The Green Bay Packers are looking to reclaim the NFC North crown in 2025 for the first time since 2021, and they have the talent to make it happen. With one of the league’s most skilled rosters, expectations are high in Green Bay. But will fans get a glimpse of the Packers’ starters in their preseason opener against the Jets tonight? Here’s what you need to know about the team’s plans for the game.
Are the Packers Playing Their Starters Against the Jets?
Despite being one of the better teams in the league, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur revealed that the team will play its starters tonight against the Jets. While LaFleur acknowledged that playing his starters in the preseason comes with risks, he believes it’s important to shake off the rust before the season begins.
“I would say that I think it’s good for all of our guys to kind of go knock the rust off a little bit and understanding that there’s a little bit of a risk with that,” LaFleur said.
It’s an interesting approach from LaFleur, but one that makes sense for the Packers. Green Bay is coming off a solid 2024 campaign, winning 11 games. However, they drew the eventual Super Bowl champion, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the first round of the playoffs and suffered a Wild Card loss.
To bounce back from that, it’s clear LaFleur wants to ensure every player on his roster is fully prepared and has seen live, in-game reps before the regular season starts.
So fans will get to see quarterback Jordan Love, who’s entering his fifth NFL season, along with the other Packers starters tonight.
While the starters will draw the most intrigue in Green Bay’s game against the Jets, there are plenty of other young players to watch as well.
Which Young Packers Will Get Their Chance Tonight?
With the starters playing, fans won’t have to wait long to see 2025 first-round pick wide receiver Matthew Golden make his NFL debut. The Packers selected Golden 23rd overall out of Texas.
Alongside Golden, other members of Green Bay’s young receiving core will get a chance to stand out tonight, including Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontavyion Wicks, and 2025 third-round pick Savion Williams.
On defense, the Packers have plenty of young talent. Second-year linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who is coming off a strong rookie campaign, will play tonight.
After the departure of Jaire Alexander, several young corners are looking to earn a starting job. Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and perhaps the most intriguing player on the Packers roster, Bo Melton, who switched from wide receiver to cornerback this offseason, will all see the field.
Bo Melton working at cornerback pic.twitter.com/iRYAAgiCu9
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) June 10, 2025
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field in Green Bay and will be aired nationally on NFL Network.
