The Green Bay Packers are finalizing their game plan for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, but their coaching staff is closely reevaluating the roster following a mixed Week 1 performance. While there were notable individual efforts, such as Xavier McKinney‘s all-around play and Tucker Kraft meeting expectations, several significant issues were hard to overlook.
The Packers’ Week 1 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles highlighted more than just facing a strong opponent—it exposed missed assignments, blown coverages, and underwhelming performances from players who were expected to be key contributors this season. In the fast-paced NFL, there’s little time for leniency, and despite the small sample size, some starters are already under scrutiny.
The Packers emphasize competition at every position, and after some concerning Week 1 performances, it’s time to evaluate a few starters who might be at risk of losing their spots.
T.J. Slaton
T.J. Slaton’s selection as the starting defensive tackle over former first-round pick Devonte Wyatt was one of the training camp’s surprises. Although Wyatt possesses the athleticism and physical tools to make a significant impact, Slaton’s consistency earned him the starting role for the season.
However, Slaton’s hold on that position may already be in jeopardy after Week 1. Slaton played 40 snaps in the season opener against the Eagles but posted a disappointing PFF grade of 42.7, ranking him 94th out of 110 qualified defensive linemen. His struggle to consistently shed blockers contributed to the Eagles’ dominance at the line of scrimmage, a major factor in the Packers’ defeat.
In contrast, Wyatt, who played 36 snaps, wasn’t flawless but offered more energy as a pass rusher and performed better against the run. Wyatt’s athleticism and ability to disrupt the backfield could give him an advantage in what may become a changing dynamic on the defensive line.
Slaton’s starting role is no longer secure. If Wyatt continues to outperform him, a role reversal could be on the horizon as early as Week 2. Green Bay needs improved performance in the trenches, and Slaton must quickly demonstrate he deserves to retain his starting spot.