{
  "id": 3519711,
  "title": "23 players on roster bubble to watch during Packers' final preseason week",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/23-players-on-roster-bubble-to-watch-during-packers-final-preseason",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T13:49:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/23-players-roster-bubble-watch-134944680.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Green Bay Packers' final preseason week features 23 players on the roster bubble, awaiting their fate at Cutdown Day. The practice lineup divides the team: top-tier players participate in a joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, while the depth chart players conclude the preseason on Friday night at Lambeau Field. The next three days will decide the final roster spots, as Cutdown Day approaches on Sunday.\n\nQuarterback Kyle McCord is among the players under scrutiny. Despite his capability, the Packers would not retain three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Similarly, running back Pierre Strong Jr. impressed with his performance in Denver, showcasing his versatility on special teams with a 68-yard kickoff return.\n\nWide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant's ability to block and contribute as a special teamer could secure him a spot among the seventh receivers. Isaiah Neyor's size and catch radius make him an intriguing prospect at receiver, while Will Sheppard's punt-return skills and a notable performance against the Broncos could propel him toward a roster spot.\n\nTight end Messiah Swinson, though not as well-rounded as Drake Dabney, possesses the size to be an effective inline blocker. McCallan Castles has proven himself as a strong run blocker and has been utilized on several special teams groupings. Offensive line players Darian Kinnard, Donovan Jennings, John Williams, and Travis Glover are all vying for a starting spot as one of the top offensive line subs for the 2026 season.\n\nDefensive line players Jonathan Ford, Anthony Campbell, and Nazir Stackhouse are all vying for roster spots at defensive tackle, with Ford likely closer to roster lock. Edge rushers Arron Mosby and Nyjalik Kelly also have a chance to stick, although the practice squad may be the better bet for the 2026 season.\n\nLinebackers Nick Niemann and Kristian Welch are the top contenders for the final linebacker spots, with Niemann likely coming down to a special teams ace role. Cornerback Kamal Hadden and rookie Domani Jackson are both making strides, while Jaylin Simpson's momentum could clinch his roster spot. Safety Mark Perry's recent notable plays may solidify his fifth safety spot. Lastly, linebacker Cal Adomitis has an opportunity to prove himself as the better option for 2026 with every opportunity to start.",
  "summary": "Who are the roster bubble players to watch as the Packers prepare to take on the Cardinals in a joint practice and the preseason finale?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}