Kyle McCord Leads Packers to Preseason Victory, Eyes Roster Spot

In the final preseason matchup, the Green Bay Packers rallied from an 11-point deficit to defeat the Arizona Cardinals 42-38. Reserve quarterback Kyle McCord played the entire game after starters Jordan Love and backup Tyrod Taylor were rested. McCord completed 22 of 35 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns, including two late scores to wide receiver Kisean Johnson that secured the win.

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The contest served as the last opportunity for fringe players to impress coaches before the regular-season roster cuts. McCord, a 2025 sixth-round pick who spent the previous season on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, was given a full-game workload to showcase his readiness. Both teams fielded largely non-starters, emphasizing evaluation over competition.

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• McCord: 22/35, 226 yds, 4 TDs (two in the final 3½ minutes).

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• Kisean Johnson: 2 TD receptions in the closing minutes.

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• Arizona quarterback Gardner Minshew II: 7/9, 126 yds, 1 TD before exiting.

Packers end preseason with 42-38 victory over Cardinals

• Arizona quarterback Kedon Slovis: 21/35, 223 yds, 2 INTs, 1 TD.

Packers end preseason with 42-38 victory over Cardinals

• Arizona running back Evan Hull: 107 yds, 2 TDs (including a 47-yard run).

Packers end preseason with 42-38 victory over Cardinals

• Packers receiver J. Michael Sturdivant: 6 catches, 112 yds, 1 TD.

Packers-Cardinals Preseason Final Score, Recap: Kyle McCord wills Green Bay to victory

• Packers punt returner Will Sheppard: 81-yard punt return TD.

Packers end preseason with 42-38 victory over Cardinals

• Defensive highlight: Nyjalik Kelly intercepted Slovis and recorded a sack.

Packers end preseason with 42-38 victory over Cardinals

• Rookie kicker Trey Smack: perfect preseason, 9/9 field goals (including three from beyond 50 yds, long of 59 yds).

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Head coach Matt LaFleur praised McCord’s poise, noting his “total control” and willingness to stay in the pocket under pressure. LaFleur also highlighted the entertainment value of the game, rhetorically asking whether it was the most exciting preseason contest. He acknowledged the broader roster battle, emphasizing that the final 48 hours will determine which players remain.

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Quarterback Jordan Love, who called plays for the second half, was credited by McCord for trusting him with play-calling duties.

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Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant described the uncertainty of the upcoming roster decisions, saying the team’s future hinges on coaches’ evaluations.

Packers-Cardinals Preseason Final Score, Recap: Kyle McCord wills Green Bay to victory

• “It's out of my control at this point,” — Kyle McCord

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• “Was that not the most entertaining preseason game you’ve ever seen in your life?” — Matt LaFleur, packers coach

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• “He told me right before halftime, ‘They’re going to let me call the plays in the second half,'” — Kyle McCord

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• “These next 48 hours, you don’t really know what’s going to happen,” — J. Michael Sturdivant

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The Packers conclude preseason with a regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, while the Cardinals travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams will finalize their 53-man rosters before those games.

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