Packers: Darrius Shepherd has big opportunity in preseason

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Darrius Shepherd has a big opportunity in the second preseason game this week.

If the Packers‘ wide receiver competition wasn’t already difficult enough to call, now there’s another player making a case for a roster spot: Darrius Shepherd.

Shepherd has been a standout performer so far this summer, including in last week’s preseason opener, and he’s now in the mix to make the roster.

And he’s received praise from Packers GM Brian Gutekunst:

“He’s really been a nice surprise for us so far,” Gutekunst said to the media on Tuesday. “Again, a long way to go, but he’s earned more opportunities.”

And one of those opportunities will come on Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Shepherd will be aiming to build off his performance in the preseason opener, where he caught a 14-yard touchdown.

Shepherd’s ability to return punts could also be the key to him making the roster. Not only has he played well on offense, but he also has the ability to contribute on special teams. It could be a battle between Shepherd and Trevor Davis for the final spot at receiver once Davis is healthy.

And it also looks like Aaron Rodgers is a fan of Shepherd:

Thursday’s game against the Ravens gives Shepherd a great opportunity to make his case for a roster spot. If he continues to play well in this game, he could move up the depth chart and put himself ahead of Davis in line for a roster spot.

But there is so much competition at the position that it’s a tough call. Davis, J’Mon Moore and Allen Lazard are all in the mix for a roster spot, if we assume Equanimeous St. Brown and Jake Kumerow are locks to make the team.

But with another strong performance on Thursday night, it will become difficult for the Packers not to keep Shepherd on the 53-man roster this season.