8 players to watch in Packers’ preseason showdown with Broncos

The Green Bay Packers are expecting to sit starters and veterans during Sunday night’s preseason clash with the Denver Broncos, providing an opportunity for players down the depth chart to get extra reps in a live-game setting. Friday’s joint practice in Denver provided the necessary work for Jordan Love and other starters. Now, they can watch from the sideline as other teammates attempt to win roster spots.

Last week in Cleveland, second-year receiver Grant DuBose translated his strong start to training camp into a standout performance in the preseason opener. Who could be this week’s DuBose?

Here are some players to watch on Sunday night:

WR Bo Melton

His preseason opener in Cleveland didn’t go as planned — Melton fumbled a jet sweep handoff and dropped two or three passes in a disappointing overall performance. It’s unclear how many snaps he’ll get in Denver, but Melton has an opportunity to bounce back in a big way. The competition is heating up at wide receiver — DuBose is looking more and more like a roster lock — so Melton needs a rebound. Remember, he made big plays against starters in big games to end last season, and the Packers love his elite speed and tenacity as a blocker. Malik Heath could also use a big play or two on Sunday night.

OL Jacob Monk

The rookie fifth-round pick is starting to get snaps with the first-team offense at right guard, and the Packers think he can play all three of the interior line positions. In the preseason opener, Monk played 61 snaps — 33 at right guard, 11 at left guard and 17 at center. While Monk might be a long shot to start at right guard — that battle is between Jordan Morgan and Sean Rhyan — it’s looking more and more like Monk will be a valuable interior backup as a rookie. Also along the offensive line, expect to see Rhyan to get more snaps at center as the Packers cross-train him on the interior.

RB Emanuel Wilson

The Broncos signed Wilson as an undrafted free agent coming out of the 2023 draft but then waived him three days later, setting the stage for him landing in Green Bay a week later. A year later, and after leading the NFL in rushing yards last preseason, Wilson is back in Denver to play a preseason game while pushing for a spot on the Packers’ 53-man roster. He’s big and fast, and his running talent is clear — the Packers just need to see more of the little things, like blocking and catching, in a live game setting. A game against his former team is a great…