Packers 53-man roster predictions ahead of third preseason game
![GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 16: Jimmy Graham #80 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field on August 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 16: Jimmy Graham #80 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field on August 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1017847624-850x560-58b385e611872a7f8d81f7c9564560313a3b8b11e6eee694955e00bb2c9318f6.jpg)
Linebackers (8)
Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Reggie Gilbert, Vince Biegel, Kyler Fackrell, Blake Martinez, Oren Burks, Ahmad Thomas
Nick Perry was activated off the PUP list on Sunday, which is a great sign for his availability in the regular season opener in under three weeks time. The Packers need their top edge rushers to be healthy. Perry, along with Clay Matthews, will be the starters.
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Reggie Gilbert continues to impress, and he was excellent yet again versus Pittsburgh, making a game-high 2.5 sacks. To me, it’s clear he’s the number three edge rusher entering the season.
Depth remains an issue. Vince Biegel and Kyler Fackrell make the roster here. The Packers will be hoping for more production from Biegel this season now that he’s healthy.
The Packers could decide to keep four inside linebackers, but for now I have Blake Martinez, Oren Burks and Ahmad Thomas making the roster.
Cornerbacks (6)
Kevin King, Tramon Williams, Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, Lenzy Pipkins, Davon House
The Packers’ cornerbacks stepped up against the Steelers. Veteran Tramon Williams kicked off the game with a pick-six, and rookie Josh Jackson also put up six points with an interception. Jackson’s play in the preseason is particularly exciting, and he could be in line for an important role in Mike Pettine’s defense early on.
The biggest concern at corner is Kevin King’s shoulder injury. King missed Thursday night’s game, and it’s unclear whether he’ll be back for the regular season opener.
If King is healthy, he’ll likely start alongside Williams and one of Jackson, Davon House or Jaire Alexander in Week 1.