Packers: Top three questions in second preseason game vs. Ravens

2 of 4

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 25: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers catches the ball for a 15 yard touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

1. Will the starters play in this game?

This is the tough decision every head coach around the league has to deal with in August. Should Coach LaFleur play the Packers’ starters in any of the preseason games, and if so, for how long? Getting reps in a real game before the season can be beneficial for everyone, especially for an offense getting familiar with a new scheme.

But there comes a risk. And potentially a significant one. Oren Burks was one of the only Packers starters active in last week’s game against the Houston Texans, but he suffered an injury early on and could be out for a while. All of a sudden, the Packers have a concern with their depth at inside linebacker.

Back in 2015, the Packers lost Jordy Nelson for the year after suffering a torn ACL against the Pittsburgh Steelers in preseason.

Last week, most of Green Bay’s veteran starters didn’t play, including new signings Adrian Amos, Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith.

Injuries can happen at any moment, but there is a greater risk in a preseason game. LaFleur will need to decide whether that risk is worth taking. If the starters play, will it be for a series? Two series?

Or not at all?

Home/Green Bay Packers News