The Green Bay Packers closed out their preseason with a big win, a 42-38 thriller over the Arizona Cardinals. It was also filled with standout performances, several of which were by players who made the team's decisions on the roster much harder.
With the preseason now over, the team will get to work on solidifying the 53-man roster. While it's safe to say a large portion of the roster is already set, there's a lot left to be decided. The fringe of the Packers' roster is fraught with guys who could or could not end up making the team, and there will no doubt be some big discussions and debates in the coming days.
One thing is for certain, though. After Friday night, several players made their case stronger. With the preseason now in the books, we're looking at four players who excelled and made the Packers' roster decisions even tougher.
4 players who have left Packers GM Brian Gutekunst with tough roster decisions
WR J. Michael Sturdivant
If it wasn't for Kyle McCord, Friday's contest might've been known as The J. Michael Sturdivant Game. The rookie wide receiver was absolutely stellar. Sturdivant tallied six receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown, which came on an absolutely beautiful ball from McCord after Sturdivant beat his man deep en route to the end zone.
In any other season, Sturdivant would almost certainly make the Packers' roster. The problem, though, is they already have a ton of depth there. Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Skyy Moore, and Savion Williams are virtual locks to make the roster. Bo Melton is also an assumed safe bet to make the roster, even if some might want Sturdivant over him.
Would the Packers really roster seven wide receivers? It's not out of the realm of possibility, but it would definitely be a surprise. Sturdivant has played so well that it almost feels impossible to let him go and hope he makes it through waivers onto the practice squad, though.
DT Anthony Campbell
The 6-foot-6, 307-pound prospect was already shining at training camp before this game. Campbell tallied his first NFL sack last week against the Denver Broncos and has been turning heads at training camp along the way. Friday night, Campbell made the decision to keep him even more compelling, thanks to another incredible night stuffing the stat sheet.
He yet again found the quarterback, breaking through the Cardinals' offensive line for a big sack. The Packers' defensive tackle position has been one to watch all offseason, as the depth hasn't really resulted in anyone rising above and showcasing themselves just yet.
Much like Sturdivant, the Packers must weigh whether keeping Campbell is worth losing a more veteran presence, like Karl Brooks or Jonathan Ford. Has Nazir Stackhouse also fallen out of favor thanks to a lack of playing time? We'll have to wait and see, but Campbell did all he could this summer to show why he's at least deserving of a tough conversation.
WR Will Sheppard
Sheppard is yet another young wide receiver who has done nothing but make plays this training camp. He did it in a huge way on Friday. In the second quarter, with the score tied 17-17, Sheppard took a punt back 81 yards for a massive touchdown. Not only was it an explosive play for the young player, but one for the Packers' special teams unit.
He also showed up on offense. While Sheppard tallied just three catches for 26 yards, he scored a massive touchdown when the Packers were down 17-10 in the second quarter. Sheppard was also active in the end zone last week, where he scored an incredible, toe-tapping touchdown against the Broncos.
Sheppard might have a better case than Sturdivant for making the team over someone like Bo Melton. His ability to return kicks is huge, and exactly how a player of Sheppard's caliber makes the team. Needless to say, the Packers have some hard choices to make at wide receiver.
DE Nyjalik Kelly
Our last player is one who, in all honesty, probably has the toughest shot at making the roster. Still, defensive end Nyjalik Kelly played absolutely incredibly, tallying a sack, an interception, and six total tackles across the defense, including three for a loss.
Kelly joined the Packers as an undrafted free agent out of UCF and, much like the other players on this list, has done nothing but perform when necessary. Much like other players here, though, Kelly has the problem of competing with a really deep group of entrenched veterans on the Packers.
As it stands, it seems most likely that Kelly is cut and potentially joins the Packers' practice squad. However, I think there's a genuine argument to be made that he's outplayed the likes of Collin Oliver and should at least demand a legitimate tough decision as to whether or not he makes the team.
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