OAKLAND, Calif. – The Packers are on the road for the first time in 2018 for a late-night (9:30 p.m. Wisconsin time) kickoff on the West Coast.
For those who can keep their eyes open, here are some things to keep them on:
1. The cornerbacks – They've been an impressive group on defense thus far, and this game against the Raiders could feature the first preseason action this summer for Kevin King, along with a more extended look at rookie first-round pick Jaire Alexander. King has been limited throughout the offseason and training camp, coming off shoulder surgery and then having a minor problem with his other shoulder, but his practice reps increased this week. Alexander played just 10 snaps in last week's game against Pittsburgh as he comes back from a groin injury.
2. The running backs – Second-year speedster Aaron Jones could get his first preseason action as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury, but even if he doesn't, this game should provide a first look at the two newest running backs, LeShun Daniels and Bronson Hill, who arrived this past week. With Jones suspended for Weeks 1-2 of the regular season, there could be a roster spot available at the final cut-down for a No. 3 back behind Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery.
3. The rookie receivers – If the Packers' starters on offense don't play much (or at all), and with camp superstar Jake Kumerow sidelined by a shoulder injury, Green Bay's rookie receivers will be in the spotlight all night. J'Mon Moore keeps getting open but has struggled to pull the ball in, and he'll look to right the ship. Marquez Valdes-Scantling had a big splash in the first preseason game and then made his presence felt again on the practice field Tuesday. Equanimeous St. Brown has shown steady progress throughout camp. Opportunities are coming their way.
4. Special teams – Mason Crosby might have to kick field goals off the Oakland A's infield dirt, JK Scott will look to bounce back from a subpar game last week, and the long-snapper competition between Zach Triner and Hunter Bradley looks to be going all the way to the wire.
5. An old friend – There's no telling how long the Raiders will play their starters, but former Packers receiver Jordy Nelson will be facing his old team wearing the silver and black. This would be a bigger deal if it were a regular-season game, but that could happen as soon as next season if Nelson remains with the Raiders, who will play at Lambeau Field in 2019.
