Packers see win against Cardinals in final preseason game leading up to roster cuts

GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers found their way to a 42-38 comeback victory over the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field on Friday, Aug. 28, with quarterback Kyle McCord finding Kisean Johnson in the endzone twice in the final 3.5 minutes of the matchup.

The much anticipated face-off between brothers — Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur going up against Cardinals Head Coach Mike LaFleur and Packers Wide Receiver Bo Melton taking on Cardinals Cornerback Max Melton — was guaranteed to have some serious implications, especially going into the deadline for 53-man roster cuts.

“I’m really happy for our guys. A lot of guys made it really hard on us. There’s going to be some tough decisions, but ultimately that’s what you want to have,” said Matt LaFleur following the win on Friday. “You want to feel like you have multiple guys that are deserving of roster spots.”

Though the Packers led 21-17 at the half, 18 points by the Cardinals stacked up against only Kicker Trey Smack’s field goal at the start of the fourth quarter put the Packers in a late hole.

Despite McCord and Johnson combining to find the win at Lambeau, both ultimately did not survive roster cuts.

Though McCord went 22/35 for 226 yards and 4 touchdowns, when the 53-man roster announcement was made, many were surprised to see the announcement that he was traded to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft while Johnson was released in accordance with the Packers’ deep options at wide receiver.

“[Kyle] was so poised in his ability to operate and function. I think he definitely has the demeanor, no doubt about it.” said LaFleur.

As the Packers gear up for the start of the season on Sunday, Sept. 16, against the Minnesota Vikings, LaFleur said he is looking forward to having the team carry the momentum from this win into the start of the season.

“Whether it’s preseason or regular season, you’re playing to win the game, and it always feels good to beat the little brother,” LaFleur said.