Sunday's preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos promises to be an intriguing affair, though it might not be for the reasons you expect. If you were hoping to see Packers quarterback Jordan Love or other top starters showcasing their talents, you’re in for a surprise. The Packers have announced that a staggering 31 players, including Love and several other key veterans, will be sitting this one out. But don't change the channel just yet—there's still plenty of action to keep your eyes glued to the screen.
Why Are So Many Packers Sitting Out?
You might be scratching your head, wondering why Green Bay is benching so many of their top dogs. It’s all part of a calculated strategy by Coach Matt LaFleur. Rather than risking injury in a preseason game, LaFleur opted to give his veterans and starters valuable reps during Friday’s joint practice session. The idea is to preserve their health and focus on refining their skills in a controlled environment. With the regular season just around the corner, LaFleur’s decision underscores the importance of keeping his key players fresh and ready for when the games really count.
The Players Who Won't See the Field
If you were hoping to catch a glimpse of some of Green Bay’s brightest stars, here’s the rundown of the notable absentees:
- Jordan Love (QB): The big story of the offseason, the Packers' new starting quarterback, won’t be taking any snaps on Sunday.
- Christian Watson (WR): The dynamic wideout known for his speed and playmaking ability will also be watching from the sidelines.
- Quay Walker (LB): The linebacker, who’s expected to be a key part of the Packers' defense, won’t be suiting up either.
- Jaire Alexander (CB): One of the top cornerbacks in the league, Alexander’s absence will be felt on the defensive side of the ball.
- AJ Dillon (RB): The thunder to Aaron Jones’ lightning in the backfield, Dillon won’t be rumbling through defenders in this one.
And that’s just scratching the surface. Here’s the full list of Packers who’ll be resting up:
- WR Jayden Reed
- WR Dontayvion Wicks
- CB Eric Stokes
- CB Keisean Nixon
- S Xavier McKinney
- RB MarShawn Lloyd
- RB Jarveon Howard
- CB Carrington Valentine
- T Zach Tom
- LB Keshawn Banks
- DL Rashan Gary
- LB Edgerrin Cooper
- LB Isaiah McDuffie
- T Rasheed Walker
- G/T Donovan Jennings
- C/G Josh Myers
- G/T Elgton Jenkins
- T/G Jordan Morgan
- TE Tucker Kraft
- WR Romeo Doubs
- TE Luke Musgrave
- DL Preston Smith
- DL T.J. Slaton
- DL Devonte Wyatt
- DL Kenny Clark
It’s clear that the Packers are using this game to evaluate their depth, rather than their star power.
Who’s Stepping Up?
With so many of the usual suspects sidelined, the spotlight shifts to the backups, giving them a golden opportunity to make a case for their place on the roster. Stepping in as the starting quarterback will be Sean Clifford. The rookie has shown flashes of potential during training camp, and this game will be a significant test of his readiness to take on a bigger role if needed during the regular season.
Joining Clifford on offense will be a mix of other up-and-comers, including running back Emanuel Wilson, wide receiver Bo Melton, and tight ends Ben Sims and Malik Heath. These players are fighting for their spot on the 53-man roster, and a strong performance against Denver could be their ticket to sticking around.
A Clash of Strategies
While the Packers are resting their stars, the Broncos have a different game plan. Denver is expected to play its starters, making this preseason contest a classic case of experience versus youth. For Green Bay, this setup offers a unique opportunity to evaluate their backups against NFL-caliber competition. Coach LaFleur has emphasized that facing Denver’s first-stringers will be an invaluable experience for his second-teamers, providing them with a taste of what they’ll encounter in the regular season.
Key Matchups to Watch
Even without the big names, there are still some intriguing matchups to keep an eye on:
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Sean Clifford vs. Broncos Defense: Clifford will be under the microscope as he faces a Denver defense that, even in preseason, plays with intensity. How he handles the pressure could determine whether he has what it takes to be a reliable backup for the Packers this season.
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Packers' O-Line vs. Broncos' Pass Rush: With several starting linemen out, Green Bay’s offensive line will be tested. This game will be crucial for players like Rasheed Walker and Donovan Jennings, who are looking to prove they can hold the fort when called upon.
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Packers’ Young WRs vs. Broncos Secondary: The absence of Watson, Doubs, and Reed means the younger wideouts will need to step up. Watch for players like Bo Melton and Dontayvion Wicks to seize their moment against a Broncos secondary that won’t make it easy.
What’s at Stake?
For the Packers, this game is less about winning and more about evaluating their roster. The coaching staff will be watching closely to see which players rise to the occasion and which ones falter under the bright lights. It’s a chance for the backups and younger players to show that they deserve a spot on the team when the regular season kicks off.
For the Broncos, this game is an opportunity to build momentum heading into the regular season. By playing their starters, Denver is signaling that they’re looking to hit the ground running once the games start to matter. It’s also a chance for them to test their first-team offense and defense against live competition, ironing out any wrinkles before Week 1.
Final Thoughts
While Sunday’s game might lack the star power some fans crave, it offers a different kind of excitement. It’s a glimpse into the future of the Packers, showcasing the depth and potential that could play a pivotal role as the season progresses. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just tuning in for some football action, there's plenty to watch for in this intriguing preseason clash. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for what promises to be a revealing game under the lights.
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