GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Packers open the 2026 NFL regular season at the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13 at U.S. Bank Stadium. But first, they play one more preseason game (Friday against the Arizona Cardinals) and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
The Packers have been the NFL's youngest team for three years running, but they might finally shed that label. They've added veterans in defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (33), linebacker Zaire Franklin (30) and quarterback Tyrod Taylor (37) among others. But this is still a draft-and-develop organization, and there will be plenty of young players on the roster.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Packers.
Quarterbacks (2)
The Packers had one of the league's best backups the past two seasons in Malik Willis, who is now in Miami. Now they'll have one of the most experienced in Taylor, who is entering his 16th season. Look for them to try to keep Kyle McCord on the practice squad as a developmental backup.
Running backs (3)
Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks
The Packers might be holding their breath that Jacobs doesn't get suspended because of his arrest earlier this year and that Lloyd can stay healthy after playing one game in his first two NFL seasons. If not, then they'll need help here.
Wide receivers (6)
Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Skyy Moore, Savion Williams, Bo Melton
The Packers are deep at this spot even after losing Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks during the offseason. Isaiah Neyor and J. Michael Sturdivant had strong camps and would be under consideration if they keep a seventh guy here.
Tight ends (3)
Tucker Kraft, Josh Whyle, Drake Dabney (or a player or two to be named later)
Kraft looks like he's healthy enough to be ready for Week 1 after last year's torn ACL, but there's not a lot of proven production behind him. Luke Musgrave will likely stay on the physically unable to perform list because of a neck injury. This is the No. 1 spot for general manager Brian Gutekunst to upgrade via trade or waivers. Gutekunst kept four tight ends on his initial 53 last year.
Offensive linemen (10)
Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, Zach Bako-Bewele, Anthony Belton, Jager Burton, John Williams, Darian Kinnard, Donovan Jennings
Gutekunst kept only nine here after the initial cuts last season, but perhaps all the injuries up front in 2025 will convince him to keep an extra lineman.
Defensive tackles (6)
Javon Hargrave, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, Chris McClellan, Jonathan Ford
New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon wants bigger bodies up front, and this group should give him that. Ford appears to have moved ahead of Nazir Stackhouse, who made last year's roster as an undrafted rookie.
Edge rushers (5)
Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., Dani Dennis-Sutton, Collin Oliver
There's pressure on this group to generate pass rush until the return of Micah Parsons, who will start the season on PUP while recovering from the torn ACL suffered last season.
Linebackers (5)
Zaire Franklin, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann
The switch to having only two off-ball linebackers in Gannon's scheme means McDuffie likely loses snaps, but the Packers feel great about the duo of Franklin and Cooper. It's either Niemann or Kristian Welch for special teams purposes.
Cornerbacks (6)
Keisean Nixon, Brandon Cisse, Benjamin St-Juste, Carrington Valentine, Kamal Hadden, Domani Jackson
If there is going to be a high-profile move on cutdown day, it would be Nixon. Perhaps the Packers will try to trade him or release him. They have another corner, Jaylin Simpson, whom they like.
Safeties (4)
Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo
The Packers are light here since they usually keep five. If that's the case, Mark Perry is the best option.
Special teams (3)
Trey Smack (K), Daniel Whelan (P), Matt Orzech (LS)
Barring a collapse, it appears the they are going with a rookie kicker.
