It was probably a closer game than head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine would have liked, but the Packers squeaked out a 28-26 preseason victory against the Houston Texans on Thursday evening.

It was close, but the score meant nothing. What was more important for LaFleur, Pettine, and their staff was the play between the white lines. It was also an extremely important contest for a handful of players currently on the training camp roster who are not guaranteed to make the team – or guaranteed to have an impactful role even if they do make it.

For those players, preseason or not, this was a vital game. Their play in this game could ultimately mean the difference between being a role player on a potential playoff team and being a practice squad member. For others, this game could be the difference between making the roster and looking for work.

The good news for the three players mentioned below is that they all had good nights in the Packers’ win. They all improved their stock greatly as we inch closer to the season.

Dexter Williams, Running Back

The popular thought heading into the season was that rookie running back Dexter Williams has the opportunity to be a rotational player for the Packers. He’s shifty and quick; he will make a good addition to LaFleur’s zone-running scheme. The only issue for Williams is that he needs to gain some much-needed experience. He is also looking up on the depth chart at a very solid runner, Jamaal Williams, who notched 1,020 yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons for Green Bay. The Packers also boast likely starter Aaron Jones, who has shown superstar potential when healthy. In 133 attempts last season, Jones rushed for 728 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging a tremendous 5.5 yards per carry.

Jones can be a star if Green Bay can keep him healthy, but that’s no guarantee. There’s also no guarantee that Jamaal Williams is the true No. 2 in this rotation, so every time Dexter Williams gets an opportunity, he needs to take advantage of it.

Right now that’s his situation in Green Bay. Both players above him on the depth chart are out with injuries, so he’s currently the lead back. Against the Texans, he rushed for 62 yards on 14 attempts, picking up 4.4 yards per carry. He looked solid and even broke a long run of 14 yards. He also snagged one reception for 18 yards, so things are positive for the rookie.

Ka’dar Hollman, Cornerback

Every impact play a sixth-round draft pick can make is huge. Hollman made a big one for the Packers by undercutting an underthrown ball by Joe Webb in the first quarter.

Jaire Alexander, Kevin King (if healthy), Josh Jackson, Tramon Williams, and Tony Brown are all likely ahead of Hollman in the current pecking order at cornerback, but the Toledo product has been making noise with good play in training camp. An interception like the one he snagged against Houston will go a long way toward making the team.

The Packers may need Hollman to step up. Alexander is a potential Pro Bowler, but King needs to prove he can stay healthy; Jackson and Brown need to prove they can play consistently; and Williams, though reliable, is getting older.

If Hollman continues to show up in big ways, he could greatly surpass expectations.

Allen Lazard, Wide Receiver

Outside of Davante Adams and potentially Geronimo Allison, there are no absolute studs in the Packers' wide receiver room. Marquez Valdez-Scantling is close and Equanimeous St. Brown has flashed potential, but after Adams it’s a free-for-all on the depth chart. Jake Kumerow has Aaron Rodgers’ attention, the Packers have draft capital in J’Mon Moore, and Trevor Davis can be an impact player on special teams.

Then there’s Allen Lazard, who had been the forgotten man this offseason.

Lazard, who is 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds, went undrafted out of Iowa State and was picked up late last season by the Packers. He’s competing to make the 53-man roster with the aforementioned receivers in front of him, but he made a huge play against the Texans by brilliantly snagging a 27-yard touchdown pass from Tim Boyle in the third quarter.

Lazard showed the ability to get the football in traffic. He’s going to need a few more of those plays to make the team. Still, it wasn’t a bad night for the former Cyclone.