As Green Bay opens training camp, depth players face real risk of losing roster spots: running back Chris Brooks, cornerback Carrington Valentine and kicker Lucas Havrisik are the most vulnerable as new additions and youth push for playing time.
Packers preseason roster bubble: who’s most at risk
The Green Bay Packers enter camp with clear priorities: protect the starting lineup and upgrade depth. That reality puts a handful of veterans and fringe players squarely on the chopping block. Running back Chris Brooks, corner Carrington Valentine and kicker Lucas Havrisik head the list as the most likely NFL preseason casualties.
Running back — Brooks’ margin for error is thin
Brooks has produced limited output in the NFL, never topping 183 rushing yards in a season and with a lone career touchdown to his name. Green Bay made it a point this offseason to secure dependable backup help behind the starter, and injuries to rookie Marshawn Lloyd have complicated the picture. Lloyd remains young and talented, but availability is a concern; meanwhile Pierre Strong Jr., Damien Martinez and Jaden Nixon are all expected to push hard for a roster spot.
Analysis: Brooks looks like the odd man out unless he separates himself on special teams or in camp reps. The Packers value fresh legs and durability behind their starter; someone who can both spell carries and contribute on returns or coverage units will have an edge.
Secondary — Valentine’s coverage numbers put him in danger
Green Bay reworked cornerback depth this offseason, drafting South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse and signing Benjamin St-Juste in free agency. Cisse will get every opportunity to win a role, and St-Juste brings proven coverage chops. By contrast, Carrington Valentine allowed six touchdowns in coverage last season and yielded a 103.9 passer rating when targeted.
Analysis: With a concerted move to upgrade perimeter play, Valentine’s spot is far from guaranteed. If Cisse adapts quickly and St-Juste stays healthy, Valentine could be surplus to requirements or relegated to a special-teams/backup role — possibly a candidate for the practice squad depending on interest from other teams.
Kicking competition — Havrisik’s job is not safe
Lucas Havrisik has had limited NFL action: 15 of 20 field goals in 2023 with the Rams and just four attempts last season with the Packers, leaving him with a 79.2 career field-goal percentage. Rookie Trey Smack presents a compelling alternative; at Florida he converted 82.8% of attempts (53 of 64) and went 10 of 13 from beyond 50 yards.
Analysis: Kickers live and die by consistency. If Smack reproduces his collegiate long-range accuracy in camp, Havrisik could find himself replaced. The Packers will prioritize a kicker who can be trusted in cold-weather, late-game situations — a small margin but often decisive.
Roster consequences and what’s next
These potential cuts reflect broader Packers roster construction: investing in young talent, shoring up key positions and demanding versatility from depth pieces. Players like Brooks and Valentine must either carve out specialized roles (special teams, niche packages) or risk being cut in favor of younger, cheaper, or more reliable alternatives.
What happens next: coaching staff evaluations in August will be decisive. Expect increased reps for rookies and recent additions early in camp and preseason games — the Packers want to see availability, situational awareness, and immediate contributions on third downs and special teams.
Final take
Green Bay’s offseason moves make these battles predictable: the team is less tolerant of marginal performance when upgrades are on the roster. For Brooks, Valentine and Havrisik, camp is a proving ground — not a comfort zone.
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Their futures hinge on small margins: durability, special-teams value and the ability to make coaches’ lives easier when the regular season demands consistent play.
Newsweek
