Five players to watch for Packers Week 17 vs. Lions
By Jesse Fry
2. Jake Kumerow
Jake Kumerow scored the first touchdown of his career last week against the Jets. I’d like to see Kumerow build off that performance and take full advantage of another game working with Aaron Rodgers.
There’s no telling what the receiver position will look like next season. We know Adams will be back as the number one receiver, but outside of that there are more questions.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling was putting together a good rookie season before hitting a wall a few weeks ago and disappearing for a stretch. MVS came back on the radar with a good game last week but is still very raw.
Equanimeous St. Brown has come on strong but now has his status in doubt for the finale due to a concussion, so his next chance to work with Rodgers may not be until the April-May time frame.
Randall Cobb is on the last year of his contract and may not be back. Geronimo Allison finished the year on injured reserve and there’s no telling if it could affect him next year.
That leaves Kumerow with the perfect chance to make a lasting impression on the front office and whoever the coach may be next year. Another game like the one last week will go a long way in cementing Kumerow’s status for next season.
3. Tony Brown
Jaire Alexander‘s status is in doubt with a groin injury. Even if by some chance he is able to play, I expect Tony Brown to get a lot of work in the game.
Brown’s game last week was a little rough as he gave up a few big plays to Robbie Anderson. He did bounce back in the second half and helped the Packers D hold the Jets, allowing the offense to get them back in the game.
Brown is a young corner with the right tangibles to be a solid player. It’ll be up to him to put it together. The early results are mixed yet there are enough positives to stick with Brown going into next season.
The Lions will be missing Marvin Jones, but Kenny Golladay will give Brown all he can handle. Big, fast receivers like Golladay are the norm in the NFC North, so Brown showing he can hold up going against Golladay all game long will give the Packers another positive heading into 2019.