Green Bay Packers 2019 roster preview: DeShone Kizer

Ahead of training camp, DeShone Kizer is still the top choice to be the Green Bay Packers’ backup quarterback in 2019.

While DeShone Kizer isn’t yet guaranteed the number two QB spot on the Green Bay Packers‘ depth chart, the fact the team hasn’t added a veteran or used a draft pick at the position suggests they are moving forward with the player they traded for a year ago.

Let’s take a look back at Kizer’s 2018 season, and also what to expect in 2019.

2018 stats

Kizer only played two games, twice coming off the bench. He completed 20 of 42 passes for 187 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.

2018 review

Kizer didn’t play well enough when he was on the field, but he also was forced to play in difficult situations. Kizer didn’t start in either of the two games he played. In one of the games, he was up against an elite Chicago Bears defense with a debuting Khalil Mack, and in the other he was without many of the Packers’ top offensive players against the Detroit Lions.

Of course, part of the job of a backup quarterback is to be able to help win games off the bench. Kizer didn’t play well enough, but it was only two games.

Odds of making roster: 80 percent

The Packers didn’t sign a veteran passer in free agency, and then didn’t use a draft pick at the position. That’s good news for Kizer. Tim Boyle will compete for the backup job, but I predict Kizer will play well enough over the summer to remain the backup in 2019.

What to expect in 2019?

That’s difficult to answer as we don’t know if and when Kizer will play. The hope is that we’ll only see Kizer when he’s closing out victories for the Packers or lining up in victory formation.

The hope is that Aaron Rodgers will start all 16 games and lead the Packers to 16 victories. But Rodgers’ recent injury history suggests Kizer will be needed at some point, and in those moments he’ll need to play well.