Pregame warmup: Packers’ secondary has several hopefuls

KANSAS CITY — So, where are there jobs for the taking on Thursday night in Kansas City?

Keep an eye on the defensive backfield, where a slew of young cornerbacks and safeties have had their moments throughout training camp, making bids for roster spots. There isn’t room for all of them, but one or two could end up on the 53-man roster, and any who clear waivers could return on the practice squad as well.

At corner, the players to keep an eye on are Robertson Daniel, Josh Hawkins and Warren Gatewood. Makinton Dorleant is also in the running for a job, but he injured a hamstring in last week’s preseason game in San Francisco and will not play. At safety, the young contenders are Kentrell Brice, Marwin Evans and Jermaine Whitehead. Brice has probably made the strongest impression of the three and was on the first-string special-teams units in last week’s game, a good sign for him in his bid to make the team.

Punter debut: The Packers’ new punter, Jacob Schum, will make his Green Bay debut tonight. Schum was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay earlier this week and replaced Tim Masthay, who was released. Undrafted rookie punter Peter Mortell was released a day before Masthay.

The job isn’t necessarily Schum’s for the regular season, though. He’ll try to make his best impression tonight while the Packers will have their eye on any available punters over the weekend as well.

Weather update: Another beautiful night for preseason football. Temperatures in Kansas City at kickoff are expected to be in the mid-70s, dropping into the high 60s later in the evening. There’s no rain in the forecast and winds are light.

ICYMI: In case you missed any of this week’s headlines, here’s a rundown:

There’s more on the line than jobs in Kansas City

Jared Abbrederis on verge of major step in his career

Jeff Janis getting a feel for wearing a club again

Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers cleared in PED probe

Randall Cobb looking like himself again

Lengthy list of Packers not suiting up vs. Chiefs

The following players will not play in Thursday night’s preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs:

Green Bay Packers
12 QB Aaron Rodgers
18 WR Randall Cobb
20 CB Makinton Dorleant
21 S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
27 RB Eddie Lacy
32 S Chris Banjo
37 CB Sam Shields
42 S Morgan Burnett
44 RB James Starks
48 LB Joe Thomas
52 LB Clay Matthews
56 LB Julius Peppers
63 C Corey Linsley
76 DT Mike Daniels
82 TE Richard Rodgers
83 WR Jeff Janis
87 WR Jordy Nelson
91 LB Jayrone Elliott
97 DT Kenny Clark
98 DT Letroy Guion

Kansas City Chiefs
TBA

Captains for final preseason game picked

As per team tradition, the Packers select game captains each week. Tonight’s captains will be T/G Don Barclay (offense), LB Nick Perry (defense) and WR Jared Abbrederis (special teams).