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There are two positions on the Green Bay Packers’ roster that appear to have a tremendous dropoff between the starter(s) and the backups: quarterback — as we all saw in 2017 after Aaron Rodgers’ injury — and offensive tackle.
Just about every other position appears to be able to at least function mostly capably if a starter gets hurt. However, given the performance of the Packers’ backup tackles in the preseason, there are few if any players save for Rodgers whose availability is more critical than David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga.
2017 saw that pan out early as well, as the Packers were at one time down to their fifth and sixth options at the position — both converted guards in Lane Taylor and Justin McCray. Yes, the Packers were able to win a game with those two starting, but it was over a Chicago Bears team who was starting Mike Glennon for the last time.
Perhaps the only other player who can make a case for being more critical to the team’s fortunes on an individual health basis is wide receiver Davante Adams, who already has thrilled Packers fans in very limited snaps this preseason. While on the verge of breaking into the elite group of NFL receivers, Adams showed this week how much he appreciates fans of him and his team in a fun interaction with one of them in particular.
After checking out today’s curds, be sure to keep it here at APC for full coverage of tonight’s Packers-Raiders preseason game.
Packers' season could hinge on health of two tackles | Packersnews.com
I'll argue that the season WILL hinge on the health of their tackles. None of the backups have inspired much confidence in the preseason, so Bakhtiari and Bulaga's availability will be critical this year.
Titans top ranking of every team’s situation at tackle in the AFC - Field Gulls
The SB Nation Seahawks blog is going through the tackle situation for every NFL team. The NFC is up later today, but this illustrates that depth issues at the position are a common theme all around the league. (UPDATE: Here’s their ranking of the NFC teams’ tackles.)
Packers' season could hinge on health of two tackles | Packersnews.com
I'll argue that the season WILL hinge on the health of their tackles. None of the backups have inspired much confidence in the preseason, so Bakhtiari and Bulaga's availability will be critical this year.
Expect Packers rookie Jaire Alexander to field punts against Raiders | Packers Wire
Finally, we'll get to see Alexander back deep to return a few punts. Fellow rookie Josh Jackson impressed in that area last week so it should be exciting to see the first-round pick back there tonight.
Expect Packers rookie Jaire Alexander to field punts against Raiders | Packers Wire
Finally, we'll get to see Alexander back deep to return a few punts. Fellow rookie Josh Jackson impressed in that area last week so it should be exciting to see the first-round pick back there tonight.
Davante Adams’ impromptu visit creates lasting memory for Packers fan | Packers.com
On Monday, Michael Crook was spotted wearing a #17 jersey by his favorite player, who posted a video of their interaction to Instagram before funding him after Tuesday's practice for some autographs.
NFL free agents 2018: 5 players who need to be signed before Week 1 - SBNation.com
Get. Eric Reid. To. Green Bay. Now.
Raiders waive 2017 second-rounder Obi Melifonwu - NFL.com
What is Jon Gruden doing? Ostensibly the Raiders are making room for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, but there are plenty of other players whom they could cut to clear that space. Melifonwu is a hyper-athletic safety who, at minimum, should be able to contribute on special teams if he's healthy.
Madison police working to arrest possible parking scam artist - WISC
If you're going to school at UW, beware of a guy known as "Bama Flow" (a name for a mullet, perhaps?), who has been cheating students by charging them rent on parking spots that he doesn't own.