Packers: 5 biggest decisions ahead of 53-man roster deadline

With the deadline less than a day away, let’s look at three big roster decisions the Green Bay Packers have to make.

What are the biggest decisions facing the Green Bay Packers when it comes to trimming their roster down to 53 players?

The vast majority of those 53 spots are secured, but there is some uncertainty on the roster bubble, as we see every year.

Here are some notable positions to watch over the next day.

Two or three running backs?

Tyler Goodson had a fantastic summer and showcased his ability. Will Green Bay risk losing him on waivers to get him back on the practice squad, or will he make the 53? Will Patrick Taylor’s special teams ability give him the edge over Goodson?

Or will the Packers keep neither with the confidence at least one will clear waivers?

How many wide receivers?

The final spot could come down to Juwann Winfree and Samori Toure. Unless the Packers surprisingly keep eight receivers.

Again, it could come down to special teams. But should the Packers be confident Toure will clear waivers and land on the practice squad? It’s a risk.

Could the Packers keep as many as 10 offensive linemen?

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Green Bay kept 10 offensive linemen, especially if there’s any uncertainty over the status of David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins for the start of the regular season.

Caleb Jones has made a strong case for a roster spot, and draft pick Rasheed Walker impressed in the preseason finale.

Which pass rusher makes the roster?

Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Kingsley Enagbare are roster locks, but who joins them? Will the Packers keep four or five edge rushers?

Jonathan Garvin appears to be the frontrunner, but there’s also competition from Kobe Jones, La’Darius Hamilton, and Tipa Galeai. It won’t be a surprise if any one of them makes the 53.

How many safeties will make the 53?

We can assume Shawn Davis and Dallin Leavitt will join Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage on the 53. Leavitt has been dealing with an injury, so one option would be to keep him on the 53 and then place him on injured reserve. Of course, only if the Packers think he could miss a few weeks.

In that case, would they make room for a fifth safety like Micah Abernathy? He impressed in the preseason. What about rookie Tariq Carpenter?

Big decisions ahead.