The Green Bay Packers have been served a harsh dose of reality in their quest for a playoff berth this season, especially after their sobering loss to the Detroit Lions last Thursday night.
The Packers were anything but impressive in front of their home fans as the Lions outmuscled them on both ends of the field, particularly dominating the line of scrimmage. This marks yet another instance of the team’s inconsistency under head coach Matt LaFleur’s leadership.
While there have been bright spots in their season, there are several Packers players whose performances have landed them squarely on the hot seat after the first four games.
These five players on the Green Bay Packers are on the hot seat with their position within the team following their first four games.
Packers on Hot Seat: Josiah Deguara
Josiah Deguara, selected in the third round of the 2020 draft, was intended to be a versatile fullback/tight end hybrid in the Green Bay Packers’ offensive scheme. Regrettably, his performance has fallen short of those expectations.
Deguara has emerged as one of the weaker links in the Packers’ offense, offering limited value in terms of blocking or playmaking. His subpar performance played a role in the Packers using high draft picks on tight ends in last year’s draft. Unless Deguara makes substantial improvements, his playing time may dwindle significantly in the future.
Packers on Hot Seat: Carrington Valentine
Carrington Valentine had an impressive start during training camp and the preseason, earning the trust of the coaching staff. This led to him receiving playing time with the starting lineup, particularly in the absence of Jaire Alexander.
However, his performance in the game against the Lions raised concerns, resulting in his benching. With Alexander’s return on the horizon and Corey Ballentine showing promise in Valentine’s place, the young cornerback might see himself sliding further down the depth chart.
Furthermore, Eric Stokes is eligible to come off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list this week and could return to practice. Stokes, after a lackluster 2022 season followed by injury, has much to prove. If he makes a strong return, Valentine could face the possibility of being inactive on game days moving forward.
Packers on Hot Seat: Keisean Nixon
Keisean Nixon was a revelation in 2022 as the NFL’s best kickoff returner. He electrified the league with his speed, agility, and vision, earning a spot on the All-Pro team. He averaged 28.7 yards per return and scored one touchdown, a 105-yarder against the Minnesota Vikings.
But Nixon has not been able to replicate that magic in 2023. His kickoff return average has dipped to 25 yards, and he has not broken a single return longer than 30 yards. He has also made some questionable decisions on when to take the ball out of the end zone. He has fielded several kicks that were eight or nine yards deep, and failed to reach the 25-yard line. That has put the offense in a tough spot, with poor field position and limited options. He needs to be smarter about when to take a touchback and when to gamble on a big play.
Packers on Hot Seat: Devonte Wyatt
Devonte Wyatt had every opportunity to earn a starting and full-time role alongside Kenny Clark this season. Green Bay let Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed walk in free agency, opening up playing time for their 2022 first-round pick.
However, Wyatt hasn’t been able to capitalize on that opportunity, being overtaken by TJ Slaton in the starting lineup. He’s also given up significant snaps to rookies Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks.
Wyatt has been solid with his pass rush, but is leaving much to be desired against the run. The Packers’ defense as a whole continues to struggle against the run, as they’ve already been gashed for over 200 yards on two separate occasions. If Wyatt wants to help his team improve, locking down the run game would be a great place to start.
Packers on Hot Seat: Royce Newman
The Packers entered the regular season with their offensive line being one of their strong suits, especially on the left side. David Bakhtiari was back and prepared to anchor the left tackle spot, while Elgton Jenkins continued to work full-time at left guard.
Unfortunately, Bakhtiari landed on Injured Reserve last week and Jenkins has missed the last two-plus games. Royce Newman has stepped into the starting lineup in Jenkins’ spot and has stunk up the place.
Newman ranks 63rd among a qualified 72 offensive guards, according to PFF. He’s had equal struggles in pass protection and in the running game, as he’s often allowing guys to go right by him. The Packers lack guard depth otherwise they would’ve replaced him by now, but it’s past time to give Sean Rhyan a chance, as he can’t be much worse.