Latest news with #Elgersma
Forbes
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Green Bay Packers: 5 Positional Battles To Watch As Training Camp Winds Down
Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker is trying to hold off Jordan Morgan and keep his starting job. Getty Images Tick, tick, tick … Time is running out on training camp. And one week from today, Green Bay Packers' general manager Brian Gutekunst will set his 53-man roster. The Packers have two practices this week — one a joint practice with Seattle on Thursday — and face the Seahawks in their final exhibition game Saturday. There are still a few positional battles and roster spots on the line. Here are the most intriguing ones as training camp hits the homestretch. It feels like the Packers have tried giving Morgan — their 2024 first round draft pick — this job since last season ended. And to his credit, Morgan has played well most of the summer. Still, Walker has made 35 starts (including playoffs) over the last two seasons and more than held his own protecting Jordan Love's blindside. 'Oh, it's 100% a competition,' Packers coach Matt LaFleur said on Sunday. 'I think Jordan's put a lot of good stuff on tape.' Walker missed time midway through camp with a groin injury and hasn't played in either preseason game. He might need a solid game against Seattle to keep his job. 'I mean shoot, no one's really said it to me, but I just come to work every day and go to work,' Walker said. 'That's all you can do. I'm a team first guy. I'm with the Green Bay Packers, so shoot, I'm going come to work every day, do my job.' The Packers will almost certainly keep just two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. But Clifford and Elgersma are battling to be No. 3, which would mean they'd stick around on the practice squad. Clifford was Green Bay's No. 2 quarterback in 2023 and was on the practice squad last year. Clifford was in for just one series in last Saturday's preseason game against Indianapolis, but made it count. Clifford led a 13-play, 68-yard drive and capped it with an 11-yard touchdown run that gave the Packers their first lead of the game at 23-19. 'Year 3 is one where you should see a major spike and I feel like in the games I've gotten into so far, I've felt extremely comfortable,' Clifford said Monday. 'Feel like I'm seeing the field really well and I thought that was on display (against Indianapolis).' Elgersma, a Canadian quarterback from the University of Wilfrid Laurier, came to Green Bay's rookie mini-camp in May as a tryout player and impressed. Elgersma, who played 12-man football in Canada, certainly faced long odds to stick around then — and now. But Elgersma had a solid performance against the Colts last week, completing 7-of-11 passes for 109 yards, posting a 96.4 passer rating and leading three of Green Bay's four scoring drives. Now, Elgersma has a real shot to make the practice squad. 'For me, the most important thing is I focus day by day on getting better, but I do think that I have a high ceiling,' Elgersma said. 'If I can keep developing and keep spending time here, I can turn into a guy that can play on Sundays and give our team a chance to win every single time I'm out there.' The Packers were hoping second-year man MarShawn Lloyd would be a key cog here. But Lloyd — who played in just one game last year due to injury — is hurt again and certainly can't be counted on. The best bet is Emanuel Wilson, last year's primary backup to Josh Jacobs, keeps that job. And Chris Brooks, who played in 15 games last season, is No. 3. Israel Abanikanda, a fifth round draft pick by the Jets in 2023, has had a solid camp, though, both as a runner and a kick returner and could factor in with a big finish to camp. 'The way I grew up, I've got Nigerian parents, and they're very strong with me to never let things break me,' Abanikanda said. 'So that's always been my mindset, just to never let anything break me, just use everything to motivate you. God's always got a plan, so you have to follow that and keep working.' Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie and Ty'Ron Hopper are locks to make the team. The fifth and final spot comes down to talented, but inconsistent Isaiah Simmons vs. reliable, but less gifted Kristian Welch. Simmons is remarkably athletic, but has struggled in Green Bay's two preseason games. 'Personally, I don't think it's been up to my standard,' Simmons said. 'I just feel like I've been thinking too much instead of just being myself. Trying to play too perfect, as opposed to just playing. You know what I'm saying?' Welch looked like a good bet to make the team last year, but was released on cutdown day. The Iola, Wis., native has been solid all summer, and is also a special teams standout. 'He's done a lot of good things,' LaFleur said of Welch. 'Certainly his value is just his ability to go out and do a lot of things in terms of special teams. He's a four phase guy, and then he's got enough experience at linebacker that if you need to fill a hole, he can fill any of those three spots.' Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams are the top five. If the Packers keep six — or more — they'll have tough choices. Mecole Hardman has two Super Bowl rings from his time in Kansas City and has ability in the return game. Malik Heath is a nice blocker, but lacks explosiveness. Undrafted Julian Hicks and Cornelius Johnson have had their moments this summer, but remain longshots. 'The good thing about it is they're all competing and they're all showing us what they're about,' Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said. 'And any time you're out there in a game scenario and you make plays, that stands out for sure. So it's been good to see.'
