The Green Bay Packers are staring down Sunday’s 53-man roster cutdowns, and while most projections are looking pretty “chalky,” according to the experts, one name just ripped off a performance that might have reshuffled the entire receiver room. J. Michael Sturdivant exploded for 112 receiving yards in the preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals, the most by any Packers receiver in a preseason game. That kind of production screams “don’t cut me!” and totally put him over Isaiah Neyor, not just in receiving, but also for what the team asked them to do on special teams. This wasn’t just some garbage-time stat pad, either. Five of the top six wideouts sat out, so Sturdivant had a real chance to shine, and he absolutely took it.
Jacobs’ Legal Troubles Could Jolt the Backfield
While Sturdivant was making waves, the running back room for the Packers is facing some serious questions. Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, and Chris Brooks are the predicted trio, and that would be an easy call if it weren’t for Jacobs’ recent charges of battery and criminal damage to property. Coach Matt LaFleur says he “fully anticipate(s)” Jacobs being on the team this year, but if Jacobs gets suspended by the NFL before cutdowns, he’ll land on the reserve/suspended list and clear a spot on the 53.
If Jacobs is out, Pierre Strong Jr. would be the “next man up,” especially since he had to play in the preseason finale when Lloyd and Brooks sat. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Strong and undrafted rookie Jaden Nixon land on the initial practice squad, just in case things get dicey with Jacobs. This whole situation adds a huge question mark to an otherwise “easy” position group heading into the regular season.
Love and Taylor Take a Seat, McCord Makes His Case
Over at quarterback, it’s pretty straightforward at the top with Jordan Love and Tyrod Taylor locked in, both sitting out Friday night’s preseason finale. Kyle McCord handled every single snap of offense against the Cardinals, and while he’s expected to be re-signed to the practice squad, it’s clear the Packers weren’t exactly lining him up to battle for the #2 job all summer. If Taylor does get bumped, it’s probably going to be from an outside addition, not an internal competition. The top three receivers Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Reed also sat, along with backups Savion Williams and Skyy Moore. Bo Melton got a few snaps, presumably to play against his brother Max, who’s on the Cardinals.
So, as Sunday’s cutdowns loom, the Packers are looking to finalize a roster that’s got some solid depth, but also a few spots where a late surge or an off-field issue could totally change the picture. Green Bay is gearing up for the start of the regular season, and these final decisions will tell us a lot about what they expect from this squad right out of the gate.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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