One critical question for Pack: Which quarterback is No. 2?
GREEN BAY, Wis. — It’s quite possible that the extent of Aaron Rodgers’ playing time in preseason games will be limited to a touchdown drive that went five plays.
At this point in his illustrious career, the two-time NFL MVP doesn’t look as if he needs any more time. There’s no need to expose Rodgers to a possible injury.
The guys competing to be his backup, though, could use all the snaps they can get. It makes the Packers’ third preseason game Friday night at the Raiders especially important for Brett Hundley and Deshone Kizer.
“This is kind of a unique situation when you know you’re not going to be QB1,”
Kizer said. “But now it’s about determining what’s the difference between QB2 and QB3, and I think that in this situation it’s what you make it.”
In a best-case scenario for the Packers, whoever gets anointed the backup would not play a meaningful snap in the regular season, since that would mean Rodgers is healthy.
Green Bay went through the worst-case scenario last year.
The Packers went 7-9, finishing out of the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, in part because the passing game struggled while Rodgers was out with a broken collarbone.
Enter Kizer. The Packers acquired the 2017 second-round pick from the Cleveland Browns in the offseason in exchange for cornerback Damarious Randall.
A competition for the second-string quarterback job was born.
“I’ll just say this — they’re both making progress,” coach Mike Mccarthy said Tuesday.
“I’m really pleased with the step that Brett’s made since last year, and it’s very apparent in just his whole operation and production of the offense,” Mccarthy said.
“Deshone comes from a whole different perspective as far as his starting point, and he continues to get better. Very pleased with the progress of both of those quarterbacks.”
Hundley is 15 of 23 for 185 yards with a touchdown and an interception through the first two preseason games. He started the preseason opener against Tennessee, then was the next in after Rodgers played a series against the Steelers.
Since he has played earlier in games, Hundley tends to face defenses that might still have more starters or key players on the field. He said he doesn’t keep a tally of snap counts, though Mccarthy estimates Hundley might be a little behind Kizer.
Kizer has his own unique experience, starting for the winless Browns. He must pick up a new system in Green Bay, though his athleticism and arm strength have been evident.
In the preseason Kizer is 16 of 30 for 283 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.