The Green Bay Packers are facing their final preseason crucible, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for a lot of guys trying to make the squad. Head Coach Matt LaFleur’s team squares off with the Arizona Cardinals for a joint practice Wednesday at Ray Nitschke Field. They’ll finish the preseason schedule against the Cardinals Friday night at Lambeau Field. Sunday? That’s cutdown day. These next three days are make-or-break. Top-tier players will hit the joint practice, but depth chart guys get one last shot Friday night. Their NFL futures hang in the balance.
Skill Guys Fighting For Their NFL Lives
Looking at offensive skill positions, it’s nail-biting. At quarterback, will Green Bay *really* keep three on the 53-man roster? Kyle McCord has looked capable in back-to-back preseason games, making a strong case. Pierre Strong Jr. ran well in Denver and flashed special teams versatility with that 68-yard kickoff return. For receivers, J. Michael Sturdivant needs to prove he can block and be a special teams warrior to grab a potential seventh spot. Isaiah Neyor’s size and catch radius make him fascinating. Will Sheppard’s big night in Denver and punt return ability give him a late shot. Every snap is under the microscope.
Trenches and the Middle Ground: Who Locks It In?
Down in the trenches, it’s just as intense. At tight end, Messiah Swinson’s got the size for an inline blocker. McCallan Castles has looked super strong as a run blocker and been on special teams groupings. For the offensive line, veteran Darian Kinnard is just back from an ankle injury. Can he lock in a top sub spot after losing ground this summer? Donovan Jennings clings on as a combo guard/center, but the team’s flush with those types. John Williams played a team-high 70 snaps at backup left tackle; is he *the* guy? Travis Glover’s guard/tackle versatility makes him extra valuable. On the defensive line, Jonathan Ford is likely closer to a lock, but a solid final week secures it. Anthony Campbell keeps making plays, creating a tough defensive tackle decision. Nazir Stackhouse made the team last year, but has competition passed him?
Defensive Backs and Edge Rushers Scrambling
Over on defense, stakes are equally high. Edge rusher Arron Mosby’s experience and special teams versatility give him a chance, though practice squad might be the better bet. Rookie Nyjalik Kelly is likely a practice squad option, but shows long-term developmental skills. At linebacker, it’s a direct showdown: Nick Niemann or Kristian Welch for that fifth spot. Both are special teams aces and both just came off nice performances in Denver. The secondary has big questions. Kamal Hadden’s rise as backup slot defender and his standout performance against the Broncos likely put him closer to a roster lock, but he still needs a strong final week. Rookie Domani Jackson finally got on the field last week; can he build momentum? Jaylin Simpson’s been up and down this preseason, so he needs to finish strong.
It all comes down to Friday night’s game, then the waiting game until Sunday. Every single one of these guys is playing for their job, their dream, and their shot at being an NFL player in 2026. You know these coaches are watching every rep. It’s gonna be wild to see who makes the cut.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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