The Green Bay Packers enter the practice field for their first practice after their preseason opener.
Here are the key notes, along with my takeaways from what happened during Packers 13th training.
-The Packers – especially the offense – got some great news with the return of Christian Watson, Robert Tonyan and Elgton Jenkins from the PUP list. You can read more about this here.
-According to Andy HermanInnis Gaines, Kylin Hill, Donte Vaughn, Darnell Savage, Cole Schneider and David Bakhtiari worked with the rehab group.
To take off: This is a good move for Bakhtiari, who has not been to the rehabilitation group until now. The offensive line will be the catalyst for the attack this season. They need better play – and that starts with getting healthy – compared to what they had a season ago.
To take off: Winfree has had another quick start to the camp, but is sidelined with an injury. Last summer an injury derailed his summer. Let’s hope that isn’t the case this time. He has positioned himself very well to get on the roster as another frontier option that would contribute to special teams.
-The Packers cut kicker Gabe Brkic after autograph kicker Ramiz Ahmed.
To take off: We don’t know if Mason Crosby will be ready for Week 1, and it has been a whole camp of ups and downs for Brkic. Ahmed played in the USFL last spring. He went undrafted from Nevada in 2018.
–Devonte Wyatt was practicing again. He missed the preseason game with a concussion. Wyatt performed strongly during the Family Night practice, winning in several ways after a slow start to camp.
– Per Andy Herman, the first team offensive line is what it was with Nijman, Runyan, Myers, Hanson and Newman from left to right. Vernon Scott was still in the starting line-up.
To take off: Using the fast passes, this group held up well in pass protection, but they weren’t very effective as run blockers.
-Jon Runyan took off a few snaps and Zach Tom took over the left hat with the rest of the starters, according to Herman. This isn’t something we’ve seen before, and it’s surprising given how well Runyan has played. Tom played left and center at Wake Forest but has the ability to play all five positions. I suspect Matt LaFleur took advantage of Tom’s versatility and some experimentation.
-Per Matt Schneidmanearly practice reps show that Jenkins takes pass sets as a proper tackle.
To take off: Offensive tackle is one of the most important positions in the game and it’s where Jenkins can offer the most value. If he’s not one of the tackles in week 1, I’ll be very surprised.
-There were a few “pressures” from rookie Kingsley Enagbare today.
To take off: It was a quiet preseason game for the edge rusher group as a whole, but Enagbare led the defense under pressure, according to PFF ($$). The rotational roles are currently up for grabs. Enagbare has work to do as a running defender, but could be super effective on clear passes.
-According to Wes Hodkiewicz, Amari Rodgers did well to stay active during a scramble practice and Aaron Rodgers was able to find him.
To take off: Rodgers looked a lot more explosive this summer after reducing the weight, which was evident during his touchdown catch and run against the 49ers. He has also been more decisive as a return man. These are all signs of a player taking that step forward in Year 2 that many are making.
-Per Matt SchneidmanSamori Toure had some reps with the starters, though he bit down on Rodgers’ hard count.
To take off: As long as Juwann Winfree can stay healthy, I think Toure will look outside when it comes to making the final roster. Including Winfree, that’s already seven receivers, and I suspect the Packers prefer his experience. Rodgers also spoke highly of him as the two continue to build a rapport.
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