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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 1
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The front office completely reshaped their quarterback room this offseason, signing Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph in free agency and drafting Will Howard. Roles are clearly defined, with Rodgers locked in as the starter, Rudolph as the backup, and Howard as a developmental No. 3 who must prove himself to avoid being stashed on the practice squad. Early feedback on Rodgers has been mixed. He looks more mobile than he did last year, coming off his Achilles injury, but the defense has controlled most practices. Still, head coach Mike Tomlin remains bullish. “I don’t see any deterioration in his skill set or his talents, his ability to throw the football, his passion or relationship with the game,” Tomlin said. He also noted that the acquisitions of DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith were made with Rodgers’ strengths in mind. “You don’t go do business with Aaron Rodgers without equipping him with the talent that highlights his skill set.”
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The biggest question in the backfield is how touches will be split between Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson. While many assumed Johnson would step into a featured role, Warren has taken the majority of first-team reps and should be considered the favorite to lead the backfield to start the season. Johnson has struggled in pass protection but is showing improvement. “I think it’s reasonable to expect Johnson to display more comfort and play harder and faster,” Tomlin said. Rodgers has praised Warren’s reliability and three-down potential. “Jaylen’s super smart,” he said. “Just from playing against him, I know that he was a great changeup back. He was great in protection, was great on third downs. But I think he can be a three-down back, and that’s the biggest compliment you can give a running back.” Kenneth Gainwell could also carve out a role as a pass-catching specialist. Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have praised Gainwell’s route running and versatility, noting that he has lined up at wide receiver in certain packages.
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