Packers vs. Broncos: What to watch for

DENVER – Two days after practicing with the Broncos in Denver, the Packers will play their second preseason game of 2024 against them Sunday night.

Here’s what to watch for.

Reserve QBs take center stage: With the starting units getting the bulk of the work in the joint practice, they’re not expected to play in the game. That means Sean Clifford will start at QB for the Packers, with Michael Pratt following shortly behind.

Head Coach Matt LaFleur didn’t fully divulge the plan for how the QB snaps would be divvied up, but Pratt was given some reps with the second-team offense in practice this past week and might get that opportunity again during the game. It remains to be seen whether Clifford and Pratt are not just competing to be Jordan Love‘s top backup, but also competing for just one spot on the roster. It’s possible. Or the Packers might keep three quarterbacks. Either way, their game performances matter greatly.

Who can shine again?: When it comes to young players making a splash in the preseason, the question always lingering is whether a strong performance was a one-off, or can it be repeated?

Running back Emanuel Wilson has shined multiple times in the preseason now, and he could be in for a lot of work with running backs MarShawn Lloyd and Jarveon Howard both injured.

Receiver Grant DuBose was a big star last week in Cleveland with five catches for 66 yards and will look to do it again. Same with rookie safety Evan Williams, who had a half dozen tackles and a forced fumble in just 23 snaps vs. the Browns. Both of those players have carried over strong work on the practice field into the games, and will look to keep it up.

On the offensive line, Sean Rhyan and rookie Jacob Monk both had solid games a week ago and hope to continue their positive momentum. Both linemen have been working at guard and center with various units.

On the bounce-back side of things, receiver Bo Melton had a couple of dropped passes in Cleveland and will push to get back on track in that heated competition at his position.

Linebacker shuffle: Second-round rookie Edgerrin Cooper has yet to return from a hip injury, and Quay Walker likely won’t play. Whether veterans Isaiah McDuffie and/or Eric Wilson would play isn’t clear.

Third-round rookie Ty’Ron Hoppermissed some time with an ankle injury but was back in 11-on-11 work in the joint practice in Denver. If he gets cleared to play, this could be a huge opportunity for him.

Same for special-teams standout Kristian Welch, who could get a lot of snaps at linebacker as he aims to lock down a roster spot. Or maybe an undrafted rookie like Ralen Goforth, who has taken some reps further up the depth chart with all the injury shuffling going on, makes his bid with a long look.