Rotations continue at multiple positions vs. Colts

The Green Bay Packers are holding on-field competitions at several positions through two weeks of the 2024 season. Coach Matt LaFleur is using rotations at right guard, cornerback, linebacker and safety — not generally heavily rotated positions in-game — to provide opportunities to multiple deserving players.

“We’re not afraid to play a bunch of people,” LaFleur said Monday. “We’re fortunate we have a lot of players we have a lot of confidence in to put out there in the game.”

LaFleur said rotations help provide an excellent situation for competition, player development and protection against injuries.

Let’s check out the snap counts coming out of Week 2 at several positions:

Right guard

Sean Rhyan: 50 snaps (71 percent)
Jordan Morgan: 20 snaps (29 percent)

This split likely would have ended up closer to 50/50 had Morgan not injured his shoulder before halftime and missed the rest of the contest. Rhyan and Morgan were rotating series in the first half. LaFleur wasn’t able to give an injury update on Morgan on Monday, but it’s possible Rhyan — who made the start on Sunday — will be a full-time player at right guard for the foreseeable future. Another injury could really stunt Morgan’s first-year development.

Cornerback

Eric Stokes: 24 snaps (43 percent)
Carrington Valentine: 32 snaps (57 percent)

Stokes started at corner, but Valentine ended up playing more snaps against the Colts. LaFleur said it was a performance-based decision to give Valentine more opportunities. This could be a season-long competition opposite Jaire Alexander. Stokes is the former first-round pick, but he’s in the final year of his rookie deal. Developing Valentine, who is in Year 2, could be important for long-term health of the position.

Linebacker

Eric Wilson: 8 snaps (14 percent)
Edgerrin Cooper: 7 snaps (12 percent)

The Packers were planning to get Cooper on the field more in Week 2, but Wilson jam-packed his eight snaps with impact. He forced a fumble, helped make a crucial stop on third down and intercepted Anthony Richardson. After playing 11 snaps in the opener, Cooper saw only seven snaps on Sunday. Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie were every down linebackers again. This position will be one to watch all season as the Packers try to find the best two or three linebackers for various situations.

Safety

Javon Bullard: 42 snaps (75 percent)
Evan Williams: 20 snaps (36 percent)

Jeff Hafley made it clear that Williams deserved a role on defense in Week…