The Green Bay Packers closed out the preseason with a 42-38 win over the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. The team rested their starters and some key backups as well and decided to take an extended look at players fighting to make the roster. Here’s a look at some players who helped their chances of making the roster or sticking on the practice squad against the Cardinals and a couple of players who stumbled. The roster has to be down to 53 players by Sunday afternoon.

These Players Helped Their Chances of Staying with the Packers in the Win Over Arizona: QB Kyle McCord

Quarterback Kyle McCord played the entire game and looked good throughout. He completed 22-of-35 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception. McCord looked in command of the offense, kept his cool under pressure and went through his progressions successfully. He also led the team on the game-winning drive in the final minute. McCord’s quarterback rating for the game was 119.5.

GM Brian Gutekunst has to decide if the Packers should keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster or if they believe they can sneak McCord onto the practice squad. He looks like he can develop into a solid backup quarterback and if he continues to play well this season in practice, he could be the team’s number two signal caller in 2027.

WR Will Sheppard

The Packers have a deep group of wide receivers and several of them made a strong case to stick with the team against the Cardinals. One of those was Will Sheppard. The Colorado alum caught three passes for 26 yards including 12-yard touchdown pass midway through the second quarter.

Sheppard also returned a punt 81-yards for a touchdown which was impressive. While Skyy Moore will likely be the starting punt returner, Sheppard certainly made a case for a roster spot or at least a spot on the practice squad with another strong game.

These Players Helped Their Chances of Staying with the Packers in the Win Over Arizona: WR J. Michael Sturdivant

Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant continued his strong preseason with six catches on seven targets for 112 yards and a touchdown. He scored the Packers first touchdown on a 29-yard play early in the second quarter which ended a two-play drive. He caught the other pass on the drive for 36 yards.

Sturdivant has a great combination of size and speed and just keeps making plays. He may not be as experienced as some of the veteran backups on the roster, but he certainly has the potential to be better than they have been as a receiver in a year or two.

The Packers will want to keep Sturdivant around, but can he make it through waivers if he’s not on the initial 53?

DL Anthony Campbell

Anthony Campbell faces a tough numbers game along the defensive line but all he’s done all preseason is make plays. In this game, he had a sack, a tackle for loss and two quarterback hits.

There is no doubt he’s done everything he can to earn a roster spot and should at least be on the practice squad after a strong camp and preseason.

These Players Helped Their Chances of Staying with the Packers in the Win Over Arizona: Edge Nyjalik Kelly

Nyjalik Kelly had a strong game against the Cardinals. He made six total tackles including three tackles for loss. He also recorded one sack, two quarterback hits, broke up one pass and intercepted another.

To say Kelly was active in this game is an understatement. He anticipates well and puts himself in position to make plays then makes them. It will be tough for the Packers to part ways with Kelly who made it difficult to cut him with another strong game.

Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton

Dani Dennis-Sutton made his preseason debut against Arizona, and he made a strong first impression in the early stages of the game.

Dennis-Sutton recorded a sack, a tackle for loss and two quarterback hits. He clearly made his presence felt when he was on the field and showed why the Packers selected him in the fourth round of this year’s draft.

These Players Helped Their Chances of Staying with the Packers in the Win Over Arizona: WR Kisean Johnson

Kisean Johnson may be a long shot to make the practice squad, but he certainly helped his chances with a strong performance in the fourth quarter of this game. He caught four passes for 52 yards and scored two touchdowns including the game winner. One of those catches was a highlight reel grab with full extension.

Johnson showed the ability to make contested catches and came up big in the clutch.

These Players Didn’t Help Their Cause in the Packers Win Over Arizona: OL Anthony Belton

Anthony Belton didn’t play a lot, but he was beaten badly on the first drive and gave up a bad sack of McCord. The second-year man seems to have lost his confidence this preseason. He will likely make the roster as the swing tackle, but his inconsistent play needs to improve, and the coaching staff needs to help build back his confidence.

CB Domani Jackson

Rookie sixth-round pick Domani Jackson missed a lot of time in training camp due to injuries, and it showed. He appears to be tentative at times, and he was beaten early and often. On one drive, he gave up four catches on four targets for 77 yards.

Jackson was considered a developmental player when the Packers picked him, and he is most likely going to start the season on the practice squad after today’s showing.

These Players Didn’t Help Their Cause in the Packers Win Over Arizona: RB Damien Martinez

Damien Martinez needed a big performance to increase his chances of sticking with the team. He didn’t play poorly overall, but he lost a key fumble that certainly won’t help his chances when cuts are made. He did finish the game with 23 yards on three carries, but can he overcome the fumble?

DB Jaylin Simpson

Jaylin Simpson got beat often right before the half as the Cardinals marched down the field. He just seemed to be arriving a half a step late too often to find a spot on the Packers roster. He had a strong start to training camp but struggled in preseason games. Did he show enough potential to earn a spot on the practice squad?

 

 

 

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