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Packers Backup QB Earns Strong Roster Ranking After Eye-Opening Comparison to Hall of Famer
Packers Backup QB Earns Strong Roster Ranking After Eye-Opening Comparison to Hall of Famer originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the NFL season approaches, many teams will audition quarterbacks through their camps to see who deserves a starting spot or an upgraded spot. There's no question that Jordan Love will be the starter with the Green Bay Packers. Advertisement Love led the Packers to the Wild Card Playoffs last season and is looking to continue beyond that success with a talented receiving group, including No. 23 pick Matthew Golden. Ahead of this season, Love ranks outside the top 10 for most quarterback lists. He's ranked No. 12 in Pro Football Focus' pre-season QB rankings. They suggest that, should he perform like in his 2023 season, he could bring the Packers an NFC Championship this season. However, having adequate backup quarterbacks is always essential, especially should Love be sidelined for any number of games. The Packers have a new backup who some fans might not be familiar with, but he's already receiving high praise and mention. Quarterback Taylor Elgersma of Laurier (18) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice.© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Taylor Elgersma currently sits on the depth chart as the team's fourth option at quarterback behind Malik Willis and Sean Clifford. Advertisement He doesn't have NCAA experience, instead playing four years for Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks in Canada's U Sports football. However, his performance there earned him the Hec Crighton Trophy in 2024, which is awarded to U Sports' top male university athlete. Elgersma also participated in the CFL's quarterback internship program with the Toronto Argonauts and learned under Mike Miller. Miller previously was an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, working with the Arizona Cardinals when Hall of Famer Kurt Warner was still playing. Last month, Miller heaped praise on Elgersma as he referred to the young QB as "Kurt Warner-like smart." He said he previously shared this same opinion with Argonauts head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. "I'm not saying he's as smart, but that was the guy that was the first name that popped in my mind when I was comparing him," Miller told Sports Illustrated, also saying Elgersma "just gets it." Advertisement Warner is a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl winner, and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2017. While the 6-foot-5 Elgersma went undrafted at the NFL Draft, he became a second-round pick for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League (CFL). However, after a tryout at a Packers minicamp, the team signed him in May. After signing with Green Bay, he indicated he felt "blessed" and was a "perfect fit" for the team. Elbersma said he's focused on the process, developing, and being his best self on a daily basis. New Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion touted the "talented" QB's unique background in football, his ability to learn and retain information, and his command in and out of the huddle. Advertisement "There's going to be some things that are foreign to him, but the way he was able to retain information, he's got a lot of things to work on, for sure, but there was talent there," Mannion said. In an ongoing SI series ranking the Packers' 90 roster members before their first training camp in July, Elgersma is No. 56 overall. SI's Bill Huber indicates that Willis is the obvious choice for the team's first backup quarterback behind Love, and that he could end up becoming a starter during free agency. However, Huber contends that Elgersma could become the main backup behind Love in 2026. That's certainly high praise for the undrafted player, but based on Miller and Mannion's remarks, it seems he should be capable of adapting quickly to his NFL role. Related: Matthew Golden Reveals Bold Goal for Packers Rookie Season This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Toronto Star
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Grassick, Elgersma win Lois and Doug Mitchell Awards as U Sports top athletes
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS - University of Saskatchewan basketball player Gage Grassick and Wilfrid Laurier University quarterback Taylor Elgersma have been named the 2024-25 U Sports Athletes of the Year. U Sports announced the winners of the Lois and Doug Mitchell Award at an awards program Monday. Grassick, from Prince Albert, Sask., won the Lois Mitchell award after she led the Huskies to a national title. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW She averaged 20.7 points per game and won MVP honours at the U Sports Final 8 tournament, scoring 35 points in Saskatchewan's 85-66 win over defending champion Carleton in the final. Elgersma, from Waterloo, Ont., led the Doug Mitchell Award after he led U Sports in passing yards (3,554), passing yards per game (323.1), and passing touchdowns (28) this season. He led Laurier to the Vanier Cup final, winning MVP at the Yates Cup and offensive MVP of the Uteck Bowl conference championship along the way. The other female sport finalists were Cape Breton soccer player Alliyah Rowe of Kitchener, Ont.; Laval runner Marie-Frédérique Poulin of La Pocatière, Que.; and Western runner Favour Okpali of Toronto. The other male nominees were St. Francis Xavier basketball player DJ Jackson of Mississauga, Ont.; Laval runner Philippe Morneau-Cartier of Quebec City and Calgary basketball player Nate Petrone. 'We are so proud of the eight nominees this year. They are exceptional student-athletes and citizens,' Lois Mitchell, chair of the Canadian Athletic Foundation Board of Trustees, said in a statement. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Gage and Taylor had outstanding seasons, demonstrating their adaptability to any condition they have faced on the field of competition and in the classroom. They are excellent recipients of the Lois and Doug Mitchell Awards.' Elgersma was drafted 18th overall in the CFL draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and signed with the Green Bay Packers of the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He is attempting to crack the Green Bay Packers' lineup, knowing the history of Canadian pivots trying to secure jobs in the U.S. 