The Green Bay Packers' joint practice with the Denver Broncos served as a reminder that a lot of work still needs to be done. The two teams meet again on Sunday night in the second week of the preseason.
Matt LaFleur confirmed he will sit most of the starters in Denver, as the team got valuable reps in the joint practice.
Over to you, Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt.
Positional battles will continue. We're no closer to determining the Packers' kicker than at the start of training camp. There's a lot to play for against the Broncos.
Which players desperately need to make an impact in this game?
Packers players competing for their jobs vs. Broncos in preseason
Sean Clifford, QB
Michael Pratt is closing the gap on the backup quarterback job. The rookie received some second-team snaps ahead of Sean Clifford this week, which is a notable change from previous practices. Pratt impressed in the preseason opener and could put Clifford under real pressure with another good performance.
Clifford played well against the Cleveland Browns last week but has turned the ball over far too often in camp. This could be his final opportunity to stay ahead of Pratt on the depth chart. The second-year quarterback desperately needs a big performance.
Donovan Jennings, OL
For almost two decades, at least one undrafted rookie has made the Packers' 53-man roster. The streak could end this summer. Versatile offensive lineman Donovan Jennings has the talent, but he has barely played throughout camp due to injuries. If he is able to play on Sunday, the USF product needs to make an impact.
It's challenging enough for undrafted rookies to make the roster with a full training camp, let alone with only two preseason games remaining. But there's still time. Jennings can improve his chances by showing what he can do against the Broncos.
Greg Joseph, K
The kicking competition continues.
By Andy Herman's count, Greg Joseph is 52/63 (82.5 percent) and Anders Carlson is 50/62 (80.6 percent) this summer. There's nothing to separate them. If the season started today, Carlson would probably have the advantage as he was a 2023 draft pick. He also got the first opportunity to kick in the preseason opener.
How much of a margin does Joseph need to beat Carlson by to make the roster? It's too close to call at the moment, but Joseph likely needs to pull ahead in the competition. He can't control Carlson's performances, but the veteran needs to ensure he is perfect when he gets an opportunity on Sunday night.
Malik Heath, WR
Malik Heath needs a big performance.
The Packers have a deep receiving corps. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks are roster locks. Even after a disappointing performance last week, Bo Melton is almost certain to make the 53.
Second-year Grant DuBose is having an outstanding summer as both a receiver and blocker. Last week, he led the Packers with five catches for 66 yards. If the Packers had to cut their roster to 53 players today, it's hard to believe Heath would make it ahead of DuBose.
Time is running out for Heath to retain his roster spot.
