Thursday’s second workout of training camp looked a lot like the opening practice of the summer. A few new group drills, particularly with the special teams as cover units worked on defeating blockers. There were four brief team periods and the competitive spirit of the offense taking on the defense is quickly ramping up. While the O had the better of it on Wednesday, red zone plays stopped by the D resulted in humorous chirping both ways. Head Coach Matt LaFleur welcomes the banter, “Iron sharpens iron”, he said.
Another day, another ooh and ahh catch from fourth round draft choice Romeo Doubs. He went high to pluck another tough sideline throw. The Utah State prospect is off to a very good start.
Amari Rodgers also made some plays while Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb connected on a snappy red zone touchdown.
Defensive winners were Kabion Ento who broke up a crossing route of Samori Toure and if not for a collision with a closing safety, might have had an acrobatic interception. Rashan Gary has been nearly impossible to handle coming off the edge early in camp.
Patience with two position groups on offense will be tested over the next month, wide receiver and the offensive line. Without Sammy Watkins and Christian Watson, expected to be big parts of the passing game, fans may want to hasten the development of not only the rookies, but young returning veterans like Juwann Winfree. It’s going to take some time. Another pass catcher was brought on board by GM Brian Gutekunst. Ishmael Hyman was signed today. The 6-0, 196 product of James Madison University is a first year player who has spent time on the practice squads of Tampa Bay and Carolina, appearing in two NFL games. He’s also played in the Arena League with Orlando and was with the USFL’s Michigan Panthers this spring.
LaFleur was asked a lot about his linemen before practice, also stressed by injury with David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker all on the shelf. The overall numbers, especially at tackle are down and it’s led to a lot of shuffling. Yosh Nijman worked at left tackle on Wednesday with the starters, today is was rookie Zach Tom. Royce Newman was back working at guard. LaFleur said they’ll be looking at a lot of combinations early in camp, the pecking order almost across the board will be very fluid. About the only certainties up front right now are Jon Runyan at left guard and center Josh Myers. By Family Night, a little more clarity might develop up front.
There were still a dozen players on the injury list. Bakthiari, Elgton Jenkins, Robert Tonyan, Kylin Hill, Mason Crosby and Watson are all dealing with knee issues. Sammy Watkins (hamstring), Rasheed Walker (foot), Keisean Nixon (groin), Malik Taylor (shoulder), Randy Ramsey (ankle), Akial Byers (hamstring) are the others who did rehab work.
Outside linebacker Jonathan Garvin came off the PUP list and practice for the first time today.
It seemed like alumni day on Ray Nitschke Field. Before practice, I ran into Dorsey Levens and caught up with the Super Bowl winning running back for a while. I also said hello to Ahman Green and Johnnie Gray.
Speaking of alumni, it was another big day during heady times for Leroy Butler. The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame unveiled a special exhibit paying tribute to the safety a week before he becomes the 28th Packer to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Leroy Butler speaks at Packer Hall exhibit in his honor.
Butler Did It! reads the banner welcoming visitors to the display that covers a wall just inside the Hall’s entrance. Packers president Mark Murphy officially opened the display and introduced the Pack’s newest Hall member. Butler then took the podium to talk about how honored he is to be honored by the only team he’s ever played for, becoming a Packer Hall of Famer in 2007.
Butler will be the first of the Class of ’22 to be enshrined in Canton a week from Saturday. I was glad to get a chance to congratulate Butler on both the exhibit and the upcoming enshrinement. It’s a just reward for terrific career and hope he enjoys everything about the next week.
Friday’s camp practice will be closed to the public but railbirds will be welcomed back on Saturday with another 10:30 AM session.
