situations and the pressure that comes with playing in front of an NFL crowd.
Packers Receive Positive Injury Updates
Green Bay also received encouraging developments involving several players.
Cornerback Domani Jackson’s absence has been traced to offseason core surgery. LaFleur said he hopes Jackson will be able to return soon.
Meanwhile, running back Josh Jacobs remains sidelined with a groin injury, while edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton is dealing with an illness and Bullard remains out with his foot injury.
Several players remain on the physically unable to perform list, including tight end Luke Musgrave, edge rusher Micah Parsons, defensive lineman Jordon Riley and long snapper Matt Orzech.
Thursday Provides First Real Test
With the preseason opener approaching, Green Bay has reached an important point in camp.
The Packers have spent the past several weeks evaluating players in controlled practices. Thursday night will provide the first opportunity to see how those players respond when the competition becomes real.
Love and other starters are expected to see action, while battles at guard, cornerback, safety and kicker could receive considerable attention.
For players fighting for roster spots, the preseason opener represents more than simply the first game of August. It is the beginning of the evaluation process that will ultimately determine who remains in Green Bay when the regular season arrives.
