11 players to watch if Packers rest key players in regular season finale

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Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said no decisions have been made on whether his team will rest key players during Sunday's regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings, but common sense suggests he should and likely will. The Packers have a battered roster and can't afford any more impactful injuries entering the postseason, and there is nothing to gain or lose from Sunday's visit to Minneapolis. The Packers are locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff field regardless of the result against the Vikings.

Here are 11 young players to watch if the Packers rest a bunch of veteran players on Sunday:

OT Jordan Morgan: The 2024 first-rounder put together back-to-back encouraging performances at right tackle in place of Zach Tom over the last two weeks. Could Morgan get a chance to play left tackle against the Vikings, who have several disruptive edge rushers? With Rasheed Walker heading for free agency, Sunday in Minneapolis could be early 2026 preview at left tackle.

LB Ty'Ron Hopper: The 2024 third-rounder has played only 59 snaps at linebacker during the regular season, so Sunday could be his first real opportunity to play a full game at the NFL level. He has flashed in limited action. Quay Walker is a looming free agent, so Hopper's development going into 2026 could be very important.

WR Matthew Golden: Stuck in a crowded wide receiver room and while battling injuries during the second half, Golden has received only 37 total targets as a rookie. The first-round pick could start and be the go-to receiver for whoever plays quarterback on Sunday. A big performance might give Golden the momentum to be a real factor in the Packers passing game during the postseason.

S Kitan Oladapo: It's possible (and probably likely) that both Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams will rest on Sunday. Expect Oladapo to be the biggest beneficiary; he could start and play the entire contest at safety. He's played only two snaps on defense in 2025. Oladapo was impressive in the regular season finale in 2024.

C Jacob Monk: Sean Rhyan played through a knee injury last week, and the depth is so limited at center that the Packers might not want to risk him to a full game on Sunday. Monk, a 2024 fifth-round pick, played six snaps at center to finish last week and could get a long run at the position in Minneapolis. Rhyan is a looming free agent, so Monk will likely be in the mix at center in 2026, too.

DE Brenton Cox Jr.: He could be a starter at edge rusher depending on who the Packers rest. It would be encouraging if Jeff Hafley's defensive front had a rotational pass-rusher they could count on entering the postseason, and Cox Jr. will likely get the opportunity in Minneapolis to prove he can be one.

DL Nazir Stackhouse: The Packers need someone to step up at nose tackle, and Stackhouse will likely get a chance after Jordon Riley went down with a season-ending injury. The rookie hasn't appeared in a game since Week 13. Quinton Bohanna is another option at nose tackle.

WR Savion Williams: He didn't play last week while battling an illness, but Williams could return to his role as the kickoff returner and gadget option on offense in the regular season. LaFleur has sprinkled in touches for Williams as a runner and receiver this season, and the Packers may need to manufacture touches to generate offense against the Vikings.

DE Barryn Sorrell: There have been a few encouraging pass-rush reps from Sorrell this season, but he hasn't been on the field for at least 10 pass-rushing snaps since Week 8. The guess here is that changes in the regular season finale.

DE Collin Oliver: Could the rookie edge rusher get on the field for the first time in 2025? He's entering his third week at practice and could be ready to play a handful of snaps as a rusher. Oliver has rare explosiveness as a designated pass rusher.

CB Bo Melton: The Packers are limited in options at cornerback after losing Kamal Hadden last week. Melton has played only wide receiver and on special teams this season, but Sunday might provide an opportunity to finally see what he has at corner.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: 11 players to watch if Packers rest key players in regular season finale

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