This week’s preseason opener is the perfect audition for the Green Bay Packers’ rookie running backs.

Ty Montgomery is the lead back, but the Packers’ fourth-round pick Jamaal Williams has been pushing the receiver-turned-running back in practice recently.

Montgomery remains the hot favorite to begin the regular season as Green Bay’s leader of the backfield, but the competition for snaps behind him is only just beginning.

Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles provides each of the three draftees–Williams, Aaron Jones and Devante Mays–as well as undrafted pair Kalif Phillips and William Stanback, with the perfect opportunity to shine.

The first aim is to secure a spot on the Packers’ 53-man roster, and that’s particularly true for the undrafted backs. From there it’s about carries when “real” football begins next month.

The Packers released their first unofficial depth chart on Sunday, and there were no real surprises. Montgomery is the starter, Williams the complement and Jones the third-string. Mays, Phillips and Stanback are grouped together in the “other” section.

The trio at the backend of the depth chart need to make the most of their opportunities during preseason. As things stand all three could fail to make the 53-man roster.

It’s safe to assume Montgomery won’t see much action on Thursday night. He might play a series or two with the starters before the real fun begins with the rookie backs. While Williams and Jones appear safe to make the roster, the other three need to put in such strong performances it’s impossible to cut them.

Quarterback Joe Callahan did exactly that last year. Going into preseason it appeared the Packers would go only keep two quarterbacks — Aaron Rodgers and Brett Hundley. After an excellent August, Callahan earned his spot on the 53.

The competition at running back is heating up, and each of them will receive a chance to shine in the preseason opener this Thursday night.