Tensions mount as roster cuts approach

GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers saw a 20-7 victory in their final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. 

Several starting players were held back from the field as LaFleur said he intended to give those competing for a spot as many snaps and opportunities as possible prior to the release of the 53-man roster on Tuesday, Aug. 26. 

“Really proud of our guys today. They went out there and competed and brought great

energy. I think it always starts there, and I thought our effort was pretty consistent for four quarters,” said LaFleur. 

“Now, obviously, a lot of decisions need to be made. This is always kind of a bittersweet time in terms of, you know, you got to say goodbye to a lot of guys that have busted their butt for months and months and years. I definitely appreciate that locker room. I think we have a great group of guys, and we’ll be excited for the guys that make it, and certainly, it’s always disappointing for those that don’t.”

Among the top most contested positions on the team is the backup quarterback position. 

“We’ve got a lot of confidence in Malik (Willis). I think he is just scratching the surface of what he can become. Just the dual-threat that he is as a quarterback, I think it’s problematic for most defenses, and I think he’s really come a long way in terms of the fundamentals of the position and just making good decisions,” said LaFleur, alluding to the notion that Willis may have secured the QB2 position. 

Taylor Elgersma and Sean Clifford traded time behind the ball in their most recent game. Elgersma went 6 of 8 on passes for 33 yards, a touchdown, and two sacks while Clifford went 6 of 9 for 19 yards and two sacks. 

Other players that had a significant impact on the field include cornerback Kamal Hadden and defensive end Deslin Alexandre. Hadden racked up 5 tackles and 2 defended passes while Alexandre’s accolades include 3 tackles and 1 sack. 

“I thought both those guys really played really well. Kamal (Hadden) was sticky in coverage. He had to have had at least three PBUs (pass break ups) that I saw, so that was exciting. He’s got the talent; it’s just the consistency of which you play. It was exciting to see him in a game environment, go out there and do that. And Des (Alexandre) — I mean you can always count on Des. He’s going to give 110% every chance, every opportunity he gets, and it was cool to see him make some plays, not only on defense, but on special teams as well,” said LaFleur.

Iola, Wis., native, Krisitan Welch had 4 solo tackles against the Seahawks and has been with the Packers since 2023.

“I just go out and take it one day at a time and put my best foot forward. That’s the best I can do,” said Welch. “I’m going to go hang out with my family. It’s been a long however-many days so I’m looking forward to spending some time with my sons and my wife. Tuesday will come and go and we’ll see what happens.”

With over 90 players currently on the roster, the Packers will have to make cuts to nearly half the team.

Alexandre said he is just thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the team and have a chance to compete for a spot. 

“First of all I just want to give glory to God for the ability to be out here and be a player. Every time we go out there we just want to give it our all and have fun and play our style of ball,” said Alexandre. “Preseason or not, it’s a good start and we want to carry that into the season.”

LaFleur said that their staff will take the team’s needs at each particular position into account in order to find success as a team.  

“I think you always have to take into account the numbers at positions,” said LaFleur. 

“I’ve spent a lot of time with Gutey (Brian Gutekunst), and for the most part you get a pretty good idea of where it’s going. But, certainly there’s going to be other teams where guys get released, and there’s going to be opportunities there that potentially could impact some of the decisions that you make in terms of who you keep from your roster.”