Time is quickly running out for teams to make crucial roster decisions ahead of the looming cutdown day. Only one preseason hurdle remains. There are surprises every year, and several unexpected Green Bay Packers have made a strong case over the past two weeks.

Opportunities can arise from injuries on the roster or from veterans not playing well enough. We’ve seen that with Isaiah Simmons, a former first-rounder who has struggled in consecutive preseason games. He faces increasing pressure for a spot on the 53-man roster.

There’s still time, but with only a week to go until the Packers choose their initial 53, these three players have forced their way into the conversation.

These three Packers preseason standouts may surprisingly clinch a roster spot

Israel Abanikanda, RB

Former third-round pick Israel Abanikanda has maximized his opportunities in the preseason. He runs hard, has found his way into the end zone, and, perhaps most importantly, is becoming a difference-maker on special teams.

Abanikanda has rushed 18 times for 62 yards and a touchdown in two preseason games, but his impact goes beyond the box score. He starred on a 14-play touchdown drive, rushing 11 times and capping it off with a tough, tackle-breaking run into the end zone.

Beyond that, Abanikanda returned five kicks for 120 yards, including a 30-yard return. That is how he will earn a roster spot. If Abanikanda can become the Packers’ top returner and provide running back depth, he might overcome the odds and clinch a roster spot.

Nazir Stackhouse, DL

It may no longer sound surprising because Nazir Stackhouse has impressed throughout the preseason, but he will likely keep the Packers’ undrafted rookie streak alive. Green Bay has kept at least one UDFA on its initial 53-man roster for the past two decades.

There’s a reason the Packers acted so quickly to sign Stackhouse after the 2025 NFL Draft. He never should’ve gone undrafted.

While the rookie doesn’t provide consistent interior pass rush, he can quickly become an elite run-stopping defensive tackle in Green Bay. The Packers lost T.J. Slaton in free agency, and Stackhouse could quickly take those snaps.

His roster spot is likely locked. Don’t be surprised if the Packers lean on Stackhouse on early downs against the run-heavy Detroit Lions in Week 1.

Kristian Welch, LB

Kristian Welch should’ve made the Packers’ 53-man roster a year ago.

He starred in the preseason, but the Packers surprisingly moved on, and he spent the year with the Baltimore Ravens. The Wisconsin native always dreamed of playing for the Packers, and the team smartly brought him back this offseason.

Isaiah Simmons’ preseason struggles have become a real concern. Quarterbacks are finding success throwing into his coverage, to the point that the Packers likely can’t have him play significant snaps in the regular season. Per PFF, Simmons has allowed nine completions on 11 targets in the preseason.

Welch has not only fared better on defense, but he has the potential tiebreaker: special teams. He can provide consistent play on fourth down, which is crucial to making the 53-man roster as a backup.

The Packers will enter the season with a top four of Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and Ty’Ron Hopper. That likely leaves one remaining position, and Welch is closing in on earning the spot he deserved a year ago.