6 Big things from the Packers preseason finale vs. Kansas City
By Paul Bretl
Amari Rodgers shines in the gadget role
Offensively this preseason, Amari Rodgers hasn’t really stood out. But against Kansas City, Matt LaFleur heavily utilized Rodgers in that gadget role with several designed touches and snaps out of the backfield.
On three carries, Rodgers totaled 17 yards, including a long of 11. Through the air, he made a contested catch over the middle and totaled 39 yards on four receptions.
In a crowded wide receiver room, finding snaps and opportunities for Rodgers in a traditional receiver role isn’t going to be easy. However, having him as a gadget player — similarly to Tyler Ervin a few seasons ago — where he can be utilized all over the formation, get touches in space, and as the motion man, the slimmed-up Rodgers can carve out a specific and needed role in LaFleur’s system.
Samori Toure makes a late roster push at receiver for the Packers
Not that Samori Toure had been forgotten about, but his name hasn’t popped up much recently when discussing the receiver position and the final roster. If the Packers are going to keep seven receivers, which seems likely, Juwann Winfree was the favorite for that roster spot.
However, Toure isn’t going away easily. He led the Packers in receiving yards against the Chiefs, catching six of eight passes for 83 yards with a pair of forced missed tackles, according to PFF, and three of his catches were for 15 or more yards.
I do believe it’s in the realm of possibility that the Packers keep eight receivers, a lot of that decision likely hinges on whether they feel they can get Toure to the practice squad. But if they keep just seven, I still think that roster spot belongs to Winfree.
Winfree has provided added stability to the receiver position this summer, and we all know how important that is to Aaron Rodgers, which is likely why he has praised Winfree on several occasions.
Winfree is also the better run-blocker, and he was a starter on two special teams phases for much of training camp as well–although this is an area where he can continue to improve. At Nebraska, Toure was a gunner during his final season.