5 things to watch in Packers vs. Steelers: It's MarShawn Lloyd time

The Green Bay Packers will get their preseason underway in Pittsburgh, and there will be no shortage of storylines and players to track.

Here are five things to watch when Matt LaFleur's team takes the field against the Steelers on Thursday night:

MarShawn Lloyd

Lloyd is pretty clearly the main attraction of Green Bay’s preseason opener.

Packers fans have been waiting to get an extended look at the former third-round pick since he was drafted, and after making it through training camp unscathed so far, the oft-injured running back should get plenty of run against the Steelers.

There has been so much hype around his performances in practice that it feels almost impossible for him to live up to expectations. Some patience may be required as he plays in a real game for the first time in a long time, but hopefully some glimpses of his potential will be on show.

Brandon Cisse and Jaylin Simpson

Cisse has quickly risen up the depth chart at cornerback and looks in line to start in week one. A lot can change between now and the start of the regular season though, and he will need to tick the next box of performing well in the preseason to continue earning the coaching staff’s trust.

It is not just Cisse making noise early in camp though, as Simpson has earned praise from Matt LaFleur for his performances, which were highlighted by a 99-yard pick-six at practice earlier this week.

If he is going to have a shot at making the roster, he will need to keep that positive momentum going, starting on Thursday night.

Interior offensive line battle

The right guard spot looks up for grabs, and how Anthony Belton, Jacob Monk and Jager Burton perform over the three preseason contests could go a long way to deciding who wins it.

It was presumed Belton would be Green Bay’s starting right guard this season after finishing the 2025 campaign there and showing growth each week. Now though it is anyone’s to take.

Keep an eye on the trenches to see how the trio are holding up.

Trey Smack

As much as the Packers are trying to downplay it, there is no getting away from the fact that all eyes will be on Smack when he lines up to attempt extra points and field goals in Pittsburgh.

It will not be a death sentence if he misses a kick, and fans will have to be patient through the ups and downs of Smack’s young career.

He had a strong performance at Family Night, and hopefully he can take that into the preseason and keep building confidence.

Wide receiver depth

Once the starters are out of the game, it will be fascinating to watch the performances of Green Bay’s backup receivers to see how the battle is shaping up.

Between Savion Williams, who has produced some strong practices of late, Skyy Moore, Bo Melton, Isaiah Neyor and J. Michael Sturdivant, there is plenty of competition for LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst to keep a watchful eye on.

A successful preseason could mean making the roster or securing an expanded role for one of Green Bay’s young wideouts.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: 5 things to watch in Packers vs. Steelers: It's MarShawn Lloyd time

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