'The way I'm going to do it, I'm hoping, is to focus on developing, focus on learning from these coaches, and getting better every single day,' Elgersma said following Monday's awards ceremony. 'I want to put myself in position to have a long career not only here (in Green Bay) or on the other side of the border, or wherever I end up landing. Right now I'm signed in Green Bay and my goal is to make this team and stick around here as long as I possibly can. I'm trying to be very process-oriented right now.' Elgersma said his work ethic and determination have helped him succeed at all levels to be able to open the doors of even bigger opportunities. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'So it's back to working hard and trying to become a better version of myself.' He said he'd like to model his game after L.A. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. 'I love the way he plays with an edge and toughness, and he leads his guys tremendously. He also throws the ball at an extremely high level. Those are all qualities I'd love to have and work toward.' Grassick is hoping to one day pursue a career in the WNBA 'even if it's just on a practice roster' and said playing for Canada at the Olympics would be a 'real dream come true.' She believes that women's sport and women's basketball are making great gains, and removing stigmas along the way. 'You can be a woman and a great athlete, and you can be from Canada and play pro basketball with the best of them. All it takes is heart and hard work. The women's game, thanks to the WNBA and U Sports is getting better all the time, and much more popular. Canada West, in particular, is loaded with talent.' Grassick —also awarded with USask's Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy as most outstanding female athlete — will spend one more year at the U of S honing her hoop skills and completing her pharmacy courses and then focus on becoming a valuable point guard for a top-calibre team. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025.
Global News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Green Bay Packers sign Winnipeg Blue Bombers draft pick Taylor Elgersma
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to have to wait for the services of one of their top picks in the recent CFL Draft. The NFL's Green Bay Packers signed quarterback Taylor Elgersma to a rookie contract on Monday after he attended their rookie mini-camp. The Bombers just selected Elgersma in the second round of the draft at 18th overall two weeks ago. 'There were a lot of emotions,' Elgersma told 'This was a lot of hard work and a long journey to get to this. When I didn't hear my name called on draft night (NFL), of course, there was disappointment. But my path was a little different. I think it speaks volumes to controlling what you can control.' The 23-year-old is just the fourth quarterback from a Canadian university to sign with an NFL team and the first since the 1980s. Story continues below advertisement Elgersma led the Laurier Golden Hawks to the Vanier Cup game in his fourth season with the school and won the Hec Crighton Trophy in 2024 as the top player in Canadian university football. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'I have a ton of pride in being a Canadian athlete,' he said. 'And specifically a Canadian football player who played U SPORTS and got to represent football on the other side of the border on the biggest stage in the world. 'It means so much to me to be the fourth U SPORTS quarterback to sign an NFL contract. You see how many great quarterbacks have come before me. They paved the way. To put pen to paper in the NFL is something super surreal.' In his own words.@LaurierFootball grad Taylor Elgersma reflects on his journey to become just the fourth Canadian university quarterback – and first in 37 years – to sign an @NFL contract and finding a "perfect fit" with the @packers.#SoarAbove · @ElgersmaTaylor — Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) May 12, 2025 Story continues below advertisement The London, Ont., product was the most valuable player of the Ontario conference the past two years and was also selected for the Senior Bowl, which is typically reserved for NCAA players. The Bombers currently have five quarterbacks at training camp in Zach Collaros, Chris Streveler, Terry Wilson, Shea Patterson, and Chase Artopoeus.
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers sign rookie tryout QB, release G Marquis Hayes
Packers sign rookie tryout QB, release G Marquis Hayes The Green Bay Packers announced the signing of rookie quarterback Taylor Elgersma and the release of guard Marquis Hayes on Monday. Elgersma, an undrafted rookie out of Canada, was a minicamp participant as a tryout player following the 2025 draft. His signing with the Packers was reported earlier Monday. Hayes, a 2022 seventh-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, originally signed with the Packers practice squad in late November of 2024 and returned to the offseason roster on a futures deal in January. At Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Elgersma appeared in 41 games and threw for 10,547 yards and 78 touchdown passes while also rushing for 18 touchdowns. Elgersma was named the Hec Crighton Award as the Most Outstanding Player, the Canadian equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. Elgersma participated at the Senior Bowl and took a pre-draft visit to Green Bay. According to the Packers, Elgersma will wear No. 19 -- meaning he'll share the number with punter Daniel Whelan for the time being. A number switch will be required if Elgersma is kept on the 53-man roster or practice squad in 2025. The Packers drafted two offensive linemen -- Anthony Belton in the second round, and John Williams in the seventh round -- and also signed guards Tyler Cooper and J.J. Lippe in college free agency following the draft, making a veteran like Hayes expendable in the offensive line room.
