Notes and takeaways from Packers 10th training camp practice
By Paul Bretl
Following their annual Family Night practice on Friday, the Green Bay Packers took to the practice field for the 10th time on Sunday.
It was a rainy day in Green Bay, so the Packers moved inside and held a lighter practice, as the team still recovered from Friday.
Here is a look at what took place at this Packers practice, along with some takeaways.
-There were a number of updates on the injury front, with Keisean Nixon being activated off the NFI list along with Randy Ramsey, Malik Taylor, and Patrick Taylor, all returning in various capacities. Innis Gaines was added to the injury list, however, and the Packers were without Darnell Savage, who injured his hamstring on Friday–although it is not expected to be a concern.
Takeaway: The return of Nixon will provide both the special teams unit and the slot cornerback position with a boost. Although we haven’t seen him on the practice field yet, I would consider Nixon pretty much a lock to make the team. He was a core special teams player under Rich Bisaccia in Las Vegas, he was consistently the fourth cornerback during minicamp, and he provides needed slot depth for this defense.
Meanwhile, Ramsey will continue to fight for a roster spot at edge rusher, while P. Taylor will try to separate himself from Tyler Goodson and BJ Baylor in the competition for that third running back role–something that none of the backs have been able to do.
–Andy Herman would point out that both Christian Watson and Mason Crosby were working out with the rehab group. This is a new development for each player and hopefully means they will be returning soon.
-Vernon Scott was working with the starters once again with Darnell Savage sidelined, according to Aaron Nagler.
Takeaway: As I wrote in my recent takeaways article, Scott has had a strong week and appears to be moving up the depth chart in what is a crowded safety room. He didn’t see any defensive snaps last season, but the Packers still kept him on the roster. We saw them take a similar approach with Yosh Nijman in 2020. Scott brings a versatile skill-set to the safety position.
-Rico Gafford and Shemar Jean-Charles each had opportunities as the outside rushers on the field goal block unit, according to Andy Herman.
Takeaway: Gafford has been getting opportunities all over the special teams unit this summer, including as a return man, gunner, and a jammer. With 4.22 speed, he can be a difference maker for this unit. He also has experience on special teams under Bisaccia in Las Vegas.
–Aaron Nagler would point out that Jake Hanson was taking reps at center with the first team.
Takeaway: This is one of the biggest reasons that I’ve anticipated Hanson making the roster. Outside of Josh Myers, Hanson is the next best option at center. Zach Tom did play center at Wake Forest; however, he is more valuable at tackle than center. The same could be said for Elgton Jenkins as well.
-Matchups will likely dictate who lines up in the slot defensively for the Packers, but based on what we’ve seen so far through training camp, it would appear that Rasul Douglas may spend the bulk of his time there with Alexander and Stokes on the boundary. According to PFF ($$), Douglas has just 79 career snaps from the slot.
-Amari Rodgers and Romeo Doubs were alternating on punt return reps, per Aaron Nagler.
Takeaway: We’ve seen quite a bit of rotation at punt returner, but these two appear to be the favorites for that role. Rodgers has been much more decisive with the ball in his hands compared to a season ago, while Doubs averaged 12.4 yards per return at Nevada.
–Andy Herman on the special teams coaching staff: “the coaching so much more targeted, intense, and purposeful this season. They have eyes on everything and these coaches are incredibly detail oriented. It’s impressive.”
-As mentioned at the beginning, this practice was at a walkthrough pace. The Packers will take the practice field again on Monday.