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

The preseason is over following the Green Bay Packers’ 30-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, and the league’s roster cut deadline (Tuesday afternoon) is fast approaching.

Coach Matt LaFleur admitted the Packers will have to make some 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 come to a consensus on the first 53-man roster and practice squad.

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

Which backup quarterback?

Neither Sean Clifford nor Michael Pratt impressed this summer, opening up the possibility that the Packers might need to make an outside addition behind Jordan Love at quarterback. There are several paths available here. The Packers could keep Clifford and cut Pratt, hoping to keep him on the practice squad. They could cut Clifford and keep Pratt, hoping to get him on the practice squad, even though the seventh-round rookie didn’t appear ready to play in a regular-season game. They could cut Clifford and Pratt, hoping to get one back on the practice squad, and sign a veteran backup.

How many runners?

AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd are both dealing with injuries, and LaFleur wasn’t sure if either of them would be ready for Week 1. Emanuel Wilson was excellent again this summer and earned a spot on the 53-man roster — in fact, he could make Week 1 as a backup behind Josh Jacobs if Dillon and Lloyd continue to struggle. New NFL rules allow teams to place up to two players on injured reserve at the roster-cutting deadline and still return, and Dillon and Lloyd are candidates for the designation. The Packers may have to carry four running backs on the initial 53-man roster.

Six or seven receivers?

Bo Melton, Malik Heath and Grant DuBose are all legitimate NFL receivers, and all three made compelling cases to make the 53-man roster. It would be surprising if the Packers didn’t keep at least six receivers, so drafting two of Melton, Health and DuBose is possible. While it’s difficult to project given the numbers, the Packers could also keep all three and still have seven receivers at the start of the regular season. All three can play special teams, so there would have to be a sacrifice elsewhere, possibly at tight end, linebacker or in the secondary. The Packers might have to decide which receiver has the best chance of returning to the practice squad.

How many offensive linemen?

The Packers like depth and versatility on the offensive line, so they’ll likely keep nine or more. The top eight looks relatively straightforward, with Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers and Zach Tom the starters, Sean Rhyan and Jordan Morgan the primary options at right guard, and Jacob Monk and Andre Dillard the primary backups. Who comes up from there? Royce Newman has experience, but hasn’t developed. Kadeem Telfort was used on both the left and right sides for the second-team offense. Travis Glover is a sixth-round pick who showed potential, but needs time. Caleb Jones and Luke Tenuta were mostly third-team players and should be considered longshots.

Is there any possibility of having six defensive ends?

They’re likely to stick with five defensive ends, and both Brenton Cox Jr. and Arron Mosby were impressive this summer. Cox Jr. led the team in pressures, while Mosby made several disruptive plays, including a fourth-down pass breakup in the opener, a sack in Denver and a fumble sack and interception in the finale. The Packers would likely love to keep both players, with one on the 53rd and the other on the practice squad, but is there any chance they’ll keep both on the first roster? Mosby’s performance in the finale might have changed the roster math, especially since he can play special teams.

Can Kristian Welch make it?

Quay Walker, Eric Wilson, Isaiah McDuffie, Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper are the favorites, but what about Welch, who generated three takeaways and is a top-tier special teams player? Keeping six linebackers makes sense in a 4-3 base front, and Welch would be a key special teams option for Rich Bisaccia. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Packers reward Welch for all his good work this summer with a roster spot.

How many cornerbacks?

The top four — Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine — are already set, and Corey Ballentine is a good bet to go No. 5. Do the Packers want to keep more than five? Robert Rochell had a good summer, especially on special teams, but he’s dealing with a new hip injury. Rookie Kalen King showed 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 on the team is punter Daniel Whelan. Matt Orzech is the only long snapper on the roster, but it’s possible the Packers will try to upgrade after the final cuts. At the kicker position, all options are on the table. The inconsistency of Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph must be maddening for the Packers, and the waiver wire will likely provide 3 or 4 potential options. After searching for competition at the kicker position all offseason, the Packers might have to start over with Week 1 less than two weeks away.