Packers: Three players who need to play well vs. Raiders

3. DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle

I know, I know. I’ve broken my own rules here. This article actually has four players instead of three, but this third preseason game is important for both DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle. The competition for the backup job is still tough to call, but it will likely come down to Kizer and Boyle, and not Manny Wilkins.

Let’s first look at their numbers so far.

Kizer has completed 13 of 23 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown in the two preseason games. Boyle has completed 15 of 26 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns. There isn’t much in it.

Both quarterbacks have made some great throws, and also some terrible ones. Neither player has been consistent enough. Kizer got the opportunity to play with the starters on Thursday night with Aaron Rodgers out, but Boyle was in the game for far longer and attempted over twice as many passes.

At this stage, it’s hard to imagine the Packers would have a ton of confidence in either quarterback playing if Rodgers had to miss any time in the regular season. There’s also little to suggest the Packers will decide to keep both quarterbacks on the roster.

It’s a decision that might take another two weeks to make. But a strong performance by either QB against the Raiders might be enough to win the backup job.