4 Packers returned to training camp from injury, more on their way

Injuries always play a big factor in every NFL team’s season and the Green Bay Packers are no different.

It’s been a mixed bag for Green Bay to begin training camp this year.

On the one hand, they haven’t sustained any major injuries through the first 10 days of training camp (knock on wood). They haven’t lost anyone for the season or any regular season games (Darnell Savage injured his hamstring on Family Night, but it doesn’t appear to be serious or anything that will cost him significant time). That’s been head coach Matt LaFleur’s point of emphasis, as he wants to ease his team back into the work and be as healthy as possible.

The Green Bay Packers saw four players return to training camp from previous injuries recently and more could be on their way.

On the other hand, Green Bay had such a long list of injured guys entering the summer that their injured list is still as long as anyone else’s.  They have several prominent players on the PUP list including Elgton Jenkins, David Bakhtiari, Robert Tonyan, Mason Crosby, Kylin Hill, and Christian Watson.

They also had a few players who either sustained minor injuries throughout camp or were on the Non-Football Injury list to begin with. Green Bay was fortunate to have four such players return to practice on Sunday.

Running back Patrick Taylor, cornerback Keisean Nixon, outside linebacker Randy Ramsey and wide receiver Malik Taylor all returned to the field for a light jog through.

All four players are fighting for roster spots and must be on the field to earn their keep. P. Taylor is the favorite at this point to earn the team’s no. 3 running back job with Hill still recovering from injury. Nixon has experience in Rich Bisaccia’s special teams and was seen coaching up his teammates even while injured. Ramsey and M. Taylor have some ground to make up if they want to earn one of the final roster spots at their positions.

According to Andy Herman, Crosby and Watson were also seen working with the rehab group for the first time on Sunday.

Gabe Brkic has been the lone healthy kicker in Packers’ camp and has been inconsistent all year. Crosby is coming off knee surgery and Green Bay is smart to ease him back into things. They can’t afford to lose him with how Brkic has performed so far.

As for Watson, he’s being outshone by fellow rookie Romeo Doubs. Watson had surgery after OTAs and has yet to practice in training camp. He’s missing valuable time as a rookie and needs to get back to 100 percent to get on the field.

Green Bay is entering its first preseason game on Friday with the health arrow pointing up. The Packers have strong starters across the board and can’t afford any major injuries. Hopefully, they continue to get healthier and stay that way.