Six Packers Poised to Prove Themselves in Preseason Clash with Steelers

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (32) has played just one game in his first two seasons.

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The Green Bay Packers open their preseason Thursday in Pittsburgh at 6 p.m. CST.

After two weeks of practice contact, the Packers are eager to face an opponent.

Zaire Franklin, a Packers linebacker, noted, “Playing in a game is different. When you have to tackle an opponent, real penalties arise, and there are genuine challenges in getting open on a route or covering a receiver.”

The Packers’ younger players and reserves will receive most of the snaps, while the starters will also start the game and play for a portion of it.

All six frontline players have something to prove and merit close attention.

MARSHAWN LLOYD, RB

Lloyd’s journey has been widely covered.

The 2024 third‑round pick has appeared in only one game and recorded 10 snaps over the past two seasons because of numerous injuries.

He hasn’t appeared in a regular‑season game since Week 2 of 2024.

Lloyd has remained healthy throughout camp and now has an opportunity to showcase his abilities against the Steelers.

“Now it’s my time to give back,” Lloyd said. “I’m excited, ready to go, and eager to prove why I was selected in the third round.”

TYROD TAYLOR, QB

The Packers benefited from having arguably the league’s top backup quarterback, Malik Willis, for the past two seasons.

Willis signed a three‑year, $67.5 million contract with Miami this offseason.

At 37, Taylor has experienced a full NFL career, but he must demonstrate that he still possesses the skill set to win games should Jordan Love be injured.

Taylor began camp slowly, but has improved over the past week and hopes to build on that momentum against the Steelers.

“I’m just going out there and playing ball,” Taylor said. “Training camp and OTAs give us valuable experience and help us become more comfortable. Each day, coaches present us with situations that demand quick thinking and efficiency, and our challenge is to execute at a high level consistently. That’s been my focus, and I believe I’m doing a good job while continuing to improve.”

BRANDON CISSE, CB

Green Bay’s second‑round draft pick, Brandon Cisse, entered the starting lineup on Aug. 2 after Carrington Valentine suffered a hamstring injury.

Cisse hasn’t been overwhelmed by the moment and has performed at a high level, appearing to secure a starting spot.

Cisse has excelled against Green Bay’s wide receivers and now wants to apply that same success against opponents’ receivers.

“I hold myself to a very high standard,” Cisse said of camp. “I have high expectations for myself, and I’m focused on the plays where I can improve. While there are flashes of success, I also recognize the growing pains I’m experiencing. I’m eager to refine those aspects and keep getting better each day.”

JACOB MONK, RG

Monk took over from Anthony Belton as the No. 1 right guard last week and now has the opportunity to cement the position.

In his third season, Monk had only six snaps in his first 33 games before playing a full game for Minnesota in Week 18 last year.

Monk suffered a biceps tear in the Packers’ playoff loss at Chicago, spent the offseason recovering, and has had a strong camp.

Can he transition from being a minimal contributor over two seasons to a starting role?

“I want to be consistent in everything I do,” Monk said. “They’ve always known I’ll play hard and give my all, but I also need to demonstrate consistency.”

JORDAN MORGAN, LT

After two seasons of moving around the offensive line, Green Bay’s 2024 first‑round pick is back at his preferred position.

Can he handle it?

Morgan possesses excellent athleticism and footwork, but still has much to prove, beginning Thursday.

“His college background was at left tackle, so he’s essentially at his natural spot,” Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said of Morgan. “He just needs to learn the nuances of the position, and he’s done a nice job returning to left tackle, now focusing on that.”

LUKAS VAN NESS, EDGE

Van Ness, Green Bay’s 2023 first‑round pick, has recorded 8.5 sacks in his first three seasons.

He missed eight games last season due to a foot injury and played through a broken right thumb in 2024.

Van Ness is now healthy and has had a largely productive summer.

With Micah Parsons sidelined by an ACL tear at the start of the season, Van Ness will be relied upon as the Packers’ top pass rusher and must prove he was worthy of the 13th overall selection in the 2023 draft.

“We have a standard we want to uphold,” Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon said. “Doing it once is great, but can you maintain it day three, day four, and beyond? That was my challenge to Lukas, and he’s responded well.”

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