The Packers concluded their preseason with a decisive victory over the Ravens, winning 30-7, as both teams opted to rest their key players.

 The kicking competition for the Green Bay Packers is reaching a critical juncture. Greg Joseph has bolstered his prospects of replacing the current kicker, Anders Carlson, by successfully converting a 55-yard field goal and a 36-yarder during Saturday's game. The Packers triumphed over the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 30-7 in a preseason finale that featured few starters from either side. Carlson successfully kicked a 54-yarder in the first quarter but missed a 32-yarder to the right in the final quarter.

“We’ll wait and see,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said about the kicking competition after the game.

After Carlson struggled as a rookie last season, the Packers brought in Joseph to compete with him. Joseph has played for the Cleveland Browns (2018), Tennessee Titans (2019) and Minnesota Vikings (2021-23).

“I’ve controlled what I can control,” Joseph said. “Anything further, it’s no point in losing sleep over because it’s out of my control.”

 Both teams opted to rest their key players to ensure their health was preserved ahead of the regular season's commencement. Unfortunately for the Ravens, they encountered misfortune as running back Owen Wright sustained a foot fracture, and center Nick Samac was also taken off the field on a cart.

Samac, a first-year seventh-round selection from Michigan State, has been receiving some first-team practice opportunities while 2023 Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum manages a neck injury. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh conveyed optimism following the game that both Linderbaum and tight end Mark Andrews, who sustained injuries in a recent car accident, will be prepared for the commencement of the regular season. With the majority of starters resting on the sidelines, this final exhibition match served as a platform for players vying for roster spots. NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by Tuesday. Green Bay’s Arron Mosby made a strong impression by achieving a strip-sack that led to a touchdown and intercepting a pass in consecutive series. Kristian Welch recorded an interception for the second consecutive week. Additionally, Ellis Merriweather, Nate McCrary, and Emanuel Wilson collectively amassed 190 rushing yards.

The Packers may require one of their running backs to step up early in the season alongside Josh Jacobs, as AJ Dillon is currently managing a stinger and rookie third-round selection MarShawn Lloyd is dealing with a hamstring injury, casting doubt on their availability for the season opener. In the battle to support Green Bay's starting quarterback Jordan Love, Sean Clifford completed 6 of 14 passes for 53 yards, including a touchdown to Malik Heath. Meanwhile, rookie seventh-round pick Michael Pratt achieved 8 of 12 for 80 yards, throwing a touchdown to Bo Melton, although he also had a pass intercepted by Baltimore’s Trenton Simpson.

“I believe it resembles the kicking competition in that there were notable positive moments, but also aspects that require significant improvement, and we will assess all available options,” LaFleur remarked. With reigning MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson resting, Baltimore’s Josh Johnson completed 5 of 7 passes for 71 yards, highlighted by a 48-yard touchdown pass to Tylan Wallace. Rookie sixth-round pick Devin Leary managed 6 of 13 for 34 yards, but he also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.

Baltimore fielded some potential starters on an offensive line that has seen considerable changes, featuring Andrew Vorhees at left guard, Daniel Faalele at right guard, and Roger Rosengarten at right tackle. The Ravens lost guards Kevin Zeitler to the Detroit Lions and John Simpson to the New York Jets during free agency, in addition to trading right tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets. The team also started rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins, a first-round draft choice who had sustained a shoulder injury in Baltimore’s preseason opener and did not participate against the Atlanta Falcons last week.

“He’s had a heck of a camp,” Harbaugh said. “He’s definitely everything we thought he was. Not that he can’t get better, because he can and I’m sure he will, because he works at it. He’s going to be counted on heavily this year for us.”

The most significant contributions were made by individuals vying for the last positions on the roster. Mosby, who has only participated in three NFL games with Carolina in 2022, made a pivotal play by sacking Leary and causing the ball to be dislodged. Anthony Johnson Jr. seized the opportunity, recovering the fumble at the Baltimore 24, which was 28 yards behind the line of scrimmage, and sprinted into the end zone. During Baltimore's subsequent possession, Mosby further showcased his skills by intercepting a pass from Leary. He now awaits the determination of whether his efforts were sufficient to secure a place on the team.

“You never know how these 72 hours go,” Mosby said. “If it’s here or somewhere else, you’ve always got to be ready.”