After weeks of training camp and the preseason, the Green Bay Packers will finally open the 2026 season on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The months of July and August can only provide so much info. Now, the Packers will play real games, and the learning truly begins.
Here are five questions the Packers can start answering on Sunday in Minneapolis:
1. Who will be the starting five offensive linemen?
As of Monday, the Packers weren't ready to publicly commit to Aaron Banks and Zach Bako-Bewele being fully available in Week 1 -- leaving the Packers right where they left off in 2025, with injury question marks along the offensive line. It's possible the Packers will need Anthony Belton to start (or play snaps) at right tackle and rookie Jager Burton to start (or play snaps) at left guard.
So much for building continuity to start 2026. Banks and Bako-Bewele both missed time throughout training camp. And a Week 1 matchup with the blitz-happy Brian Flores awaits.
2. Can the Packers rush the quarterback without Micah Parsons?
The Packers won't have Micah Parsons for at least the first month of the season, putting the pass-rush in the spotlight. A group led by edge rusher Lukas Van Ness and veteran interior rushers Javon Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt must find ways to disrupt the quarterback consistently, especially with a difficult Week 1 matchup against Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings approaching for the secondary. Kyler Murray is an elusive quarterback, complicating the task, but a pressured quarterback is almost always a less effective quarterback. The season opener is a chance for the Packers to show they can handle the challenge of rushing the quarterback without Parsons. Like Brian Flores, expect Jonathan Gannon to help the defensive line with plenty of blitzes from linebackers and even the secondary. Corner blitzes were a common sight in training camp.
3. Can the Packers run the football without Josh Jacobs?
With Josh Jacobs on the exempt list, the Packers will go into Week 1 with MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks and newcomer Kaleb Johnson as the three running backs. The offensive line isn't settled, and now the Packers don't have their veteran Pro Bowl runner. Can Lloyd provide a Week 1 surprise? He is athletic and explosive, with big-play potential, but getting a feel for running in the regular season might take time after all the time he's missed. Expect to see plenty of Brooks, the team's best blocking running back, in an effort to counter any blitzes from Brian Flores. Johnson could contribute, but it's also possible the Packers will elevate Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad for extra help. Last season, the Packers took down the Vikings at Lambeau Field with backup running back Emanuel Wilson leading the way. Can Matt LaFleur's team repeat the feat to open 2026?
4. Can the Packers cover good receivers?
The end of the 2025 season showed how the pass-rush and coverage units of a defense have a symbiotic relationship. Without Micah Parsons, the Packers struggled to cover opponent passing games, as teams were willing to send more pass-catchers into routes and call longer-developing plays without the threat of Parsons wrecking the game. The same idea applies to Sunday's opener. Entering 2026, the Packers beefed up the corner position, adding top draft pick Brandon Cisse and veteran Benjamin St-Juste to the mix. But a big test awaits in the Vikings receiver trio. There's a good chance the Packers pass-rush won't be a dominant force on Sunday. If so, can the Packers survive on the backend?
5. Can rookie kicker Trey Smack make big kicks in real games?
Smack, a sixth-round pick, eased concerns over the Packers kicking game during a perfect preseason that featured multiple field goals over 50 yards. But kicking in the preseason doesn't compare to the pressure of kicks in the regular season, especially on the road in a difficult environment. Games so often come down to a few points here and there, especially between division foes. Can Smack convert all his point-scoring opportunities in his NFL debut? You can bet U.S. Bank Stadium will make every kick a loud, nerve-wracking one for the rookie.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: 5 big questions facing the Packers before Week 1 opener vs. Vikings
