News and Notes from Packers 1st Training Camp Practice

The Green Bay Packers took the field on Wednesday for their first training camp practice of the 2022 season. And before that, both Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur met with reporters.

Here are some of the key notes and takeaways from those who were in attendance at the Packers’ first practice.

– Sammy Watkins was placed on the PUP list on Tuesday, but Gutey would confirm that he won’t be there long. This is, of course, great news given the need that the Packers have at wide receiver along with Watkins’ injury history. He hasn’t played a full season since his rookie year in 2015. Gutekunst would also mention that Christian Watson — who is also on PUP — may be out a little longer than Watkins, but his injury isn’t long-term (info via Rob Demovsky).

– When discussing Allen Lazard, Gutey would mention that the “sky’s the limit” for him. During a five-game stretch to end last season, we saw Lazard’s potential as he caught 21 of 28 passes at 13.8 yards per catch with five touchdowns. You can read more about that performance here.

"“I’m excited what he can be for us kind of in a different role,” said Gutekunst via Ryan Wood. “Allen is a very confident guy. Every time we’ve given him opportunities, he’s produced.”"

– Gutekunst would confirm that left tackle David Bakhtiari did undergo another knee surgery this offseason but mentioned he is “cautiously optimistic” about his return. Gutey would not put a timetable on it, however. Without Bakhtiari as well as Elgton Jenkins for the time being, the offensive tackle depth is quite thin and lacking experience.

– Speaking of Jenkins, Gutey would also add that he is “ahead of schedule,” as Zach Kruse would note.

– With the questions surrounding the receiver position, many have been wondering if the Packers will make a veteran addition. However, Gutekunst said they won’t be adding to the room right now; he wants to see what they have first. Last week, I wrote about this exact topic–you can read more here.

– Although they were recently placed on the PUP list, as Andy Herman would tweet out, Dean Lowry, Patrick Taylor, Caliph Brice, and Caleb Jones would all return for the first practice.

– Matt LaFleur on Rich Bisaccia from Matt Schneidman: “he’s not afraid to call anyone out, including myself.” Ryan Wood would also tweet out: “I’ve learned more about special teams than I ever have in my life sitting in his meetings.”

– The situation with rookies Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom will remain “fluid,” said LaFleur. Both have the ability to play either inside or out. My guess is they will get opportunities at each.

– Mason Crosby is beginning on the PUP list because he had his knee scoped earlier this month.

– Below is the list of players who were not participants on Day 1:

– The Packers’ first team OL was Nijman at LT, Runyan at LG, Myers at C, Jake Hanson at RG, and Newman at RT. Jake Hanson flies under the radar, but he is absolutely one of the favorites to make this roster again.

– Quay Walker was running with the first team defense right away. His ability to play both the run and pass will allow Green Bay to stay in their base defense more often, which then makes it more difficult on the opposing offense as it is more challenging to figure out what is taking place.

– The second team OL from left to right was Tom – Menet – Hanson – Rhyan- Van Lanen.

– Rasul Douglas was the slot cornerback with the Packers’ starting nickel defense. I think this summer, we are going to see several different players in that role, and once the season begins, the opponent will dictate who sees the most snaps there each week (via Tom Silverstein).

– Andy Herman would observe that Josh Myers and Tyler Davis were the wing blockers on field goal attempts. This specific position was an issue last year and led to several blocks.

– Per Bill Huber, UDFA long-snapper Jack Coco was taking the first field goal reps over Steven Wirtel. I imagine both will have their fair share of opportunities this summer.

– Andy Herman named Romeo Doubs and Allen Lazard as two of his standout performers from the day. Doubs impressed during offseason programs, and that has carried over to the first day of training camp practices as well. Juwann Winfree made a big play of his own.

– One of the consistent talking points last summer from both Matt LaFleur and Nathanial Hackett was wanting to see Jordan Love “let it rip.” Well, it sounds like he did that today on several occasions–potentially showing how his confidence is increasing.