6 players who won't be on Packers 53-man roster come Week 1
- Which backup QB won't make the 53?
- Recent third-round pick may miss roster spot
- Two rookies face uphill battle
5. Tariq Carpenter
Second-year Tariq Carpenter leaves a crowded safety room after making a positional switch to inside linebacker. Unfortunately, the opportunities could be few and far between there, too.
The majority of the Packers' defensive snaps at inside linebacker will go to De'Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker, with Isaiah McDuffie as the main backup. That doesn't leave many opportunities for Carpenter.
Most of his snaps came on special teams as a rookie, but Eric Wilson is ahead of him there.
Wilson was arguably the Packers' best special teams player last season, and his performances earned him a new deal this spring. That means Carpenter will compete for the number five spot at inside linebacker, but will the Packers keep more than four?
Working in his favor is his positional versatility. Carpenter can play linebacker or safety, which helps. But with limited opportunities available at either position, the Packers may struggle to find room.
Along with Wilson at linebacker, the Packers have key special teams contributors at safety. Dallin Leavitt played the second-most special teams snaps for Green Bay last season, while new signing Tarvarius Moore was an important contributor for the San Francisco 49ers.
It leaves Carpenter in a tough position and potentially without a roster spot.