Projecting the Green Bay Packers practice squad 2019
Quarterback
Candidates: DeShone Kizer, Tim Boyle, Manny Wilkins
At least one of Kizer or Boyle are making the 53-man roster, and possibly both. If the Packers cut one, they actually have decent shots of making it through waivers, at which point the Packers are likely to add them to the practice squad.
Wilkins has seen next to no action in the preseason. But if the Packers cut one of either Kizer or Boyle and the other doesn’t make it through waivers, then the Packers will likely want to stash him, if only as a worst-case scenario backup.
Halfback
Candidates: Dexter Williams, Tra Carson, Keith Ford
Carson appears to have the lead on the third halfback spot on the 53-man roster. The Packers would undoubtedly love to have Williams on the practice squad, but he might get claimed on waivers. In that case, Ford would be the only running back left to keep.
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Fullback
Candidate: Malcolm Johnson
Johnson has been around the league since 2015. The Packers liked him enough to keep him on the practice squad for the final five weeks of 2018. Given how important fullback is to Matt LaFleur’s offense, Brian Gutekunst will at least consider keeping him as one of the Packers’ veteran practice squad players.
Tight End
Candidates: Evan Baylis, Pharoah McKever
Baylis has been ahead of McKever all training camp, so he’d be the one to keep. But, the Packers probably have enough young tight end talent in Robert Tonyan and Jace Sternberger.
Receiver
Candidates: Darrius Shepherd, Allen Lazard, Malik Taylor, Teo Redding
If Shepherd and/or Lazard get cut, Gutekunst will be hoping fervently that at least one makes it through waivers. Outside of that, Redding has a slight edge over Taylor.
Offensive Line
Candidates: Alex Light, Gerhard de Beer, Yosh Nijman, Anthony Coyle, Cole Madison, Adam Pankey
Light has a good shot to make the 53-man roster. Madison would be intriguing to give a full season to develop after missing his rookie year. Nijman is athletically gifted, and Pankey has some experience and versatility.