We will play 3 receivers. 50 percent of the time, one of those will be a TE (Musgrave). We don’t need 4 depth receivers on the active roster as cover. We will keep one who can fill every role, presumably Toure and a Goon, almost certainly Heath. None of the others are ST demons any more than Wilson. None have shown WOW film.

Keep 5 WRs on the active and stock up the PS. Every team has WRs they like. Many have made more Wow plays than any not mentioned here. They will make the PS. That’s most if your dilemmas resolved in one go.

Wilson might actually not. Some teams, Minnesota for example, don’t have a big threat RB or a credible back up. Wilson looks like he could be a possible future starter, more credibly than our depth receivers. That’s a gamble that might get him into a 53.

I think Heath makes the roster. I don’t see Heath as playing all the WR roles from an athletic perspective or as a rookie. That’s the purpose of the first extra active WR on any game day. Heath will, if active, have packages, but he’s not that guy and may not always be active as a result, depending on the opponent. Musgrave will be taking a lot of those snaps.

The “crush” argument in relation to “dime a dozen RBs” used to justify 7 WRs plus Musgrave on a LaFleur led team was amusingly self confounding.

I think I saw that Wilson is the clear stand out preseason RB. Yes, RBs are dime a dozen, but young, cheap ones who can do what he has put on film are very much not. We won’t know till he plays in a real game, but he’s the one credible potential breakout rookie talent who has publicly shown that he may have true starter potential if he can sustain it. That includes Heath. Heath looks like a potently very good 3/4 power possession type. Great to have, but not a potential future starter.

To be clear, I think they keep Taylor or elevate him. It’s the logic and assumptions applied that prompted this rejoinder. Wilson might still force a roster spot because he’s shocked even us and in film and because he’s not been given the opportunities to show and develop on STs and in protection.

Taylor may see the field on O before Wilson, but in the event of a pre game injury to a starter Wilson may well be one Taylor backs up.

Talent to make a difference, however acquired, is the one thing that’s truly rare at any position, you don’t let go if you even suspect it might be real.

Andy, I’m curious why your 2nd worst graded Packers player on the team, without making your regression list (which means his play was equally poor in 2021 as well), plus the most negatively graded games in 2022 is considered a lock?

Because Darnell Savage was a 1st Round pick? Has he turned his game around? I have not heard that he has from yours, nor anyone’s reporting. Nor have I seen such from Savage’s preseason play.

First play to him v. NE was the 2nd and 11 after the fumble, Savage completely misjudges Bourne turning inside for an easy reception, overrunning the receiver, taking himself out of the play. Douglas saved a sure TD.

Ford stopped both 1st and 2nd and goal plays. Savage would have given up the 2nd and goal TD.

Those 6 weak ass snaps were all Savage had v. NE? Did he play at all v. CIN?

“Lead-pipe lock” based on what???

I’ve been one of the biggest, most ardent Savage fans on this site, but last year I had my come to Jesus moment. Darnell Savage has severely underperformed in 3 of his first 4 seasons.

There’s a cost saving measure for you.

I also disagree with you on Wilson & Carlson. Both really bad calls, and I’m a huge fan of yours.

greengold, spot on. Wilson could be the KR allowing Nixon to RELAX. Bring Nixon back when the Packers make the playoffs. And Savage...this is not mid-major college ball. It's the NFL!

Interesting analysis, although it doesn't really live up to its billing, as Nijman and Toure would be the only true surprises. Andy makes it clear that neither is likely to actually get cut, but he does create a little bit of intrigue. I've been assuming for awhile now that Toure has made the team, and I still think he has, but it does appear that he has fallen off as of late.

Andy's assessment of Nijman's performance is much lower than any others I've heard. I still think Rasheed Walker started against the Patriots because the coaches already know what they have in Nijman, rather than this being a change in the pecking order at OT. Walker's stellar performance was a real eye-opener though.