As the Green Bay Packers near the end of their preseason and prepare for the critical roster cuts, coach Matt LaFleur is grappling with several key decisions. The primary concern centers around the backup quarterback position, where both Sean Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt have shown potential but also exhibited noticeable difficulties.
During the Packers’ final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, both quarterbacks managed to throw touchdown passes, but their performance largely fell short of resolving the question of who could effectively step in if starter Jordan Love were to be sidelined due to injury.
In the preseason finale, Clifford’s performance was shaky at best. He completed only 3 of his 10 passes by halftime, struggling to find rhythm and accuracy. Meanwhile, Pratt’s play also left much to be desired. He threw an interception in the second half, a play that underscored his challenges in reading and reacting to an NFL defense.
Collectively, the two quarterbacks completed 14 of 26 passes for 133 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. This performance did little to clarify who might be the more reliable backup option, leaving LaFleur and his coaching staff still uncertain about their choices.
When addressing the media about the situation, LaFleur offered a cautious and non-committal response. “We’ll see,” he said, reflecting on both the backup quarterback and kicker positions. “Again, similar to the kicking competition, there were some really good moments, and there were some things that we absolutely have to do better. We’ll evaluate everything that is out there for us.” This statement reveals the ongoing uncertainty and the evaluation process that the team will undergo before making final decisions.
The kicker position presents another area of concern for the Packers. Throughout training camp, Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph have been in a tight competition, but neither has consistently distinguished themselves as the clear-cut choice. Both kickers had notable performances during the preseason, including successful 50-plus-yard field goals in the game against the Ravens. Despite these moments of success, Carlson’s missed 32-yard attempt in favorable weather conditions highlighted his ongoing inconsistency—a trait that has been problematic throughout the preseason.
LaFleur acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting that the Packers are exploring all possible options as they approach the roster cutdown deadline. With both the backup quarterbacks and kickers failing to secure their positions with definitive performances, it is possible that the team might turn to the waiver wire to find potential solutions. The Packers’ front office is likely assessing other available players who might better meet the team’s needs, given the current level of uncertainty surrounding their current roster.
As the team prepares to finalize its roster of 53 players by the upcoming Tuesday deadline, these critical positions remain under intense scrutiny. The decisions made in the coming days will be pivotal for the Packers, as they aim to solidify their roster and address the areas of weakness that have surfaced during the preseason. The outcome of these evaluations will not only impact the team’s immediate readiness for the season but also set the tone for how effectively they can address any potential challenges that may arise as the regular season unfolds.
