Royce Newman, the Green Bay Packers fourth-round pick in 2021, has had a rollercoaster journey over his two-year NFL career, now stepping into his third season.
Despite starting 16 games in his rookie season and the first six in the subsequent year, he currently finds himself on the roster’s precarious edge. The Packers’ formidable offensive line depth and Newman’s personal struggles are contributors to this predicament.
However, there’s a silver lining as Newman showcased an impressive display in the Packers’ second preseason game against the New England Patriots. His performance included impactful blocks, one of which contributed to a touchdown run.
These four players on the Green Bay Packers boosted their chances to make the initial 53-man roster following their second preseason game.
With a week remaining before the Packers must trim their roster to 53 players, Newman has the task of continually proving his worth to the team. Let’s check out three other players who boosted their chances to make the roster following the second preseason game.
Packers Boosting Roster Chances: Brenton Cox Jr.
Brenton Cox’s future on the Packers could be intertwined with the fate of a few other players on the roster. The team currently boasts five roster locks at outside linebacker—Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Kingsley Enagbare, Justin Hollins, and Lukas Van Ness. If the Packers opt to retain a sixth, it would inevitably mean parting ways with a player at another position.
Cox continued to shine during the game against the Patriots, further bolstering his case for a spot on the team’s roster next week. In the relentless world of professional football, a surplus of pass-rushing talent is always a boon, and this undrafted rookie is undoubtedly displaying promising long-term potential.
Packers Boosting Roster Chances: Malik Heath
Malik Heath is undeniably inching closer to solidifying his spot on the roster after an impressive display during the game against New England, where he led the team with five receptions and 75 yards. Heath, an undrafted rookie, has consistently showcased his ability to create separation and make crucial catches.
While he might not be a primary starter if the season were to begin today, he’s certainly in contention for the fifth wide receiver position on the team, trailing behind the likes of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Samori Toure. If Heath maintains his current level of performance, he might even surpass Toure in the pecking order sooner rather than later. His tenacity and performance could very well be pushing him towards a secure roster spot.
Packers Boosting Roster Chances: Anthony Johnson Jr.
While not without a few hiccups, Anthony Johnson Jr.’s performance wasn’t devoid of progress. In the midst of the action, he encountered a challenge when he was partially responsible for allowing a 42-yard slant that went for a touchdown. However, it’s notable that Johnson’s evolution on both the defensive and special teams fronts remains evident.
The Packers are currently grappling with an absence of a short-term and long-term plan for the safety position—opting instead for a mix of veteran players in an attempt to provide temporary stability. Amidst this uncertainty, Johnson’s potential holds intrigue. Although it’s yet to be determined whether he could serve as a long-term solution, his continuous growth and potential contribution to the team cannot be easily disregarded. This promising potential makes a strong case for Johnson to secure the sixth safety position for the upcoming season.