Four Packers in need of a bounce-back performance vs. Colts

The Green Bay Packers will play their second preseason game of 2025 on Saturday. Everyone is hoping for a much better showing against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium than last week's 30-10 loss to the New York Jets in the opener.

The good news, aside from it still being the preseason, is that this week presents another opportunity to make an impression. A handful of players could use it after struggling last week to the point where their chances of making the team took a hit against the Jets.

Here are four players in need of a bounce-back performance against the Colts.

OL Jacob Monk

For the record, I don't think Monk's spot on the team is in jeopardy considering the team invested a fifth-round pick in him only last year. That said, he had one of the worst performances on the team against New York. Monk was flagged three times for holding, and also surrendered two pressures and a sack, according to Pro Football Focus. Monk is currently the third option at center behind Elgton Jenkins and Sean Rhyan. He can also step in at guard, which is huge for a team that covets versatility. However, Monk hasn't shown much, if any, improvement in Year 2.

WR Mecole Hardman

Hardman's best chance of making this team is winning the return job. Unfortunately, he had only two opportunities as a punt returner in the opener, and one went about as badly as it could have. In the second quarter, Hardman tried to catch the punt on a bounce but ended up muffing it inside his own 10 and essentially handing the Jets points. As a receiver, he was only targeted once in 27 offensive snaps, and PFF officially ruled the pass a drop. Hardman owned the poor performance and knows he needs to distinguish himself as the Packers' best returner option and catch passes that hit him in the hands. He needs a better showing against the Colts.

WR Malik Heath

Now in his third season with the Packers, Heath had a forgettable night against the Jets. He dropped a routine pass from Jordan Love and finished with one catch on four targets for just four yards. That doesn't discredit what Heath contributes as a run blocker or on special teams, but the former UDFA has a reputation for being a standout performer this time of year. The Packers are expected to be down at least four receivers in Indianapolis, so Heath must take advantage of the opportunity.

LB Isaiah Simmons

The signing of Simmons was met with a lot of excitement considering his athletic profile and pedigree as a former top-10 draft pick. However, Simmons has yet to make a strong impression in Green Bay. Last week against New York, he missed a pair of tackles and didn't look confident in coverage while linebackers Ty'Ron Hopper and Kristian Welch both looked really good. Off-ball linebacker is one of the most competitive position groups on Green Bay's roster, and Simmons may currently be on the outside looking in for a roster spot.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Four Packers in need of a bounce-back performance vs. Colts