Blogs

Pregame warmup: Big night for youth in defensive front seven

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — It could be a big night for the young players in the Packers’ defensive front seven as they continue to battle for roster spots.

Two defensive linemen in Kenny Clark and Letroy Guion and two inside linebackers in Joe Thomas and Jake Ryan are not playing on Friday night at Levi’s Stadium against the 49ers, which could mean more reps for the players at those spots fighting to make the roster.

On the defensive line, practice-squad holdover Christian Ringo and undrafted rookie Brian Price could get their share of work after Mike Daniels exits the game, while at inside linebacker, Carl Bradford and Beniquez Brown could get extra work once Sam Barrington and Blake Martinez are done.

Rookie Dean Lowry could also see a larger number of snaps on the defensive line as the Packers work on getting him ready for Week 1, though as a fourth-round draft pick his roster spot isn’t really in question. Derrick Mathews, who has had a quiet training camp so far, is another inside linebacker to keep an eye on to see if he makes a move.

Weather update: It’s a beautiful evening in northern California. At kickoff, temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s, dropping into the 60s during the game. There is no chance of rain and winds are expected to be minimal, 10 mph or less.

ICYMI: In case you missed anything, here’s a recap of the headlines from earlier in the week.

Fresh and focused, Letroy Guion eyes big year

John Crockett looking to become complete back

Jared Cook feeling at home in Packers’ offense

Aaron Rodgers fine with minimal preseason action

New title, same focus for JC Tretter

Jordy Nelson still on track for Week 1

Aaron Rodgers appears set to start, Jordy Nelson inactive

The following players will not play in Friday night’s preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers:

Green Bay Packers
7 QB Brett Hundley
22 FB Aaron Ripkowski
42 S Morgan Burnett
47 LB Jake Ryan
48 LB Joe Thomas
57 C Jacob Flores
63 C Corey Linsley
79 G Josh Walker
83 WR Jeff Janis
85 TE Mitchell Henry
87 WR Jordy Nelson
97 DT Kenny Clark
98 DT Letroy Guion

San Francisco 49ers
1 WR Bryce Treggs
15 WR DeAndre Smelter
50 LB Nick Bellore
90 DL Glenn Dorsey
91 DL Arik Armstead

Packers name captains for San Francisco game

As per team tradition, the Packers select game captains each week. Tonight’s captains will be G T.J. Lang (offense), DB Micah Hyde (defense) and S Chris Banjo (special teams).