The Green Bay Packers open their 2022 preseason Friday night when they travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers. While Aaron Rodgers and many of the team’s projected starters will not see action in the first preseason game, there are plenty of important players to focus on in this game including those involved in position battles and who are fighting for roster spots.
Here is a look at 10 Packers players to watch on Friday night when the Packers open the preseason against San Francisco:
- Edge Kingsley Enagbare
The Packers need a third edge rusher to emerge behind Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. While Enagbare may not be ready to assume that role in his rookie campaign, this will be the first time the coaching staff gets a look at him in live game conditions.
Enagbare is primarily a power rusher and his style of rushing the passer is similar to Gary’s in that respect.
The Packers want to see what their fifth-round pick can do on the field and this is their first chance to do that.
- S Vernon Scott
With Henry Black gone the Packers have questions at safety behind Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos. Scott is set to see extensive action in this game due to the injury Savage suffered at Family Night.
The third-year man out of TCU only played three games last season and finished 2021 deep on the depth chart. This is his chance to bounce back and show the coaching staff he can fill the third safety role.
- DL T.J. Slaton
Slaton has made progress since his rookie season and appears ready to take a second-year jump. The question is how much of a jump and what kind of role can he carve out for himself in a suddenly deeper and more talented group of defensive linemen.
Slaton is predominantly a run stuffer who can hold his ground and occupy multiple blockers at the point of attack. This is his chance to earn a spot in the defensive line rotation and show the coaches he has an even brighter future.
- OL Sean Rhyan
Rhyan has had his struggles in training camp. At times, he’s showed the potential he has and at others, he’s been beaten badly as he learns to adjust to facing bigger, faster and stronger NFL players.
It is unlikely Rhyan starts as a rookie, but the Matt LaFleur and the coaching staff need to see how he performs in this first preseason game. Don’t be surprised if he gets work at multiple positions along the line during the preseason to see where he is best suited to play.
- WR Amari Rodgers
Amari Rodgers had a disappointing rookie season but is looking to do more in year two. The former Clemson star lost weight and appears to be more comfortable in the offense this year.
With the departure of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling this offseason, Rodgers has a chance to earn a more substantial role in the offense after being an afterthought in 2021.
- DL Devonte Wyatt
Wyatt is still listed as second string on the team’s preliminary depth chart and it may take him a bit longer to earn a bigger role. Joe Barry and the defensive coaching staff want to see what the former Georgia star can do against NFL-level competition.
The important thing is to see flashes of ability from Wyatt and the skills that made him one of the team’s first round picks in this year’s draft.
- ILB Quay Walker
Walker is presently listed as the Packers starting ILB opposite De’Vondre Campbell. He has looked very quick in practice and has done a good job at recognizing plays. Now the coaching staff wants to see him do it in a game situation.
He has a very quick first step off the snap that helped him make plays at Georgia. Now we get a chance to see how that translates at the NFL level.
- OL Zach Tom
Tom has been the most dependable of the team’s three draft picks thus far and he has taken some snaps with the first string at times during camp.
The versatile Wake Forest alum can play guard, tackle or center. The coaching staff wants to see him perform in a game. A strong preseason could have him as the team’s opening day starter somewhere along the offensive line especially if either David Bakhtiari or Elgton Jenkins aren’t ready to start the regular season.
- WR Romeo Doubs
Doubs has been the biggest surprise of training camp thus far, making some “wow” plays nearly every day and against any caliber of defender. He looked good on Family Night as well and would love the opportunity to prove no stage is too big for him.
Doubs has impressed on the field and with his attitude and work ethic off it. A strong preseason performance can lead the way to an extensive role at wide receiver for Doubs in 2022.
- QB Jordan Love
Love enters his third NFL season and his second preseason. The Utah State alum will start the game on Friday and should play most of the game.
In training camp, Love has been more confident and more decisive in his reads. His footwork has also improved since last season. He is still a work in progress.
Since Aaron Rodgers is expected to play nearly all the meaningful snaps during the regular season, the preseason will be Love’s best chance to show the coaching staff the progress he’s made and that he is the man to take over as the team’s starting quarterback when Rodgers does decide to retire.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Click here for more great Packers coverage
