Packers lock 41 roster spots ahead of preseason

Analysis of Green Bay’s current roster outlook as 41 players are locked in and 21 bubble candidates vie for 12 final spots.

Packers Roster Locks and Bubble Players Ahead of Preseason

Green Bay is close to the preseason opener against the Jets with 41 roster locks and 21 players in the bubble for 12 open spots on the 53. The quarterback room looks settled, with Jordan Love and Malik Willis as locks and Sean Clifford plus Taylor Elgersma kept off the 53-man roster for now. In the backfield, the Packers are likely to keep four backs, led by Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd, with Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks fighting for the other spots. Receiver is a mixed bag with five locks in place and two main challengers for the remaining roles. Don’t be surprised if Christian Watson is on the physically unable to perform list early in the season and Bo Melton can contribute as a receiver if needed. Tight end is led by Kraft and Musgrave, while FitzPatrick and Sims are in a dogfight for a potential fourth spot. The offensive line shows eight players as locks, with Donovan Jennings and Kadeem Telfort as the main bubble options after an injury to Travis Glover opened a last slot. On the defensive line, Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness are obvious starters, with Barryn Sorrell likely to join them and Collin Oliver battling back from a hamstring issue. Linebackers feature a clear top five, with Kristian Welch fighting for a final spot. The cornerback room remains wide open behind Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine, while Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Zayne Anderson and Kitan Oladapo hold safety roles with Oladapo in the bubble. Special teams keep Brandon McManus, Daniel Whelan and Matt Orzech as locks, with one more role contested on coverage units.

The Packers are laying a cautious but deliberate path. By keeping a clear core of 41 locks, they preserve flexibility for injuries and late waiver moves. The balance between veterans and rookies shows a preference for upside but with cost awareness, especially at edge where Kingsley Enagbare commands a higher salary than Brenton Cox Jr. and Arron Mosby. The plan hinges on keeping enough special teams players to fuel a strong all-around unit, not just offense. Health becomes a critical driver, as injuries to Watson, Glover and Williams could shift the final 53 in meaningful ways. Green Bay seems to value versatile players who can contribute in multiple phases, a mindset that could shape how they use hybrid players like Collin Oliver and how they manage the tight end and offensive line rooms through the preseason.

Highlights

The preseason will reveal how the depth chart holds up when teams game plan for real opponents.