Packers vs. Chiefs: Learning more about Green Bay's roster and expectations

As the Chiefs prepare to face the Packers in the final preseason game of the year, we asked a Packers editor for some insights into our opponent.

The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the final preseason tune-up on Thursday at home against the visiting Green Bay Packers. The game will largely feature the players at the bottom of the depth chart at each position as the Chiefs attempt to sort out their final roster decisions, which means paying fans are unlikely to see anyone recognizable.

Despite the lack of star power, there’s a lot at stake for a lot of Chiefs players, and we’ve all seen the value of fringe roster players over the years as they develop into key contributors or even surprise starters.

In order to better understand what we’re watching on Thursday night, we asked Packers expert Freddie Boston of Lombardi Ave. for his take on what to watch and which cornerbacks might be available after roster cuts from the Packers.

What are the most important things still at stake for the Green Bay Packers in this fourth preseason game?

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The Packers have a number of tough decisions to make in the next week or so. First, will they keep three quarterbacks? Many expected DeShone Kizer to automatically take the backup job after Green Bay traded for him earlier this offseason, but Brett Hundley has been more consistent this summer. This is a big game for both young quarterbacks.

Will Green Bay keep seven wide receivers? If one of the offseason MVPs, Jake Kumerow, plays well again this week, the Packers might not have a choice.

Many of the positional battles have been settled, but this will be the final opportunity for the players on the roster bubble to make a case for a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Packers invested heavily at CB this offseason. Who does that leave likely on the outs?

Quinten Rollins, a second-round pick in 2015, is likely to miss out on the 53-man roster. Rollins has been given opportunities at cornerback, safety and special teams this summer, but he has struggled throughout preseason. Against the Titans, he gave up a 38-yard play on Tennessee’s opening drive, and then fumbled a punt shortly after.

Given the excellent play of rookies Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson this summer, as well as the return of Tramon Williams, it’s hard to see Rollins making the team. The Packers also traded away Lenzy Pipkins last week. Pipkins is a talented young corner and looked set for a role as the fifth or sixth cornerback this season.

Any under-the-radar players that we should be watching?

Wide receiver Jake Kumerow is top of the list. Kumerow wasn’t given a chance to make the roster by just about anyone, myself included. The Packers spent three draft picks at wide receiver, and that’s before we include Davante Adams, Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison.

But Kumerow has been excellent all summer, and has taken just about every opportunity that has come his way. He missed the third preseason game due to injury, but in the opening two contests he caught six passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, including scores of 82 and 52 yards.

Most importantly, he’s earned the trust of Aaron Rodgers. That could be the most important factor when it comes to making the roster. This is a big game for Kumerow.

What are your own expectations for this upcoming season for the Packers?

If Rodgers stays healthy, the Packers have to be considered Super Bowl contenders. New general manager Brian Gutekunst has done a nice job addressing some of the team’s biggest needs this offseason (cornerback and tight end). As long as No. 12 is on the field, the Packers will be a tough team to beat, particularly late in the year at Lambeau Field.

The lack of depth behind the five starters along the offensive line is the biggest concern. Green Bay is potentially a couple of injuries away from disaster on the offensive line, which is bad news in a division featuring the Minnesota Vikings.

That said, they are deep at many other positions, and I think this could be the Packers’ best roster since 2014, which gives them a great chance of going all the way.

Any predictions for a final score on a meaningless game here?

Let’s just hope it’s a fun game with lots of points. We’re all ready for real football to begin, so I’ll go with an exciting (even if improbable) score with almost 100 points. Packers 50, Chiefs 49.

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Packers vs. Chiefs: Learning more about Green Bay’s roster and expectations

By Matt Conner | Aug 29, 2018