Packers Could Look for Outside Help at These Positions, Number One: Tight End
The Packers face a lack of depth at tight end with injuries being the biggest reason for the shortage. Starter Tucker Kraft returned from his season-ending knee injury but did not play in either of the team’s first two preseason games. The Packers expect Kraft to be ready to go in Week 1, but they could try to bring him along gradually, especially in the first few games of the season.
Backup Luke Musgrave remains on the PUP list with a neck injury. The team rightfully remains cautious with that kind of injury and has yet to announce a timetable for his return. Musgrave could start the regular season on the PUP list and could be out long term.
Josh Whyle has stepped up and taken the number two tight end spot in Musgrave’s absence. He provides a big target and does an adequate job of blocking. Whyle is better suited to being the third tight end but can pitch in as the second for the short run.
The Packers also have Drake Dabney, Messiah Swinson, and McCallan Castles on the present roster. Of the three, Dabney has the best chance to make the initial 53-man roster, but the team will likely look for upgrades especially if they know Musgrave will be out for a long time. The Packers also lack a strong blocking tight end for depth. Last season, they used offensive lineman Darian Kinnard in that role.
It remains quite possible that Gutekunst looks to add a tight end via trade or on the waiver wire.
Number Two: Running Back
While tight end is certainly the position the Packers are most likely to seek outside help at, another possibility is running back. The major reason is the uncertainty that surrounds the top players at this position.
Starter Josh Jacobs remains under investigation due to an alleged domestic violence incident that took place over the offseason. No criminal charges have been filed as of now, but even if he is never charged criminally, the NFL will conduct their own investigation and could still suspend Jacobs. The minimum suspension for this type of situation is six games although the league could go higher or lower depending on the specific findings in their investigation.
Backup MarShawn Lloyd appears to be healthy again but played just one game in his first two NFL seasons due to injury.
Third string back Chris Brooks remains with the team for his strong blocking ability but isn’t a dynamic runner or receiver. Behind him, Pierre Strong played well against Denver in the preseason, but will the Packers keep four running backs on the roster, and will Strong pass-through waivers and end up on the practice squad if they don’t keep four?
Packers Could Look for Outside Help at These Positions: The Outlook
Tight end appears to be the top position where the Packers could seek outside help. There simply isn’t enough depth at the position and while the present group is adequate for preseason and training camp, the team will want an upgrade when the games start to count. The waiver wire will be the first check, although Gutekunst could look to trade a player at a position the Packers have a surplus at in exchange for a depth tight end.
At running back, the possibility of an outside addition is less in part because of Strong’s performance against Denver and because both Jacobs and Lloyd are currently available to play. Should Jacobs be suspended or should he or Lloyd miss time due to injury, the Packers would have to add a running back from the outside. They will likely try to have at least one, possibly two running backs on the practice squad to start the season.
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