What to Know: 14 Packers won’t play in final preseason game
By Paul Bretl
There are 14 Green Bay Packers players who won’t be playing in the preseason finale against Seattle. Here is who they are and what you need to know.
Earlier in the week, Matt LaFleur did say that the starters would be playing once again in this game, although he did not specify for how long, just saying it would be a “gut feel.” However, as has been the case in the first two preseason games, David Bakhtiari and Jaire Alexander won’t be playing. Both did participate in Thursday’s practice, so there is no injury concern.
Rashan Gary also will not play, which LaFleur said would be the case earlier in the week, although he did go through warmups. Gary returned to team drills on Monday, and was wreaking havoc right away. Two other starters, Aaron Jones and Romeo Doubs won’t be suiting up either. Jones played just one series against New England, and participated in Thursday’s practice, while Doubs is out with a hamstring injury.
At the safety position, Tarvarius Moore will not be playing. Moore left the New England game with a knee injury that LaFleur called day-to-day. Moore currently finds himself on the roster bubble. Moore has been active on special teams, while LaFleur has noted the physicality that he brings to the position. Anthony Johnson, who missed Thursday’s practice, was available. As of now, it looks like Rudy Ford will be starting next to Darnell Savage come Week 1.
Wide receivers Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton are out as well. Wicks suffered a hamstring injury against the Patriots that has kept him sidelined all week. Wicks is going to be on the final roster, but how long he will be out is an unknown. Melton sustained a quad injury prior to the New England game and has been out since then. He is a practice squad candidate at this point. Fullback Henry Pearson, who has been out with a knee injury since last week’s preseason game, was still out.
Running backs Tyler Goodson and Lew Nichols both remain on the sidelines with shoulder injuries. Nichols sustained his injury prior to the Bengals game and Goodson left that game with his shoulder injury. Right now it appears that Patrick Taylor is the favorite for that third running back role – if the Packers keep that many – with his ability on special teams and as a blocker.
Emanuel Wilson has made the most of his opportunities, but LaFleur has mentioned that he needs to continue becoming more consistent on special teams and as a blocker, which are going to be key aspects in determining who the third running back is. Right now, Goodson and Nichols are practice squad candidates.
Eric Stokes remains on the PUP list, while Luke Tenuta is still out after sustaining an ankle injury in the preseason opener against Cincinnati. De’Vondre Campbell, who has missed the last week and a half with an ankle injury is out as well. When speaking with reporters, Brian Gutekunst did say that he didn’t expect the injury to be long-term.