Packers 53-man roster predictions ahead of third preseason game

Safeties (5)

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Josh Jones, Kentrell Brice, Marwin Evans, Jermaine Whitehead

The play of the starting safeties Thursday night certainly didn’t ease the fans’ call for the Packers to sign a free agent. Missed tackles were a major issue. It wasn’t a great night for the starting duo of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Kentrell Brice.

General manager Brian Gutekunst could still make a move. Eric Reid is still available, and the Bengals released George Iloka this weekend, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Joe Kipp of Packers Wire wrote an excellent article on Monday about why Green Bay should consider signing Iloka.

Assuming the Packers don’t make a move, they will likely keep five safeties on the roster, and it can be expected that Clinton-Dix and Brice will start Week 1.

Special teams (3)

Kicker: Mason Crosby

Punter: JK Scott

Long snapper: Hunter Bradley

Mason Crosby has been perfect throughout preseason. He has converted all four field goal attempts and all 10 extra points. That includes 53- and 50-yard field goals against the Steelers.

This isn’t just good news for Crosby, but also indicates he’s on the same page as rookies JK Scott and Hunter Bradley, who have taken over the holder and long snapper duties.

Last week’s game wasn’t Scott’s finest, but he has played well enough throughout training camp and preseason to give the Packers plenty of confidence with their rookie punter.

The Packers are set at all three key positions on special teams.