Where Packers positional battles stand before final preseason game
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers have nearly 20 practices under their belts, along with a pair of preseason games.
The summer is slowly winding down, and rosters have to be set by August 30th. With one more preseason game left to be played, let’s take a look at where each positional battle stands heading into the new week.
Packers Running Back
Competing for a roster spot: Patrick Taylor and Tyler Goodson
As a ball carrier and as a pass-catcher, Tyler Goodson has been the more impressive player, especially over the last few weeks. Patrick Taylor can hold his own in each of these areas as well, but he doesn’t have the same burst that Goodson does.
With that said, I think this competition for the third running back role is much closer than some may think. Last week when meeting with reporters, GM Brian Gutekunst talked about the importance of pass-blocking for that third running back. Following the game against New Orleans, Matt LaFleur would say that this role will come down to special teams play.
Those are two areas where Taylor may have the advantage with his experience, and we saw this on Friday. Taylor did an excellent job in pass protection, picking up a blitzer that allowed Jordan Love to complete the pass. Taylor also had a special teams tackle as well.
Packers Wide Receiver
Competing for a roster spot: Juwann Winfree
Juwann Winfree isn’t really competing against any player per se, but rather the roster math. The Packers have never rostered more than six receivers on the initial 53-man under LaFleur, and currently, six of those roster spots are accounted for.
However, Winfree has continued to build trust with Aaron Rodgers as a pass-catcher and has provided another steady presence at receiver. This preseason, Winfree has caught six of his nine targets for 68 yards with no drops. This dependability is likely the big reason why Rodgers continues to give praise this summer.
Winfree also led the Packers in receiving yards against the Saints and has been a starter on both the kick and punt return units.