Packers vs. Jets: 5 things to watch in preseason opener

After two and a half weeks of competing against each other at training camp, the Green Bay Packers will finally get a chance to hit a true opponent when the New York Jets come to Lambeau Field for the preseason opener on Saturday night.

Coach Matt LaFleur said he is planning on playing everyone, including starters, during the preseason. His reason is three-fold: he wants players knocking off the rust and getting back into a pre-game preparation routine, and NFL data suggests playing in the preseason actually reduces the probability of injury come the regular season. While Jordan Love and the rest of the starters will play snaps, the most important portions of Saturday night will come after the veterans retreat to the sidelines.

Of course, all eyes will be on No. 22. Matthew Golden, the team's first-round pick, has looked every bit the part of an instant impact player during training camp. Saturday night will be his first on-field action at the NFL level, making Golden the obvious main attraction.

Here are five other things to watch in the preseason opener:

Jordan Morgan at left tackle

Rasheed Walker is still working his way back from an injury, so expect to see Morgan -- the Packers' 2024 first-round pick -- get a good run at left tackle on Saturday night. Early returns from training camp have been inconsistent. "Some good (snaps), and some where he's gotta get better," coach Matt LaFleur said Thursday. "He's a young player, but he's getting a lot of exposure at that spot, so with that, comes a lot of opportunity." The Packers clearly want to give Morgan every opportunity to develop and compete at left tackle, but he needs to take big strides over the next three weeks. Preseason reps will be vital.

Bo Melton at cornerback

Melton's transition from receiver to cornerback will hit a new milestone on Saturday night. It's one thing to play a new position at the NFL level in a controlled practice environment. It's quite another to do it against a true opponent in a live game. With Nate Hobbs out and Keisean Nixon unlikely to play, Melton could get a lot of reps at corner against the Jets. This will be a terrific opportunity to see if Melton's reactive athleticism and current level of training are good enough to play the position while he continues learning on the fly. The bottom of the depth chart at cornerback is wide open for the Packers, and performance in preseason games will likely play a big role in determining who gets a roster spot.

Veteran newcomers

The Packers signed Aaron Banks and Nate Hobbs to big deals early in free agency, but don't sleep on two other veteran additions: receiver Mecole Hardman (No. 6) and linebacker Isaiah Simmons (No. 28). Hardman has elite speed, is a terrific fit as a gadget weapon and can provide real value as a returner, while Simmons -- one of the best athletes to enter the NFL in last decade or more -- has locked in at linebacker in Jeff Hafley's defense and could be a real weapon on special teams. Simmons is far more of a roster lock than Hardman, who probably needs to win the returner job to make the team. Both veterans could be flying around making plays in the preseason opener.

Backup showcase

While Jordan Love should get snaps with the first-team offense, Malik Willis is expected to play the most out of the four quarterbacks on Saturday night. His talent and playstyle should keep the exhibition contest exciting when the Packers have the football. While the preseason is often a chaotic environment for the passing game, Willis now has a year of experience in the Packers' offense, both in terms of knowing the details of the scheme and retraining his feet and mechanics as a passer in Matt LaFleur's system. Willis made the most of his opportunity last season, and he's now entering a contract year with a chance to earn a starting spot somewhere in the NFL come 2026. Every snap he takes in the preseason will be valuable for showcasing his development as a quarterback.

Roster battles

A few intriguing roster battles to keep an eye on in the opener:

• Receiver: The Packers may have to pick between Mecole Hardman and Malik Heath for the final receiver spot on the 53.
• Offensive line: Travis Glover's season-ending injury likely opened the door for a player like Kadeem Telfort or Donovan Jennings to make the team.
• Defensive line: Can Nazir Stackhouse or Colby Wooden prove capable of playing nose tackle?
• Cornerback: Even after signing Corey Ballentine, the Packers likely need one of Bo Melton, Kalen King, Kamal Hadden or Micah Robinson to emerge as a backup.
• Tight end: Do the Packers prefer John FitzPatrick or Ben Sims as the No. 3 tight end on the 53?

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers vs. Jets: 5 things to watch in preseason opener