The Green Bay Packers will open the preseason on Saturday night when they host the New York Jets. Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated on Thursday that he intended to play his starters a bit in the preseason since data showed this reduced injuries in the early part of the regular season. So, some players who usually hadn’t played in the preseason in recent years will be on the field at least part of the time on Saturday. Here are 10 Packers players to watch in preseason Game 1 vs the Jets. These are players whose performances will have a big impact on their future and the team. They are not listed in any particular order.

Ten Packers to Watch in Preseason Game 1, Number One: WR Matthew Golden

All eyes will be on the team’s first round pick in this year’s draft as he plays in his first NFL preseason game. The Packers liked what they’ve seen from Matthew Golden in training camp thus far, but a preseason game takes things to the next level.

Golden is fighting for a starting job with the Packers as a rookie. The better he performs during preseason, the bigger role he is likely to take on during the regular season.

Seeing Golden against the Jets starters, who are expected to play, will be a key for the coaching staff.

Number Two: QB Taylor Elgersma

LaFleur has already indicated all four quarterbacks on the roster are likely to see action on Saturday. While Jordan Love is locked in as the starter and Malik Willis as the primary backup, Taylor Elgersma and Sean Clifford are fighting for the third quarterback spot.

This will be Elgersma’s first game action in the NFL. He won the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy in Canada and signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent.

Elgersma has better raw tools than Clifford but lacks experience in the NFL game. Seeing how well he fares this preseason will go a long way to determining if he wins the third quarterback job.

Ten Packers to Watch in Preseason Game 1, Number Three: RB Israel Abanikanda

The Packers are dealing with injuries at running back right now. MarShawn Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson are both hurt. That will give an opportunity to newly signed free agent Israel Abanikanda. The former fifth round pick of the Jets will be facing one of his former teams on Saturday.

With the depth the Packers have at running back, Abanikanda will be fighting for a spot on the practice squad barring injuries. He’s made a good first impression in practice and should get some real opportunities to show what he can do in this first preseason game.

 Number Four: WR Mecole Hardman

Mecole Hardman has made a positive impression in training camp, garnering praise from LaFleur and several teammates. The former Chiefs star is fighting for the sixth and final wide receiver spot on the roster but could also make the team as a return specialist.

The Packers will need to see him be productive in preseason games rather than just in practice. Hardman has little margin for error and will need to make a play or two to show his play in practice is no fluke.

Ten Packers to Watch in Preseason Game 1, Number Five: OL Jordan Morgan

Jordan Morgan will get a chance to play left tackle with starter Rasheed Walker unlikely to play much due to a groin injury.

Morgan has practiced at both left tackle and right guard both last season and this season. This will give him a chance to show he can play tackle in the NFL, the position he played in college. He struggled at that position on Family Night and needs to make a better showing against the Jets to stay in contention for the job.

Number Six: S Javon Bullard

Javon Bullard has struggled in one-on-one drills at camp, although LaFleur defended him and said he’s looked good thus far. He’s lined up as the Packers primary slot corner thus far in camp.

With Xavier McKinney nursing a calf injury, Bullard could also see some reps at safety in the preseason. He needs to play well to prove LaFleur right in defending him and to establish himself as the team’s starter in the slot.

Ten Packers to Watch in Preseason Game 1, Number Seven: NT Nazir Stackhouse

Nazir Stackhouse has a good chance of making the team as an undrafted free agent. He is the favorite to take over the run stuffing nose tackle job that was held by T.J. Slaton the past few seasons.

The former Georgia star possesses the size and body type to hold his ground against multiple blockers to stop the run. Showing he can fill this role in game conditions is a big step forward for Stackhouse.

Number Eight: LB Isaiah Simmons

The Packers have played Isaiah Simmons exclusively at linebacker this preseason. They hope that focusing at one position will help him play more consistently. Simmons possesses elite athleticism but has yet to establish himself as a starting NFL player despite being the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Simmons will have a chance to win the job as the third starting linebacker with a strong preseason performance.

Ten Packers to Watch in Preseason Game 1, Number Nine: S Omar Brown

Omar Brown emerged as the standout of Family Night after he intercepted three passes. He now needs to prove that performance was no fluke. Brown elevated his chances of sticking as a backup safety. He will need to continue to play well throughout the preseason to earn a roster spot.

Number Ten: CB Bo Melton

Bo Melton continues his transition from wide receiver to cornerback. While he’s looked good in practice, the next step is seeing how well he’ll do under game conditions. The Jets game will be his first test under game conditions at cornerback.

Melton has the athletic tools to play cornerback. The transition is typically not an easy one. We’ll see how he fares Saturday night against the Jets.

 

 

 

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