The Green Bay Packers dropped their preseason opener on Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
Here's who is rising and falling coming out of the Packers' preseason-opening loss:
Rising
LT Jordan Morgan/DE Lukas Van Ness: The two former first-round picks looked the part at premium positions in the preseason opener. Morgan didn't allow a pressure, while Van Ness had a run stuff and a pass-rush win while playing only three snaps.
QB Kyle McCord: The second-year quarterback looked in command, especially in the end-of-half scenario and during a few pressured dropbacks. He was also accurate, completing 12 of 16 passes for the third-team offense. The QB3 job looks his to lose.
WR J. Michael Sturdivant: The rookie caught two passes, both converting first downs, and was in on three different tackles on special teams. He's shown flashes as a pass-catcher all summer, but playing special teams will get him a roster spot.
OL Donovan Jennings: Of all the interior offensive lineman in the mix for a 53-man roster spot, Jennings played the best, especially in pass protection.
DL Jonathan Ford: The Packers are still trying to find a nose tackle. Ford produced three run stops over only 14 run defense snaps against the Steelers.
Falling
CB Keisean Nixon: He was part of an uninspired tackle attempt which created a big play. Rightfully, the Packers have Nixon competing for his starting job to start 2026.
QB Kyron Drones: A tough start for the rookie quarterback. He attempted only one pass over two drives while taking three sacks for -26 yards. Making up the ground between him and McCord will be tough over the next few weeks.
CB Jaylin Simpson/CB Shemar Bartholomew: The two cornerbacks combined to give up six catches for over 100 yards, including Kaden Wetjen's explosive play and touchdown catch. They were big reasons why the Packers struggled so mightly against the pass in the second half.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers preseason stock watch: Who is rising, falling after opener?