The Packers might have loss on Thursday against the Steelers, but some players might have earned a spot on the roster with their performance.

A lot of times people say the preseason doesn’t matter but for those fighting for a roster spot, it is the complete opposite.

It is a chance to show what they can do in live action, something you can’t get in just regular practices.

While their performances could lock them into a roster spot, that remains to be seen as cut will be in a few weeks.

Here are three Packers, who made an impression in the first preseason game of the year.

Trey Smack

Packers fans needed to see something positive from Trey Smack.

After a rough start to training camp, Smack responded with a great performance against Pittsburgh.

Officially Smack was three-for-three on the day.

In reality Smack made not one but two 58-yard field goals.

The first 58-yarder was nullified by a defensive penalty. 

While it seems reactionary to grant him “lock” status, it certainly sounds like general manager Brian Gutekunst and the Packers are fully on board with Smack. 

After moving up to draft him, it looks like they’re not going to bail.

With both Brandon McManus and Lucas Havrisik gone, it feels safe to pencil in Smack for the job.

Jacob Monk

Monk went from a cut candidate to someone in the mix for a real role on the interior.

The Packers have given him first-team reps in practice.

Last Friday, Monk got the start at right guard.

At this point, Monk needs to keep doing what he is doing.

With injuries to Aaron Banks and now Darian Kinnard, Monk looks like a candidate to earn a meaningful role this season.

Brenton Cox Jr.

Cox has produced reliably enough in his role during his time in Green Bay.

In 3 seasons, Cox recorded five sacks.

He has held his ground against young challengers like rookie Nyjalik Kelly and Collin Oliver.

Cox also registered a sack versus Pittsburgh and has done a solid job overall in camp.

I see Cox playing behind Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, and Dani Dennis-Sutton.

While Micah Parsons will return later in the season, Cox will still have some sort of role on defense.

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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.

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