Packers: 3 players who need to step up in preseason opener

Kamal Martin

A standout at training camp last summer, second-year inside linebacker Kamal Martin has fallen down the depth chart. He’s currently listed as part of the third team behind starters De’Vondre Campbell and Krys Barnes, as well as Oren Burks and Ty Summers. Unless the Packers keep five inside linebackers, as things stand, it’s possible Martin wouldn’t even make the 53. Few would’ve predicted that a month ago.

The good news for Martin is that he returned from injury at practice yesterday, which hopefully means he’ll be ready to play a lot of snaps on Saturday against the Texans.

Right now, it seems unclear what role Martin will play in Joe Barry’s defense. He’s been spending some time lined up at outside linebacker during practice. Is a position switch on the way, or will Martin end up playing a bit of both?

No matter where he’s playing during the preseason, Martin needs to make the most of his opportunity and play well. The Packers’ first unofficial depth chart of the year is hardly the be-all, end-all to determining who makes the roster, but it does highlight roughly how the Packers view the roster at the moment.

There’s still everything to play for, but Martin needs a good showing in the preseason.