4 Green Bay Packers on the hot seat entering Week 17

3. Rudy Ford

Rudy Ford notably only played six defensive snaps against the Panthers. It could've been due to a back injury that landed him on the Week 16 injury report, but it's something to watch this week.

Green Bay had rookie seventh-rounder Anthony Johnson Jr. start next to Jonathan Owens. Johnson struggled in coverage throughout the game.

Was the move injury-related, or do the Packers want to get an extended look at Johnson? He is a player for the future, whereas Ford is a free agent in the offseason. It's possible because Green Bay is doing the same thing at right guard, with pending free agent Jon Runyan Jr. splitting snaps with second-year Sean Rhyan.

There's little doubt that Ford is the best choice at safety currently. According to Pro Football Reference, quarterbacks have a passer rating of just 65.0 throwing his way. Ford has given up one touchdown and intercepted two passes.

Ford isn't on Green Bay's injury report for Week 17. His snap counts will give us an indication of whether he is part of the Packers' plans beyond this season or if they want to give Johnson more snaps. It's something to watch in the final two games of the regular season.