Packers: 3 bubble players who deserve to make 53-man roster

Juwann Winfree

In the first half of training camp, Juwann Winfree looked to be the frontrunner for the final spot at wide receiver. A shoulder injury has since derailed his momentum, keeping him out of the Packers’ first two preseason games.

We don’t yet know whether Winfree will be able to return in time for the preseason finale on Saturday, but it’s fair to say his chances of making the roster have dropped in recent weeks, especially with Malik Taylor playing as well as he has.

Based on talent and performances when healthy, Winfree deserves a spot. In the end, if he isn’t healthy, he could miss out on the 53-man roster and might end up returning by signing to the practice squad.

Winfree made plays from the start of OTAs and into training camp. At the start of August, Matt LaFleur said that he had “done a lot of great things”.

If we’re basing it on the good work Winfree put in from the start of the spring all the way into training camp, a strong case can be made for him earning a spot on the 53-man roster. Unfortunately, it may not work out that way for him. The sooner he can return from injury, the better.