Packers at Raiders
Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, August 22nd, 2019, at 8:00 PM EST
Location: Investors Group Field, Winnipeg, Canada
Betting Odds: GB -3 via Oddsshark
Network: KTUV or WTMJ
Green Bay Packers
Will We See Aaron Rodgers?
The third preseason games are called the “dress rehearsals” for the NFL regular season. But, it does not look like it will be for the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is a game-time decision per Matt LaFleur, but I’m not so sure we will see him. Rodgers hasn’t played much in the preseason in his career, but there has been some debate about his playing time this year. The Packers hired a new head coach for the first time in Rodgers’s career and some believe he should get some game time in the new offensive system. It looks like the Packers’ brain trust disagrees. GM Brian Gutekunst said it’s not like Rodgers is learning “a different sport.” So, we have to be ready for a lot of DeShone Kizer in Rodgers’s absence. Hopefully, we can see some of the potential for the rest of the offense with him.
Aaron Jones Debut
A lot of talk about the Aarons playing time coming out of Green Bay. Aaron Jones had been battling a hamstring injury, which kept him out of practice until August 10th. The Packers held Jones out of the first two preseason games due to the injury. Coach Matt LaFleur said that Jones will play one series this week. Jamaal Williams has also been out with a hamstring injury and he just returned to practice this week. So, we cannot see how this backfield might be split up snaps-wise (which is what preseason should mostly be used for). In both Jones and Williams’s absence, the other backs did not impress. This only helps Jones and Williams to not have to give away even more touches.
Wideout Snaps
As per Adam Levitan of Establish the Run, last week the Packers starting offense played roughly seven snaps. During those snaps, Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling played all of them and Geronimo Allison played six. In five of the six snaps Allison played, he was in the slot while Valdes-Scantling was in the slot once. No other WR played with the starting group. It looks like Matt LaFleur has settled on how he wants to deploy his WRs. MVS looks to have the Taylor Gabriel/Brandin Cooks role, Allison has the Mohammed Sanu/Cooper Kupp spot, and Adams has the Julio Jones/suped-up Robert Woods role. Jake Kumerow and Equanimeous St. Brown have both had their moments at training camp, but it looks like they will not be making a push to get on the field. Just make sure to check this game to see if anything changes in the WR deployment.
Oakland Raiders
Uhh… Antonio Brown
What in the world. I don’t think there is a story that can come out about Antonio Brown that can shock me anymore. Blonde mustaches, frozen feet, and threatening retirement because of his helmet. All in one offseason. But as of writing this preview, Brown is with the Raiders and practicing with a certified helmet. There were reports that he left practice during the helmet portion, but those were denied by Jon Gruden. Gruden said Brown is “all in,” which is important after GM Mike Mayock questioned whether Brown is in or out. I doubt Brown will play much if at all since he has barely practiced with the team. Just make sure to double-check if he gets on the field.
Wait, Will Any Starters Play?
Jon Gruden said that the “frontline starters” might not play for the rest of the preseason. As you can see in the Game Info section, the game is in Winnipeg. Gruden said that the Raiders will check the field to see the conditions, which is a fair concern. No need to lose a starter due to poor field conditions. But who are the “frontline starters” that Gruden referenced? Presumably Derek Carr, Antonio Brown (though he probably wasn’t playing anyway). Josh Jacobs, maybe? This is something to monitor as game time approaches.
Darren Waller Hype Train
Darren Waller has gotten hyped up a bit as a potential late-round sleeper. Waller came over from Baltimore where he played WR. His background as a WR is important to Gruden because Gruden wanted the Raiders offense to get faster at every position. He hasn’t done too much in the preseason so far, totaling 3 catches for 21 yards in two games. He looks to be firmly in the lead for the starting TE spot, ahead of Foster Moreau and Luke Willson. It will be interesting to see if Gruden plays Waller or if he is included in the “frontline starter” group.
-Frank Costanzo (@FrankQBList)