The Green Bay Packers kick off the preseason on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. In theory, every player on the Packers roster has something to gain in the season’s first live action. But some have more to gain than others, whether it comes to winning a roster spot, winning a position battle or earning a role.
Here are some picks for the Packers player with the most to gain against the Steelers in the preseason opener:
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Zach Kruse: OL John Williams/TE Drake Dabney/EDGE Collin Oliver
I’m picking three different players. The Packers need a backup left tackle, a backup tight end and a pass-rusher who create the one pressure in a big spot that changes a game while Micah Parsons is out. Well, the preseason opener provides an excellent opportunity for Williams, a 2025 seventh-round pick, to start proving he can play left tackle, for Dabney to show he can be a blocker inline and a viable pass-catching option at tight end, and for Oliver to show off his elite athleticism as a potential DPR — designated pass rusher. All three could take a big step towards locking in big roles for the 2026 Packers on Thursday night.
Brandon Carwile: K Trey Smack
Smack has made 72 percent of his kicks so far in camp. If this were the regular season, the team may have already gone in a different direction. However, the Packers are being patient with the rookie by not bringing in a veteran to push him for the team’s 2026 kicking duties. If Smack makes all of his field goals tonight against the Steelers, that could buy him some more time. If he struggles, another leg may be brought in before the end of the weekend.
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Mark Oldacres: OL Jager Burton
The battle for the starting spot at right guard is on, with Anthony Belton, Jacob Monk and Jager Burton all competing to win the job. The coaching staff have an idea of what Belton and Monk can do, while the rookie Burton is still something of an unknown. The preseason will have a significant bearing on who ends up winning the spot, and Burton has a chance to stake his claim on Thursday night.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers players with the most to gain in preseason opener vs. Steelers
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