Jordan Love Calls 2nd-Half Plays in Packers' 42-38 Comeback Win

Q: With roster cuts looming, did Eku Leota's special teams dominance just secure his spot on the Cardinals' final 53-man squad?

Yes — Leota appears to have significantly improved his odds, and he may have played his way onto the Cardinals’ 53-man roster. The case for him is stronger than one good series against Green Bay. He had already built momentum with a productive preseason, including a sack and five tackles against Dallas, and he flashed again versus the Packers with early pressure and a quarterback hit. More importantly, Leota has embraced the exact role that often decides the final roster spots: special teams. That is the clearest separator. Reports showed Leota logging heavy special-teams usage across the preseason, including 31 snaps over the last two games and 15 in one earlier projection. He has openly said he knows his role is to help on special teams first and defense when called upon. For a back-end edge rusher, that versatility is critical. His competition also helps his case. BJ Ojulari, the main rival for a likely final outside-linebacker spot, has been widely described as fading, disappointing, or at least failing to separate himself after injuries. Multiple roster projections now put Leota ahead of Ojulari, with some explicitly saying Leota has usurped him. It is still not guaranteed, because Arizona’s edge room and injury decisions — especially around Josh Sweat — affect the math. But based on camp reviews, preseason production, coaches’ public praise, and his special-teams value, Leota looks closer to a roster lock than a bubble long shot heading into cutdowns.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 29

An 11-point deficit with 3 1/2 minutes left vanished after Love took over second-half play-calling in Green Bay’s preseason finale against Arizona.
Matt LaFleur said he asked Love on the field before kickoff to handle the second half without prep, then praised his calm headset demeanor in critical moments.
Kyle McCord ran the offense all game while Love and Tyrod Taylor rested, completing 22 of 35 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns.
That showing came in the Packers’ last preseason chance before roster cuts to 53, strengthening McCord’s case for a spot after spending 2025 on Philadelphia’s practice squad.