Packers 53-man roster predictions after preseason opener vs. 49ers

Running backs (4)

Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Tyler Goodson, BJ Baylor

PUP: Kylin Hill

With Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon not featuring in the preseason opener, Tyler Goodson strengthened his case for a roster spot with an impressive performance.

Goodson showed off his three-down ability with 61 total yards. There were plenty of positives to take away from the undrafted rookie’s first game for Green Bay.

How about BJ Baylor? He led the Packers in receiving, turning two catches into 75 yards.

At this stage, it may still be a long shot for Baylor to make the 53, but I’m putting him in. I loved his performance on Friday night and am excited to see what’s next.

This can be a deep group, especially once Kylin Hill returns from injury.

Wide receivers (7)

Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, Juwann Winfree, Samori Toure

Yes, you read that right. Sammy Watkins is not part of this 53-man roster.

Last week, Andy Herman of Packer Report noted that Watkins had made a “slow start” to training camp and hadn’t provided “much of a spark on offense”.

If that continues, the Packers could decide to move on, especially given their young talent at the position.

Allen Lazard is the WR1. Romeo Doubs has been a training camp star. Randall Cobb is a trusted target for Aaron Rodgers. Christian Watson will be a key contributor when he returns from injury.

Amari Rodgers looks to have improved in year two. Samori Toure has been impressive this summer. So, too, has Juwann Winfree, even earning high praise from Aaron Rodgers.

You can make a strong case for all seven making the 53.