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If you think the final two games of the 2017 season are meaningless for the Green Bay Packers, don’t say that to the players’ faces.
In many cases, players are auditioning for jobs for 2018; in others, individuals who remain under contract for next year are trying to bolster their argument to stay on the team rather than being let go between now and then. Young players are also likely to get opportunities to play that they might not have had previously, giving them chances to prove that they are ready to take on bigger roles next fall.
Perhaps no group on this roster is more uncertain for next year than the wide receiver unit, however. The Packers have a number one wideout who might not (and in this writer’s opinion should not) play the rest of the season and who is due for a big new contract in the spring. The second and third options at the position both have big contracts that expire after 2018, which would make release or restructure entirely feasible for either one. And then there is a slew of young players who have yet to fully prove themselves whose roles are yet to be determined moving forward.
That’s the case at just one position, but you can say similar things about the outside linebackers, the safeties, and more. So these last 120 minutes of Packers football are hardly meaningless; they could and likely will have lasting effects for the roster in 2018 and beyond.
On a Pro Bowl for Mike Daniels: 'It'll come for him' | Packers.com
The Packers' assistant coaches discuss the end of the Packers' meaningful season and the plans moving forward. While DL coach Mike Trgovac discusses Mike Daniels' Pro Bowl snub, Winston Moss praises Vince Biegel's work ethic and progression.
Packers haven't discussed shutting down their 'best perimeter player' - ESPN
The only explanation for this is that they WILL discuss it if he completes the concussion protocol. If he doesn't, then it's a moot point, but there are no per-game active roster bonuses or incentives on the line here for Adams. He should not play in these last two games, period.
Pro Bowl CB Casey Hayward throws subtle shade at Packers? | Packers Wire
Hayward tweeted at fellow Pro Bowler Micah Hyde and it's easy to infer that he was taking a shot at Dom Capers and the Packers with his "show your true skills" comment.
Four big roster questions facing the Packers in 2018 | Packersnews.com
The biggest one is what to do about Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb if the team is able to sign Davante Adams to a contract extension. The team will absolutely need to restructure one or both of the veteran receivers’ deals, but it’s also possible that one or both could be gone next year.
How to fix the NFL's 3 worst rules - SBNation.com
Geoff Schwartz takes on the catch rule, the pylon-fumble-touchback rule that benefited the Packers earlier this year, and how pass interference can exist when a quarterback brutally misses his throw.
Hicks: 'We won't be that team' that loses to Browns - NFL.com
That's Akiem Hicks of the Bears, who host the Browns this Sunday afternoon. We shall see.