Updating Packers Position Battles After First Preseason Game
![Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath (18) does a Lambeau Leap during Family Night on Aug. 5, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath (18) does a Lambeau Leap during Family Night on Aug. 5, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ec63a945c3f5ea9efe954343a6268228b42eb22aeb10f066d83f72ac3cb8acac.jpg)
Close to Decided:
Right Tackle: Zach Tom vs Yosh Nijman
Zach Tom will start somewhere along the offensive line and it’s looking more and more like it will be at right tackle. He started the preseason game there and continues to work with the ones at almost every practice. Meanwhile, Yosh Nijman was with the twos at right tackle on Sunday, even when David Bakhtiari was out (he would’ve typically filled in for Bakhtiari as the starting left tackle).
Cornerback 4 (For Now): Carrington Valentine vs Corey Ballentine
Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round gem from this year’s draft, might be a diamond in the rough. His recent performance against the Cincinnati Bengals showcased a couple of pivotal pass breakups and a slick interception, further accentuating his dominant presence throughout training camp. It’s not that Corey Ballentine has faltered; it’s just that Valentine has been operating on an entirely different tier.
Pat O’Donnell vs Daniel Whelan
While Daniel Whelan boasts the more potent leg, it was Pat O’Donnell who unleashed a booming 60-yard punt during Friday night’s action. O’Donnell might not possess an awe-inspiring leg, yet his ability to execute crucial aspects adequately makes a strong case for his spot on the 53-man roster – notably, his prowess as an exceptional holder.