The Packers are set to the welcome the New York Jets to Green Bay Saturday night to kick off the preseason. For the first time since January, there will be real Packer football to watch. To make matters even more exciting, Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur implied that his plan is to play the starters against the Jets.
Prior to the start of Packers practice today, Matt LaFleur met with the media. During his press conference, he said, “We’ll do our best to give them all (QBs) meaningful reps”, when he asked about the potential of the starters playing this weekend. This news came shortly after the Jets announced their plan to player their starters as well. It is unclear how long the Packers will play Jordan Love & Co. There is still a possibility that LaFleur alters course and elects not to play certain key players.
LaFleur did play the starters in first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns in 2024. LaFleur explained to reporters that the Green Bay coaching staff conducted research that indicated that playing in the preseason games actually reduces the risk of early season injuries. Jordan Love played three whole snaps in the 2024 preseason so it sounds like we will see more of Love this preseason.
Who Else Will the Packers Play?
Matt LaFleur did not disclose who exactly will play against the Jets. However, if LaFleur is planning to let Jordan Love take real game snaps, it can be assumed that the starting offensive line will be out there with him. It would also make sense for his wide receivers and tight ends to play as well. In regard to the Green Bay defense, it is unclear what the Packers are planning to do.
The Packers do have a decent amount of guys who are dealing with an injury. Xavier McKinney (calf), Jayden Reed (foot), and Elgton Jenkins (back) were added to the injury list today. Today is the Packers third straight day of practice so it is possible that the Packers are electing to give these key players a day off. However, if McKinney, Jenkins, and Reed are dealing with an injury, it seems unlikely that they will suit up Saturday night.
Along with those new injuries, Dontayvion Wicks, Rasheed Walker, Nate Hobbs, MarShawn Lloyd, and Emanuel Wilson have not practiced all week so it is hard to imagine that these players will play against the Jets. It will interesting to see who plays and for how long on Saturday but the exciting part is the Packers will play a real football game for the first time in the 2025 season!
