A closer look at Packers position battles taking place v. 49ers
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers Interior Defensive Line
Competing for a roster spot: Jack Heflin and Jonathan Ford
There is no playing time up for grabs at this position, as we know what the five-man rotation will look like. There may not even be a roster spot available either, as the Packers have kept just five interior defensive linemen in the past under Matt LaFleur. Heflin and Ford have both made plays in practice, but it is during the preseason that they will have to show they are deserving of a roster spot.
Green Bay Packers Edge Rushers
Competing for playing time and a roster spot: La’Darius Hamilton, Jonathan Garvin, Tipa Galeai, Randy Ramsey, and Kingsley Enagbare
This position is wide open. There are two rotational roles up for grabs in which the players will see a decent amount of playing time as well as, in total, three or four roster spots available, depending on whether the Packers roster five or six edge rushers.
Based on what we’ve heard, Hamilton and Garvin appear to be the front-runners for the rotational roles, although each player has seen their share of reps with the second-team defense, as well as some snaps with the ones. Enagbare is a fifth-round pick and may be difficult to sneak on the practice squad, while Galeai has been an active participant on special teams, according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated.
Green Bay Packers Linebackers
Competing for a roster spot: Isaiah McDuffie, Ray Wilborn, and Ty Summers
Assuming everyone remains healthy, there won’t be any defensive snaps to go around for these three players this season. Their path to the roster will be through special teams. As of now, McDuffie appears to be the front-runner for that fourth role, as he was a core special teams player in 2021 and is playing much faster defensively, now in his second season.
This is one of those positions where the Packers will have to decide whether to keep four or five on the roster.