3 Packers who won’t be on the roster at the end of training camp
These Green Bay Packers cut candidates are in a tough spot that could find them off of the roster by the end of training camp in the 2023 preseason.
After another tumultuous offseason, the Green Bay Packers are now truly beginning the post-Aaron Rodgers chapter of the franchise with the beginning of training camp on July 21. And while all eyes will be on Rodgers’ successor, Jordan Love (and rightfully so), the fact of the matter is that the team has a lot more to consider than just the quarterback.
The Packers defense has added some big pieces, while the offense has done the same, both of which could offer notable improvements to the roster to help them elevate around an inexperienced signal-caller. With that, however, comes some familiar faces who could be pushed off of the roster.
Looking at the way things stand going into camp, these Packers cut candidates won’t ultimately make it onto the 53-man roster at the end of the day.
Packers cut candidate No. 3: Jonathan Garvin, EDGE
Rashan Gary is currently on the PUP list for the Packers and his return for Week 1 is somewhat in question. Having said that, the potential breakout star — if you don’t think he already has, which might be a mistake — is going to be the focal point of the group of edge rushers this season. Preston Smith, once again, is expected to be the guy lining up with the starters opposite of Gary.
The situation in Green Bay then gets a bit more convoluted behind the entrenched starters. First-round rookie Lukas Van Ness will likely be the primary backup and rotational player on the edge, but depth concerns on the interior combined with his versatility could see him take snaps there.
Though he was used sparingly as a rookie, 2022 fifth-rounder Kingsley Engbare should be another backup option on the edge too. Beyond him, however, we’re looking at guys like Jonathan Garvin, Justin Hollins and UDFA signing Brenton Cox Jr. as the other potential candidates to fill out the position group on the 53-man roster.
Of that small group, however, Garvin feels like the guy who could ultimately get pushed out and cut. Both he and Hollins have not been particularly good when on the field, but Hollins has more perceived upside. On top of that, Cox, if he can keep his head on straight, has a ton of tools that could flash and make room for him on the final roster.
All told, Garvin just hasn’t panned out as a flier that the Packers took on him and his time trying to prove himself could ultimately come to an end in training camp.