10 Questions about Green Bay Packers roster before final cutdowns
By Paul Bretl
Kiondre Thomas or Rico Gafford as the Green Bay Packers’ final CB?
Rico Gafford has consistently worked with the second-team defense as a boundary cornerback all summer, but it’s Kiondre Thomas who has been the more effective player — at least on defense — during the preseason. This resulted in Thomas taking the “starting” snaps in Kansas City.
In three games, Thomas has allowed just one completion on seven targets and for only eight yards. He’s also been active and reliable in the run game as a tackler.
Gafford, on the other hand, has been a part of two big touchdown plays. One where he was spun around, and the other where there was a miscommunication between him and Tariq Carpenter.
But at the end of the day, it is — you guessed it — special teams play that will be the deciding factor.
Thomas finished with 30 snaps while Gafford had 25, and both played on multiple phases, which is important. Thomas also had a higher PFF grade and more tackles.
However, what may give Gafford an edge is that he possesses 4.22 speed, which is something that the Packers may not be able to pass up.
Will Mason Crosby begin on the PUP list?
Mason Crosby has been on the Packers’ PUP list since training camp began. If he is still there by Tuesday’s deadline, he will have to miss the first four games of the season. The Packers will then have to rely on Ramiz Ahmed — or someone outside of the organization currently — until then.
When speaking with reporters on Saturday, LaFleur mentioned that the team is still undecided when it comes to Crosby’s availability for Week 1. However, earlier in the week, Crosby mentioned that it is still his goal to be ready.
Ahmed has been reliable so far, showing consistency in both preseason games and practice. But he doesn’t have any NFL experience, which comes with some unknowns, and most recently went 14 for 22 in the USFL.
Crosby may be coming off a down season, but there were factors out of his control, such as the blocking, snaps, and holds, that contributed to his rough season. Hopefully, if those areas improve, Crosby does as well. At the end of the day, he still gives the Packers their best chance to win at the kicker position.