GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers will open their preseason Saturday night against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field.
This is the first time the Packers have opened the preseason at home since 2021. It’s the third straight year they’re opening against an AFC team.
Here are three things to watch during this game:
Starting jobs
As a playoff team last year, the Packers don’t have many starting jobs up for grabs. Wide receiver is an area of focus. First round draft pick Matthew Golden has been impressive in camp. Christian Watson is out and recovering from an ACL injury.
On the offensive line, left tackle and right guard features competition. As far as the defense, there’s a lot of jockeying for positions in different schemes.
Aaron Glenn gets his chance
Former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is the Jets new head coach. Glenn actually started his playing career with the Jets in 1994 and former Jets coach Bill Parcells is now one of Glenn’s mentors.
The Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010. That’s the longest current drought in the NFL. The Jets haven’t won their division in 23 years.
Counting on Justin Fields
Former Bears quarterback Justin Fields is expected to be the Jets’ starting quarterback.
Fields hasn’t had a great camp, but he certainly offers more mobility than the Jets quarterback last year, Aaron Rodgers. The Jets offense also includes former Badgers running back from Fond du Lac, Braelon Allen. Former Wisconsin center Joe Tippman is competing with former Packer Josh Myers for the starting job. Former Packer receiver Allen Lazard and edge rusher Will McDonald from Waukesha North High School also play for the Jets.
Next week, the Packers will have a joint practice and preseason game against the Colts in Indianapolis.