News and notes from Packers 5th training camp practice

The Green Bay Packers completed their fifth training camp practice on Monday, the first of which took place in shoulder pads.

Here is a breakdown of what took place, thanks to the Packers beat reporters who were in attendance.

– After going through individual drills on Friday, Sammy Watkins was back with the team on Monday, per Matt Schneidman.

– LaFleur on Christian Watson missing time via Rob Demovsky: “it’s tough because there’s nothing like getting those real live reps … but got confidence in not only Christian but (WR coach Jason) Vrable and we’ll get him up to speed.”

– Per Ryan Wood: LaFleur chose Adam Stenavich as the new offensive coordinator because of his “run game expertise.” LaFleur would add, “he’s got a future as a play caller, and beyond that as a head coach.”

– Today was the first of what will be five practices in a row, per Bill Huber. About 90% of the play calls will be implemented by week’s end.

– Today’s starting offensive line configuration was, once again, Yosh Nijman, Jon Runyan, Josh Myers, Jake Hanson, and Royce Newman. The Packers have been alternating between this combination and Tom at left tackle, Nijman at right, and Newman sliding into right guard. Aaron Nagler would also note that Zach Tom would also take some snaps at right tackle with the starters. He may not have the prototypical tackle size, but he makes up for it with his athleticism and technique.

– We haven’t heard a ton about Devonte Wyatt so far, but Wes Hodkiewicz would mention that he had a “strong showing” during the offensive line/defensive line one-on-one reps–really showing off his strength. Wyatt can make an impact against the run right away and with his athleticism, he can continue to develop as a pass rusher.

– Hodkiewicz would add that Rashan Gary continues to impress. He has spent much of camp living in the backfield.

– The defensive front continues to generate quite a bit of push into the backfield. I was able to take in Saturday’s practice, and the group filled gaps really well, flowed towards the ball, and played fast. Clark, Reed, Lowry, Wyatt, Slaton–everyone has been making plays.

– Andy Herman would tweet that both Tipa Galeai and La’Darius Hamilton had nice days. There is playing time up for grabs behind Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, and so far, it has been Galeai and Hamilton firmly working with the second-team defense.

– Isaiah McDuffie, Rico Gafford, and Shemar Jean-Charles all took some reps with the starters, per Andy Herman–although I wouldn’t read too much into that. However, Jean-Charles could carve out a niche role in the slot–a spot where there isn’t a ton of experience on this roster.

– Gafford also had a pass breakup later in practice after recording three of them on Saturday. He continues to impress defensively, but his real impact could be on special teams as a gunner or return man with that 4.22 speed.

– Andy Herman would say that punter Pat O’Donnell “has been impressive so far.” In addition to his punting duties, O’Donnell will be the holder on field goal attempts as well–something that caused issues a season ago.

– On a punt return attempt, Amari Rodgers made sure to get vertical right away, said Herman. This is nice to hear, considering that he looked so indecisive at times a season ago.

– Rookie kicker Gabe Brkic went 5/6 today, all from 40+ yards. Jack Coco was once again the long-snapper, as Wes Hodkiewicz would note. He appears to be ahead of Steven Wirtel in that competition.

– From the sounds of it, it was another tough day for the Packers offense, who struggled to move the ball against this defense, which has been flying around the field, slowing the run, generating pressure, and sticky in coverage. According to Ryan Wood, there were multiple dropped passes from a variety of targets, false starts, and issues moving the ball and finding the end zone in the two-minute drills.

– Aaron Rodgers was able to move the offense down to the 10-yard line, but both Amos and Savage came up with pass breakups, as Aaron Nagler would note. The re-signing of Campbell and the addition of Walker will not only benefit the front seven, but it will also free up the safeties as well.

– The Packers may have some tough decisions to make at safety. Do they keep four or five? Meanwhile, Dallin Leavitt has special teams experience under Rich Bisaccia, Shawn Davis appears to be the front-runner for the third safety role, while Innis Gaines is making plays on special teams, and Vernon Scott has been on the roster the previous two seasons and had an interception today.