Will These 9 Former Packers Make Another NFL Roster This Season?
With the preseason now in the twilight, let’s check in on some former Packers across the league. Who’s locked down a roster spot, and who is on the bubble?
C JC Tretter, Browns
Chance he’s on the 53-man roster: 100%
The free agent acquisition has fit in well with Cleveland. At the beginning of training camp, a profile on the center praised his knowledge of the game and ability to make the other lineman and players around him better. He’s set to begin the season as the Browns’ starting center.
LG T.J. Lang, Lions
Chance he’s on the 53-man roster: 100%
After undergoing offseason hip surgery, Lang sat out the first preseason game in Detroit. However, he’s been his steady, consistent self once he got on the field. The Lions and Lang have said all the right things about ensuring the guard is healthy for the entire season.
LG Josh Sitton, Bears
Chance he’s on the 53-man roster: 100%
It’ll be an interesting season for Sitton. After lining up at left guard since 2013, Sitton will return to the right side of the offensive line. If the transition doesn’t go smoothly this year, the Bears could pass on an option for 2018 that would pay the guard $7.4 million. On a side note, Sitton also carries the distinction of being Chicago’s highest-rated player on Madden 18.
WR Jared Abbrederis, Lions
Preseason stats: 7 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD
Chance he’s on the 53-man roster: 40%
The former Wisconsin Badgers receiver and fourth-round draft pick is firmly on the roster bubble in Detroit. The Lions have praised Abbrederis’ versatility – Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press noted his ability to line up as an outside receiver and in the slot. However, second-year receiver Jace Billingsley is a more dynamic threat, and appears to have the inside track on a roster spot over Abbrederis.
CB Tramon Williams, Cardinals
Preseason stats: 6 tackles, 1 pass defensed
Chance he’s on the 53-man roster: 90%
Arizona signed Williams at the beginning of August after injuries threatened the Cardinals’ depth at cornerback. So far, the 34-year-old cornerback has had a solid training camp and preseason. In the second preseason game against the Bears, Williams dropped an easy interception from quarterback Mike Glennon.
DE Julius Peppers, Panthers
Preseason stats: 1 tackle
Chance he’s on the 53-man roster: 100%
Peppers, just like his tenure with the Packers, has been quietly going about his business with the Carolina Panthers. Since signing in mid-March, he has not spoken to the media and denied interview requests every day since camp began. He’s played about 15 snaps in both the second and third preseason games.
DE Datone Jones, Vikings
Preseason stats: 2 tackles
Chance he’s on the 53-man roster: 60%
The Vikings continued to poach former Packers, and Jones joins a long list that includes Brett Favre, Darren Sharper, Ryan Longwell, Greg Jennings, Desmond Bishop and the illustrious Robert Ferguson. Minnesota has transitioned Jones to play a three-technique defensive tackle, the position he played in college, but inconsistent play has him on the roster bubble.
RB Eddie Lacy, Seahawks
Preseason stats: 14 carries, 51 yards, 3.6 yards per carry, 1 reception, 3 yards
Chance he’s on the 53-man roster: 50%
Lacy joined a crowded Seahawks backfield, and began training camp behind presumed starter Thomas Rawls. In his first preseason action, the Chargers stuffed Lacy on a goal line run. One week later, Lacy started and was outplayed by rookie Chris Carson. Much has been said about the weight incentives in his contract, but Lacy’s inability to produce much in the preseason has his spot on the team in jeopardy.
S Micah Hyde, Bills
Preseason stats: 3 tackles
Chance he’s on the 53-man roster: 100%
The Bills will enter the 2017-2018 season with none of their starting players in the secondary from Week 1 of last year. It’s been a complete makeover in Buffalo, and Hyde is being called upon to lead the newcomers. A hip injury in early August hasn’t kept him out of practice, but could linger into the regular season.