3 must-see players for Packers in preseason finale vs. Chiefs
Going into the final week of the NFL preseason, it is arguably the most important game for some Green Bay Packers players who are on the borderline of making the 53-man roster.
This is their final chance to showcase their talents during a live football game, not just practice.
With this in mind, there are three players who should be watched extra close this Thursday night because they may be key components of the 2022 Green Bay Packers.
Amari Rodgers
Amari Rodgers during his rookie season was primarily used as a special teams return man. In this role, Rodgers averaged only 18 yards per return on kickoffs and when returning punts he averaged just eight yards.
Putting these numbers with his receiving stats (45 yards and no touchdowns), Rodgers’ role is going to need to be increased in 2022.
This preseason, however, we have seen a new-and-improved Amari Rodgers.
He came into training camp in better physical shape than he was last season, and the hard work he put in during the offseason has shown on special teams this preseason.
During the game against the 49ers, Rodgers broke a 50-yard kick return down the sideline, which is double his longest return of his career. This preseason he is averaging 35 yards per return, which is miles ahead of where he was last season.
Since the absence of Davante Adams is going to require every receiver who makes the 53-man roster to fill, we can expect the targets for Rodgers to increase.
Although his role may still be limited, as he is likely to be the team’s fifth option at the position, Rodgers will have to prove that he has what it takes to play the slot/return man role that he was drafted in the third round to be.
This Thursday, expect Rodgers to get significant playing time so he can get as many reps with the team before the season starts on September 11.
Kingsley Enagbare
Kingsley Enagbare is in an interesting situation, similarly to Jonathan Garvin from the 2021 draft.
Enagbare was drafted to be a backup outside linebacker for the Packers, as they are already solid at the position with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith leading the room.
With this being said, Green Bay selected Enagbare in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, so he has an expectation to eventually be a starting player for this team.
Since he is a rookie, he is going to make the 53-man roster this year. What his role will be is a different question.
This Thursday against the Chiefs, look to see where he is being asked to line up along the defensive line. If he is eventually going to be playing the role of Preston Smith, watch to see him be used both as a pass rusher and dropping in coverage.
Depending on if he thrives and where exactly he is at on the field, he could become a key rotation piece for a position that is very thin behind Gary and Smith.
Jordan Love
Obviously, Jordan Love is the most important player to watch during the final preseason game of the 2022 year because it may be the last time the Packers get to evaluate him before needing to pick up his fifth-year option.
Love has shown incredible development this preseason, making highlight worthy throws every game and showing better decision-making post-snap.
If Love plays three quarters, like he did against the Saints, it will be important for him to play some of the best ball he has played in his career, and he is definitely capable of it.
Love was great against the Saints this past Friday night. With the momentum built already from the previous week, it will be interesting to see if he can calm the nerves and go deliver a first-round pick quarterback worthy performance in Arrowhead.
Love started his first career game against the Chiefs last season and showed some flashes of development. Hopefully we will watch this game and see a totally changed Love who is more polished version of the 2021 quarterback we watched play Kansas City.