Every head coach around the NFL has a different approach to the preseason.
In places like Philadelphia and Baltimore, the starters rarely even step onto the field in the preseason with sights set on a fully healthy roster for Week 1 and leaning into the physicality of training camp to prepare the players at the top of the depth chart.
Justin Herbert is among the NFL quarterbacks who have never even attempted a preseason pass in their career.
Meanwhile, head coach Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals played Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in their preseason opener against the Eagles.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur believes his players need the reps.
Matt LaFLeur Plans to Play Packers starters in Preseason Opener
Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur watches practice during the sixth day of training camp on July 29, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
As Green Bay prepares to host Justin Fields and the New York Jets on Saturday night, LaFleur plans to play the Packers’ starters in the opener.
“You have to feel where your team is,” LaFleur told reporters before Thursday’s practice. “My experience, I think it’s good for all of our guys to go knock the rust off a little bit. Understanding there is a little bit of a risk with that. Now, according to my sources, there is a lot of injury data that supports playing guys in the preseason in regards to reducing the injury risk early into the season.”
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes the ball during Green Bay Packers Family Night on Aug. 2, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes the ball during Green Bay Packers Family Night on Aug. 2, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense will get the early test of playing against new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn’s defense, with New York also planning to play their starters, so Saturday night should be a good test and chance to knock the offseason cobwebs off for both teams.
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