It's decision time. The Green Bay Packers' three audition games are in the books, and they will spend a few sleepless nights trimming the roster to 53 players.
One former draft pick has left them with no choice: Sean Clifford.
A fifth-round draft pick two years ago, Clifford has faced pressure from rookie Taylor Elgersma. Neither player pulled away in the battle for the QB3 job, although Elgersma offers more long-term upside. The Packers may now need to consider outside options for their practice squad vacancy, as it has become highly unlikely that Clifford will remain in Green Bay this season.
Sean Clifford's time with Packers is likely over after disappointing preseason
Clifford backed up Jordan Love as a rookie but rarely came off the bench. Last summer, he lost a battle with Michael Pratt for the backup job, with the Packers preferring to trade for Malik Willis. Clifford later re-signed to Green Bay's practice squad.
But it's time to move on. Clifford did little in the preseason to secure the QB3 job for another year, completing just nine of 17 passes for 44 yards in the three August games. It's an underwhelming output.
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Elgersma showed more potential, finishing his preseason with 16 completions on 23 attempts for 166 yards and a touchdown.
The decision is now likely whether the Packers view Elgersma as their developmental QB3 moving forward, or whether they should look for outside help. There's also a risk that another team claims Elgersma on waivers if the Packers cut him.
Time has likely run out for Clifford.
He hasn't shown the necessary development to believe he can eventually become a long-term backup.
The Packers have big decisions to make across the roster in the days ahead, but the writing is on the wall for Clifford. He needed a strong preseason to give himself a shot at making the practice squad, but a disappointing few games leave the team with little choice.