Packers: Five position battles to watch vs. Chiefs in preseason
By Jesse Fry
The Kansas City Chiefs are the last stop before the regular season. Who will shine in their last opportunity to make an impression for the Green Bay Packers?
After six long weeks of hard work, the preseason will finally come to an end against the Chiefs. The starters and key role players aren’t likely to suit up, leaving the entire game, played on a full-length field, for players on the fringe to grab a roster spot.
Thirty-three players total did not dress or play last week in Canada against the Raiders. Some of that was due to field conditions, some of it injuries. I expect that number will be close to that again. There is absolutely no reason to put any key contributors in this game. We are a week away from Chicago and the regular season. Losing a key contributor now would just be a dumb mistake.
The Packers won’t have to worry about field conditions this week as they are at home, where Lambeau is always in pristine condition. It’s more than likely we won’t see any of the Chiefs stars. I’m certain Andy Reid has Patrick Mahomes and the rest of his starting crew in bubble wrap and hidden away.
As we put the preseason to rest, here are five player battles to watch Thursday night versus the Chiefs.
1. Dexter Williams/Tra Carson
The Packers are set at the top two positions. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are set to carry the bulk of the load during the regular season. But both have battled injuries this preseason and Jamaal Williams just recently returned to practice. Coupled with Jones’ injury history, it’s highly probable the third running back could see carries early in the season.
That battle has come down to the trustworthy if unspectacular Tra Carson and rookie Dexter Williams. Of the two, Williams is the more explosive player. He hits the hole, gets upfield in a hurry and has good size to withstand the pounding of the NFL.
What the Packers have in Carson is a reliable back who will get what’s there but doesn’t make people miss. Carson is solid in pass protection and a big reason why he’s been in there before Williams in the games.
The team will have to decide between the reliability of Carson or the threat of Williams. It could very well be possible both stick and the Packers go light somewhere else. This game could be the deciding factor.