3 Packers players to watch in second preseason game against Patriots

The Green Bay Packers started the preseason on a high note, downing the Cincinnati Bengals 36-19.

This win was highlighted by a sharp performance from the team's quarterback room, along with an encouraging showing from the defensive unit.

While these positives are noteworthy, there are still questions to address before the regular season arrives. 

While some questions apply to the entire team, there are also several players worth keeping an eye on as the preseason continues to roll along.

As such, here are three Packers who could make some noise in the coming weeks.

Tucker Kraft 

The worst news to come out of the Bengals game was Tyler Davis' severe injury. The tight end suffered a torn ACL, thus ending his third season in Titletown before it began.

Davis was expected to be a crucial blocker, and his injury creates a clear void.

While former Nebraska Cornhusker Austin Allen has garnered buzz as a replacement, it's third-round selection Tucker Kraft who'll most be counted on to step up.

While Luke Musgrave profiles as an exciting force in the passing game, Kraft brings a little bit of everything at tight end. Therefore, he'll be the one needed to provide extra protection for Jordan Love in Davis' absence.  

Allen will certainly see extra time going forward, but Kraft's versatility and draft pedigree could see him shoulder an all-around burden quicker than many anticipated.

It may prove tough for Kraft to quickly adjust to the NFL with so much on his plate, but the team believed in him enough to select him highly. Therefore, Matt LaFleur's staff may adopt a trial by fire mindset for Kraft's rookie season.

After catching one pass for four yards in his preseason debut, the South Dakota State product should gain more chances to contribute very soon.

Emanuel Wilson

Running back Emanuel Wilson made a major splash in his first preseason showing. Headlined by an 80-yard scoring dash, the former Division II star finished with 111 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Signed as an undrafted free agent after an explosive tenure with Fort Valley State, Wilson now has a real opportunity to make the Packers' 53-man roster.

Though Tyler Goodson and Patrick Taylor have flashed potential, neither have separated themselves as long-term options. Wilson still has a ways to go before he surpasses them, but it can certainly happen if he keeps impressing.

The key for him now becomes proving his ability to succeed with volume. Wilson garnered only six carries against the Bengals, as his big play obviously did most of the heavy lifting for him statistically.

With Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon mostly on ice until Week 1, it's quite possible Wilson records double-digit carries in the next couple preseason games.

What he does with the bulk of those carries will determine if he's a practice squad player or much more.

Anders Carlson

When Mason Crosby departed Green Bay after over a decade of reliability, the Packers drafted Auburn's Anders Carlson to become the team's new kicker in his place.

Following rumors of inconsistencies during the offseason, Carlson's preseason debut saw these rumors prove true. He missed two of his five extra point attempts in the victory, while also nailing a 45-yard field goal.

Having converted only 71.8% of his field goal attempts in college, accuracy issues aren't new for Carlson. However, he was practically automatic on extra points while at Auburn.

Now, these struggles don't mean Carlson is destined to fail. In his first NFL contest, nerves may have come into play.

But that's why it's worth monitoring his performance over the coming weeks. Is this first outing just a tough start? Time will tell.

So long as Carlson eventually develops accuracy on par with his cannon of a leg, he'll prove a worthy successor to Crosby. For now, he'll need to take it one game at a time as he aims to solidify himself in Green Bay.

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