When Green Bay Packers training camp begins on July 27th, some players will have more at stake than others.
While established veterans can feel secure in their roles, others face a fight to earn playing time or even keep their place on the roster.
With training camp now just a few days away, here are five veterans who could use a strong summer:
Amari Rodgers
However you slice it, Rodgers had a disappointing rookie year. The receiver’s chances of making an impact in 2021 were drastically reduced when Randall Cobb came back to town, and he ended his freshman NFL season with just four receptions for 45 yards.
Rodgers also looked shaky at best as a kick and punt returner, and the former Clemson standout has plenty to prove entering his second season.
The reports of Rodgers’ physical and mental condition have been positive, and with Davante Adams gone, there are plenty more snaps to go around at the wide receiver position.
Rodgers will look to take advantage, earn the trust of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers coaching staff, and become a bigger part of the offense in 2022.
With a new special teams co-ordinator also at the helm in Rich Bisaccia, Rodgers may benefit from a fresh start and become more confident and proficient as a returner.
Jordan Love
It feels like every training camp is a vital one for Love, as he continues to develop and looks to make the most of every chance he gets to showcase his ability.
While he is still only 23, the NFL moves quickly and the third-year quarterback may be running out of time to prove he can be a starter. Love’s performances in Green Bay’s pre-season matchups will therefore be especially important.
At this point it feels more like he is auditioning for other NFL teams rather than making a case to be the Packers’ eventual starter, but if Love impresses this summer, it will be beneficial for both him and the Packers, who may still be able to get some value out of their former first-round pick.
Royce Newman
Newman ended up playing a significant role on Green Bay’s offensive line in his rookie season, starting 16 of 17 games and racking up over 1,000 snaps.
He was serviceable, which is no small thing for a rookie, but also had some struggles and his starting job is by no means secure entering 2022.
The Packers added two versatile offensive linemen during the 2022 NFL Draft in Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom, meaning Newman could face stiff competition for a spot in the starting five.
Tyler Davis
The hype around Davis has steadily built throughout the offseason, and there is now a sense of expectation he could carve out a legitimate role in the offense.
With Robert Tonyan starting training camp on the PUP list, and the lack of another traditional tight end on the roster, Davis has a huge opportunity to stake a claim for playing time in 2022.
Ty Summers
Summers hasn’t been heavily involved on defense during his three seasons with the Packers, but he has been a stalwart on special teams. This summer however, his place on the roster appears to be at risk.
The drafting of Quay Walker has pushed Summers further down the depth chart, with De’Vondre Campbell and Krys Barnes also ahead of him.
Although Summers has the experience Bisaccia may want on his special teams units, the Packers have more years of control on other linebackers like Isaiah McDuffie and Ray Wilborn. Summers may have to be almost indispensable on special teams in order to make the 53-man roster.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @Marko7LW.