Matt LaFleur Makes His Stance on Isaiah Simmons Unmistakable
Practice only matters if it shows up in real games — and so far, Isaiah Simmons hasn’t delivered for the Green Bay Packers. Through two preseason contests, the free-agent addition is trending in the wrong direction, and Matt LaFleur’s decisions make it clear he knows it.
In Saturday’s win over the Colts, LaFleur rested nearly every roster lock, including linebackers Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, and Isaiah McDuffie. Simmons? He played deep into the second half — a move that speaks volumes about his shaky standing.
Simmons’ Coverage Struggles
The issue is hard to miss. Opposing quarterbacks have gone after Simmons repeatedly, and he’s done little to stop them.
- Week 1: Allowed 5 catches on 6 targets for 65 yards and a touchdown, earning a dismal 27.9 coverage grade (per PFF).
- Week 2: Gave up 4 of 5 targets for 44 yards against Indianapolis.
If he’s struggling against backups, what happens when he faces stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Terry McLaurin, or Deebo Samuel once the regular season begins? That’s a risk LaFleur can’t afford.
Reading the Roster Tea Leaves
LaFleur rarely plays trusted veterans this deep in August. His handling of Simmons is essentially a silent message: the former first-rounder isn’t safe.
Linebackers Cooper, Walker, McDuffie, and Ty’Ron Hopper are secure. That likely leaves just one open spot, where Simmons is competing with Kristian Welch — a standout from last preseason who also brings valuable special-teams play. Right now, Welch has the edge.
The Clock Is Ticking
Simmons still has time to change the story. He’s had flashes in practice, but unless those moments carry over to the field, his chances of making the 53-man roster are slim.
LaFleur hasn’t needed to say a word. His actions show everything: Simmons is fighting for his Packers future.
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