5 Big questions in Packers v. Saints preseason matchup
By Paul Bretl
What takes place at the Packers’ other positional battles?
Other positional battles taking place include for those third running back and safety roles, whether the Packers choose to keep a fifth linebacker, a sixth interior defender, or a seventh receiver. And who can emerge as the sixth cornerback on the roster?
Tyler Goodson led the Packers running backs in both snaps and carries against the 49ers. He was also the first running back on the field during the team’s joint practice with New Orleans. At safety, Vernon Scott has seen the most consistent snaps with the first-team defense with Darnell Savage out, but Shawn Davis has had some opportunities of his own.
In addition to trying to find the best players, as I wrote about recently, the roster math has to work out as well. There is no guarantee that the Packers roster five linebackers, six defensive linemen, or seven receivers, so players like Ray Wilborn, Jack Heflin, and Juwann Winfree will have to go out and show that they need to be on this 53-man roster.
Lastly, at cornerback, Rico Gafford has consistently seen snaps with the second team defense, but he is coming off a rough performance in the preseason opener. Gafford has 4.22 speed, and his responsibilities will come on special teams, not defense, but we hopefully see improved play from him against the Saints. If not, a name to watch is Kiondre Thomas, who did play well last week.