Watch: Packers-Bengals Highlights

The Green Bay Packers clobbered the Cincinnati Bengals 36-19 during their preseason game in Cincinnati on Friday night. Check out the highlights.

Author:
Bill Huber
Publish date:
Aug 12, 2023 12:57 AM EDT

In this story:

Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Jordan Love threw a touchdown pass in a sharp preseason debut as the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback, but two unheralded players stole the show.

Rookie quarterback Sean Clifford threw for 208 yards on 20-of-26 passing and running back Emanuel Wilson, who didn’t even make it to training camp with Denver last year, had a night he’ll remember forever by rushing six times for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

“I loved the energy from our team,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “I thought there were a lot of good things to build upon. I thought, all in all, It was a really productive week for us and just something to build on and move forward. Really excited about our team.

Clifford’s touchdown pass to Tyler Davis put the Packers in front 21-16 at halftime. Wilson did the rest. Exactly 14 years after the death of his father, Wilson ran for two touchdowns – including an 80-yarder that capped the scoring.

Emanuel Wilson (Photo by Kareem Elgazzar/USA Today Sports Images)

“When I saw the hole open, and the defender was right there, I really stopped his feet and just bounced it outside,” Wilson told reporters afterward. “Honestly, in my head, I said, ‘Go on make this touchdown or you’re going to get cussed out in meetings probably.’ It was just hit the corner and turn on my speed.”

A big week is ahead. The Packers will practice on Sunday and Monday before hosting the New England Patriots for joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday and a preseason game on Saturday night.

LaFleur said Love probably will play in at least another preseason game. With the two practices against the powerful Patriots, it’s possible his next game action could come against Seattle on Aug. 26.

“I’m not sure. We’ll see,” Love said. “I think it’s valuable to get some reps. I’m not sure how many is valuable, but I had fun in there tonight. Two series, I think was a great time. Just getting back, getting a feel for the game and I think it was a good time taking me out right there. That’s all we needed right there.”

Here are the highlights from Cincinnati.