Packers: 3 under-the-radar players to watch vs. Steelers

Three under-the-radar Green Bay Packers to watch in the second preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The main headlines on Thursday night, as the Packers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 of the preseason, are likely to be on Aaron Rodgers’ long-awaited return to Lambeau Field. Other prominent storylines will include the young receivers, Jaire Alexander’s first NFL game action, and the continued battle at backup offensive tackle.

Here are three lesser-known players who will be worth watching on Thursday night:

1. Akeem Judd

Last week, I put the spotlight on Joel Bouagnon. I thought he had a great opportunity to establish himself as a third running back worth keeping during Aaron Jones’ suspension.

As it turned out, though, freshly-signed Akeem Judd looked more impressive than Bouagnon (though neither produced much). Against the Steelers, I’ll be looking to see if Judd can build on that impressive showing to make a play for the aforementioned third running back spot.

Judd is a five-foot-11 inch, 225-pound second-year player out of Mississippi. He spent 2017 with the Titans and then later on the Jets’ practice squad.

Against the Titans, Judd showed quickness and explosiveness on an 11-yard run that have not been apparent in Devante Mays or Bouagnon. He was signed just days before that game.

With about a week and a half of experience under his belt, he should start getting more and more opportunities to surpass Bouagnon and Mays. If he truly impresses, that will mean a roster spot. But even if not, Judd is well-positioned to make a strong push for the practice squad.