The toughest decisions the Packers face when building their initial 53-man roster for 2024

The preseason is over after the Green Bay Packers’ 30-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, and the league’s roster-cutting deadline – Tuesday afternoon – is fast approaching.

Coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the Packers will have to make several tough roster decisions in the coming days. Between now and Tuesday, LaFleur will work with general manager Brian Gutekunst and the rest of the staff to reach consensus on the initial 53-man roster and practice squad.

Instead of a 53-man roster prediction, here’s a look at the toughest decisions ahead for the Packers:

Which backup quarterback?

Neither Sean Clifford nor Michael Pratt impressed this summer, which leaves the Packers with the prospect of adding an outside player behind Jordan Love at quarterback. There are a couple of options. The Packers could keep Clifford and part with Pratt, hoping to keep him on the practice squad. They could part with Clifford and keep Pratt, banking on his potential, though the seventh-round rookie doesn’t seem ready to play in a regular-season game. They could part with Clifford and Pratt, hoping to get one back on the practice squad, and sign a veteran backup.

How many running backs?

AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd are both injured, and LaFleur wasn’t sure either would be ready for Week 1. Emanuel Wilson has been excellent again this summer and has earned a spot on the 53-man roster; in fact, he could enter Week 1 as a backup behind Josh Jacobs if Dillon and Lloyd are still disabled. The NFL’s new rules allow teams to place up to two players on injured reserve at the roster cuts deadline and still return, and Dillon and Lloyd are both candidates for that designation. It’s possible the Packers will have to have four running backs on the original 53-man roster.

Six or seven receivers?

Bo Melton, Malik Heath and Grant DuBose are all legitimate NFL receivers, and all three have made their case to be on the 53-man roster. It would be shocking if the Packers didn’t keep at least six receivers, so picking two of Melton, Heath and DuBose is a possibility. While hard to predict given the numbers, the Packers could also keep all three and go with seven receivers to start the regular season. All three can play special teams, so a sacrifice would have to be made elsewhere, perhaps at tight end, linebacker or in the defensive secondary. The Packers may have to decide which receiver has the best chance of returning to the practice squad.

How many offensive linemen?

The Packers like to have depth and versatility on the offensive line, so keeping nine or more is likely. The top eight looks relatively simple, with Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers and Zach Tom as the starters, Sean Rhyan and Jordan Morgan as the top options at right guard, and Jacob Monk and Andre Dillard as the top backups. Who stands out? Royce Newman has experience but has yet to develop. Kadeem Telfort has been used on the left and right sides of the second-team offense. Travis Glover is a sixth-round pick who has shown potential but needs time. Caleb Jones and Luke Tenuta were primarily third-team players and should be considered outsiders.

Any chance of having six defensive ends?

It’s likely he’ll keep five defensive ends, and Brenton Cox Jr. and Arron Mosby have both been impressive this summer. Cox Jr. led the team in pressure, while Mosby made several disruptive plays, including a fourth-down pass deflection in the opener, a sack in Denver and a strip sack and interception in the final game. The Packers would likely like to keep both players, one on the 53 and one on the practice squad, but is there any chance they’ll keep both on the first team? Mosby’s performance in the final game may have changed the team’s calculus, especially since he can play special teams.

Will Kristian Welch succeed?

Quay Walker, Eric Wilson, Isaiah McDuffie, Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper are all guaranteed to stay in the running, but what about Welch, who created three takeaways and is a solid special teamer? Keeping six linebackers makes sense in a 4-3, and Welch would be a go-to option for Rich Bisaccia on special teams. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers rewarded Welch for all his hard work this summer with a roster spot.

How many cornerbacks?

The top four — Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine — are known, and Corey Ballentine is a good bet to be the No. 5. Do the Packers want to keep more than five? Robert Rochell had a nice summer, especially on special teams, but he’s dealing with a new hip injury. Rookie Kalen King has shown plenty of playmaking potential, but he needs time. The Packers probably can’t risk exposing King to waivers.

Who are the specialists?

The only specialist left is kicker Daniel Whelan. Matt Orzech is the only long-distance player on the roster, but it’s possible the Packers will try to upgrade after the latest cuts. At kicker, all options are on the table. The inconsistency of Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph must be maddening for the Packers, and the waiver list will likely provide 3 or 4 potential options. After chasing kicker competitors all offseason, the Packers may have to start over with Week 1 less than two weeks away.