As the Green Bay Packers close the book on the preseason, they are left with challenging decisions on the incoming 53-man roster.
The offensive line has taken the spotlight for the wrong reasons too often in the preseason, including second-year player Jacob Monk. The 2024 fifth-round pick struggled in the opening two exhibition contests and sat out of the finale due to a hamstring injury.
General manager Brian Gutekunst isn't afraid to make trades or free-agent moves to upgrade the roster after the preseason, having acquired a new backup quarterback and kicker a year ago. He may need to again, as Monk's disappointing summer leaves the Packers with a tough decision.
Packers need to move on from former draft pick Jacob Monk after a disappointing preseason
Monk's two preseason performances couldn't have gone much worse. He received disastrous PFF pass-blocking grades of 23.6 and 25.1 against the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts, respectively, having allowed a combined five pressures, one sack, and one hit while drawing three penalties.
The Packers opted not to use Monk as their backup center when Elgton Jenkins wasn't on the field, instead shifting Sean Rhyan, the projected starter at right guard, inside.
Monk desperately needed a bounce-back performance in the preseason finale, but a hamstring injury kept him out of the game, and it's clear how much time he will miss.
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Gutekunst doesn't like to give up on draft picks, particularly in Year 2, but it's not unheard of. He released Amari Rodgers, a third-rounder, only halfway through his second season in Green Bay. Monk hasn't done enough this summer to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.
The writing is on the wall. Donovan Jennings, who is competing with Monk for one of the final roster spots, enjoyed a solid bounce-back performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Jennings started at right guard in Monk's place and played well, perhaps securing his spot on the 53.
Green Bay must consider its options on the waiver wire once roster cuts begin around the league. The team could also explore a trade for a veteran backup, like they did by trading for Malik Willis to take the No. 2 quarterback job a year ago.
Monk put in two disappointing preseason performances, and now it's unclear when he will return from injury. The Packers have no choice but to move on.