Packers vs. Broncos: What to watch for

DENVER – Two days after practising with the Broncos in Denver, the Packers will play their second preseason recreation of 2024 in opposition to them Sunday evening.

This is what to observe for.

Reserve QBs take middle stage: With the beginning items getting the majority of the work within the joint observe, they don’t seem to be anticipated to play within the recreation. Meaning Sean Clifford will begin at QB for the Packers, with Michael Pratt following shortly behind.

Head Coach Matt LaFleur did not absolutely reveal the plan for a way the QB snaps could be divvied up, however Pratt was given some reps with the second-team offense in observe this previous week and would possibly get that chance once more in the course of the recreation. It stays to be seen whether or not Clifford and Pratt should not simply competing to be Jordan Love’s prime backup, but additionally competing for only one spot on the roster. It is attainable. Or the Packers would possibly hold three quarterbacks. Both manner, their recreation performances matter tremendously.

Who can shine once more?: In terms of younger gamers making a splash within the preseason, the query at all times lingering is whether or not a powerful efficiency was a one-off, or can or not it’s repeated?

Operating again Emanuel Wilson has shined a number of occasions within the preseason now, and he could possibly be in for lots of labor with operating backs MarShawn Lloyd and Jarveon Howard each injured.

Receiver Grant DuBose was a giant star final week in Cleveland with 5 catches for 66 yards and can look to do it once more. Identical with rookie security Evan Williams, who had a half dozen tackles and a pressured fumble in simply 23 snaps vs. the Browns. Each of these gamers have carried over sturdy work on the observe subject into the video games, and can look to stick with it.

On the offensive line, Sean Rhyan and rookie Jacob Monk each had stable video games per week in the past and hope to proceed their constructive momentum. Each linemen have been working at guard and middle with varied items.

On the bounce-back aspect of issues, receiver Bo Melton had a few dropped passes in Cleveland and can push to get again on observe in that heated competitors at his place.

Linebacker shuffle: Second-round rookie Edgerrin Cooper has but to return from a hip damage, and Quay Walker seemingly will not play. Whether or not veterans Isaiah McDuffie and/or Eric Wilson would play is not clear.

Third-round rookie Ty’Ron Hoppermissed a while with an ankle damage however was again in 11-on-11 work within the joint observe in Denver. If he will get cleared to play, this could possibly be an enormous alternative for him.

Identical for special-teams standout Kristian Welch, who might get numerous snaps at linebacker as he goals to lock down a roster spot. Or possibly an undrafted rookie like Ralen Goforth, who has taken some reps additional up the depth chart with all of the damage shuffling occurring, makes his bid with an extended look.