Packers preseason opener: One player to watch at every position

Green Bay Packers football returns this Thursday night when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason opener. Matt LaFleur said the plan is to have the starters take the field and get some game reps in preparation for the regular season, but it will also be an opportunity for younger, unproven players to make a strong impression as they hope to improve their standing on the depth chart or secure a spot on the initial 53-man roster.

Position battles are in full swing, so there will be plenty of storylines to follow as the Packers begin their preseason slate. Here’s a player to watch at every position in Thursday’s matchup against the Steelers.

Quarterback: Tyrod Taylor

The 37-year-old veteran has big shoes to fill, replacing the now-Miami Dolphins starter Malik Willis as Jordan Love’s backup. Taylor has played in a ton of different schemes, but it will be interesting to see how comfortable he looks in LaFleur’s offense.

Running back: MarShawn Lloyd

Finally healthy, Lloyd has seemingly made a highlight play every day of camp. With Josh Jacobs nursing a groin injury, Lloyd should get plenty of work on Thursday. Now can he continue to impress (and stay healthy) in a game setting?

Wide receiver: J. Michael Sturdivant

The undrafted free agent out of Florida looks the part at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds. He made an impressive sideline catch that may or may not have been inbounds on Family Night and has shown flashes in practice. A strong performance in Pittsburgh could provide a huge boost to Sturdivant’s quest to make this team.

Tight end: Drake Dabney

With Luke Musgrave out with a neck injury and Tucker Kraft unlikely to suit up, Green Bay is pretty thin at tight end. That should allow Dabney to get plenty of field time. After spending the second half of last season on the practice squad, this is a chance for the young tight end to try to make a push for a roster spot.

Offensive line: Anthony Belton

Belton had a rough showing on Family Night. He was listed as the team’s starting right guard on the unofficial depth chart, but he’s more of a placeholder at this point. If Belton is outplayed by guys like Jacob Monk and Jager Burton during these exhibitions, the 2025 second-round pick could very well begin Year 2 on the bench.

Defensive Tackle: Anthony Campbell

Also returning from the practice squad, Campbell has been one of the biggest surprises. At 6-foot-6, 307 pounds, he’s hard to miss, but it’s his play that has made him stand out on the practice field. The Packers are pretty deep at defensive tackle, so Campbell has his work cut out for him.

Edge: Dani Dennis-Sutton

Green Bay has put a lot on Dennis-Sutton’s plate in camp. He’s lined up inside, outside, and also been on special teams. The edge position needs guys to step up until Micah Parsons returns. Initially considered a steal when the Packers grabbed him in the fourth round, Dennis-Sutton is a name worth keeping tabs on to see if he is ready to contribute as a rookie.

Linebacker: Zaire Franklin

Franklin has been everything the team could have wanted since trading for him in the offseason. He’s already emerged as a leader on the defense and appears to be a solid complement to Edgerrin Cooper. Franklin may only get a series or two on Thursday, but it will be fun to watch him fly around the field.

Cornerback: Brandon Cisse

The Packers’ top draft pick has already been getting some run with the No. 1 defense. Cisse is making a case to be one of the team’s starting corners in Week 1, and a strong showing in the preseason could solidify him.

Safety: Kitan Oladapo

Listed as the backup free safety behind Xavier McKinney, Oladapo is more of a chess piece. He’s been filling in for Javon Bullard as the starting slot corner, with Bullard sidelined with a foot injury. Drafted in the fifth round in 2024, Oladapo has primarily been a special-teamer. He needs to take advantage of this opportunity to find a role on defense.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers preseason opener: One player to watch at every position