Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur announced on Tuesday that Jordan Love and the starters will play in this week’s preseason opener. Green Bay heads to Cleveland to battle the Browns on Saturday afternoon. It is unclear how long the starters will play but nonetheless expect to see the Packers big name players on the field. This is the second straight preseason that Green Bay’s #1s will see playing time.
Last preseason was the first time LaFleur really played his starters. It made sense since Green Bay did not truly know what they had in Jordan Love. The team also relied on production from several rookies which played a part in Lafleur’s reasoning. On Tuesday, LaFleur mentioned that playing in the preseason contributed to the Packers impressive Week 1 win in Chicago.
Despite doing it last year, before then, the Packers starters rarely saw any action during the preseason. Many believe that contributed to a sluggish week 1 starts against the Saints in 2021 as well as against the Vikings in 2022. In those two season openers, the Packers combined for 10 total points. Although, there may not be a direct correlation, the starters played in the 2023 preseason. The Packers went on to score 38 points against the Bears.
What to Expect From the Packers Starters
LaFleur discussed that the preparation for a game is invaluable. He wants his young team to get into the habit of properly preparing for a real football game. This will be especially important in Week 1 in Brazil. Preparing for that game will be different from most – international travel, playing at a higher altitude, playing in a warmer climate, etc. With another young team, getting key players experience with proper game prep in the preseason is a smart move.
The Packers do not plan to play anyone dealing with an injury or has recently returned from an injury. Expect Zach Tom, Tucker Kraft, Carrington Valentine, and Edgerrin Cooper to sit out. The new injuries this week are Jordan Morgan and Jayden Reed. Both have missed practice time. Christian Watson was banged up on the final play of practice on Wednesday. Watson did tell reporters that he is okay. However, do not expect these players dealing with injuries to play in Cleveland.
It is fair to expect the rookies like, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams, to see significant time. The kicking rotation is unclear as of right now. Keep an eye on who kicks Saturday night. That rotation might be a hint of who is the leading candidate to win the job.
It has not been determined how long the starters will play. It will most likely be a judgement call based on their play. If the starters start slow on both sides of the ball, LaFleur might decide to play them for multiples possessions. If the offense and defense start fast and everything is running efficiently, it might only be a possession or two for the starters. This decision certainly makes the preseason opener more exciting. Hopefully, all goes well and LaFleur’s decision reaps benefits down the road.