The winning and losing of jobs can begin tomorrow afternoon. The Green Bay Packers open the 2024 preseason on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, where the team will see its rookies and some new players in a live game for the first time.
Several of those rookies are fighting for a spot in the roster. Among the spots up for grabs are safety positions and playing time at linebacker. The Packers also need to settle on a kicker and backup quarterback, and Saturday will be the first big step in deciding who will fill those roles in the regular season.
Safety is a particularly interesting position after the franchise almost completely revamped that unit in the offseason. A new face, a veteran free agent, is already making an impression on the practice field and in the locker room while the others all try to earn a job alongside him.
Meanwhile, Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt are battling it out for the position of Jordan Love’s backup. Since Love was slightly injured during practice on Thursday, he likely won’t play much on Saturday, which should give the two backups plenty of time to prove their chances as the team’s emergency options in September.
Here’s a preview of what to expect on Saturday afternoon.
Five Packers position battles to watch in season opener against Browns – The Athletic ($)
Unsurprisingly, kicker and backup quarterback are at the top of the list. But don’t forget the battles for safety and offensive line.
Picks and Picks: Xavier McKinney was the total package | Packers.com
Of course, there is only one safety position available: McKinney looked like the player the Packers had envisioned when they signed him in March.
2024 NFL season: A crucial rookie for every team | NFL.com
The Packers’ choice here falls on Bullard, who is still considered a top candidate for the starting lineup alongside McKinney.
Packers OL Sean Rhyan’s versatility could put him in prime position for 2024 | Packers Wire
Rhyan is playing all three interior positions in training camp this summer, and while it’s possible he won’t get a spot in the starting lineup, expect to see him on the field at some point during the season.
2024 NFL training camp news, rumors and updates – ESPN+
Matt LaFleur on Jordan Love in 2024 compared to last season: “He is more assertive and has more control. He has a better idea of how to use the people around him.”
Samsung recalls stoves that allowed pets to set houses on fire | CNN Business
Personally, I wouldn’t let my dog cook in my house. But that’s just my opinion.
