Packers' 48-Man Gameday Roster Projections for Week 1 vs. Vikings

As the Green Bay Packers gear up for their Week 1 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings on September 1, 2026, the focus has shifted from the 53-man roster to the 48-man gameday roster. With roster cutdowns behind us, the real question is: who will actually suit up at Lambeau Field? The Packers have three distinct roster tiers: the 53-man roster, the 70-man roster (including the practice squad), and the 48-man gameday roster, which includes practice squad call-ups. Today, the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk breaks down the gameday roster position by position, offering our expert projections on who will be active and who might be watching from the sidelines.

Quarterback and Running Back: A Clear-Cut Start

At quarterback, the Packers will carry two active players: Jordan Love and Tyrod Taylor. This is a no-brainer for any NFL team. In the backfield, the Packers have MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and rookie Kaleb Johnson. Johnson, who just arrived in Green Bay, might be a healthy scratch initially, but his familiarity with Tim Lester's offensive system from Iowa could accelerate his learning curve. If Johnson sits, the Packers could call up Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad. Our guess: all three running backs are active, with Johnson or Strong filling the third spot.

Wide Receiver and Tight End: Numbers Game

The receiver room is stacked with Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Bo Melton, Skyy Moore, and J. Michael Sturdivant. Special teams contributions will be critical here. Melton is a gunner on punts and a jammer on punt returns, while Sturdivant has carved out a role as a lead blocker on returns. Moore, the backup slot receiver, is also the primary punt returner. However, if one receiver is inactive, it's likely Moore, given the team's flexibility at the position. At tight end, the Packers have Tucker Kraft, Jonnu Smith, Mark Redman, and Josh Whyle. With only four edge defenders and a need for special teams contributors, one of the move tight ends—Smith or Whyle—could be inactive. Redman, a true Y, offers more inline blocking and potential special teams value.

Offensive Line and Defensive Line: Depth Decisions

The offensive line will likely keep eight active, taking advantage of the NFL's 48th-man exemption for teams carrying at least eight offensive linemen. The starting five should be Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, and Zach Bako-Bewele, assuming health. Jager Burton, Anthony Belton, and John Williams would round out the gameday eight, with Donovan Jennings and Travis Glover inactive. On the defensive line, the Packers have seven players, but only six will be active. Warren Brinson's calf injury could make him inactive, or if healthy, Anthony Campbell might be the scratch. Jonathan Ford's nose tackle role gives him an edge, while Karl Brooks' special teams ability secures his spot.

Linebackers and Defensive Backs: Special Teams Impact

At edge defender, Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., and Dani Dennis-Sutton are all expected to be active, as the team needs at least four for nickel packages. Off-ball linebacker is where it gets interesting: Zaire Franklin, Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, and Ty'Ron Hopper are locks, but Nick Niemann's special teams role could be in jeopardy if Mark Redman or Brenton Cox Jr. can step up on teams. The cornerback room—Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Brandon Cisse, Benjamin St-Juste, and Kamal Hadden—will all be active, given the lack of depth at safety. Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, and Kitan Oladapo are all safe.

The Final Inactive Spot: A Tough Call

With specialists Trey Smack, Daniel Whelan, and Matt Orzech locked in, the Packers must declare five inactives. Our projections: one tight end (Smith or Whyle), two offensive linemen, and one defensive lineman. The final spot comes down to Skyy Moore, a sixth defensive lineman, or Nick Niemann. Given the Packers' need for special teams contributors and the flexibility of Moore's role, we lean toward Niemann being the odd man out, unless Redman or Cox can fill his special teams void. As the Vulius analysis highlights, these decisions will shape Green Bay's Week 1 strategy.