Key notes and takeaways from Packers 11th training camp practice

Despite the constant rain over the last day, the Green Bay Packers ventured outside for their 11th training camp practice of the summer.

Here are the key notes from the reporters and my takeaways from what took place at this Packers practice.

– Matt LaFleur told reporters that Darnell Savage would not be practicing this week as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury—although it is not expected to be a long-term concern. It will be interesting to see if Vernon Scott maintains those reps next to Adrian Amos or if another safety gets the opportunity.

– Jordan Love will start against San Francisco on Friday. With Danny Etling as the only other quarterback on the roster, we should see Love for a majority of the game. LaFleur also added that Aaron Rodgers won’t play in the first two preseason games, and the team will reevaluate before the third. My guess is that he sits out, which has been the norm for him.

– According to Andy Herman, the Packers rehab group consisted of Gaines, Watson, Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Hill, and Tonyan. Ty Summers was out today with a non-COVID illness, per Ryan Wood, while Marcedes Lewis had a vet rest day.

– Tight end Tyler Davis appears to be living up to the offseason hype as Aaron Nagler mentions that he has made a play just about every day.

Takeaway: Davis graded out very well as a blocker last season (in a limited sample size), according to PFF, but he is also someone who could give this offense a more true pass-catching option at the position until Tonyan returns. Rich Bisaccia has also raved about his special teams ability.

– Once again, the starting offensive line was made up of Nijman, Runyan, Myers, Hanson, and Newman, according to Andy Herman. Vernon Scott also remained next to Amos at safety with Savage out.

– By all accounts, Jarran Reed had a very strong day and has put together a very good camp.

Takeaway: Over his career, Reed has been effective against both the run and the pass, finishing with 30 or more pressures in three of the last four years while being among the best interior defensive linemen in PFF’s run-stop rate a season ago.

– As Matt Schneidman would note, the defensive front dominated the line of scrimmage today with what sounds like a bevy of pressures.

Takeaway: At the few practices I’ve been at, the defensive front has looked extremely fast, moving sideline to sideline with ease—which has made running outside the tackles a challenge. On the other side of the coin, this is also a bit concerning and somewhat expected for a Packers’ offensive line that is without Bakhtiari and Jenkins.

– According to Ryan Wood, Jaire Alexander took what he called a “rare” nickel snap today.

Takeaway: In all likelihood, Alexander will follow around the opponent’s top receiver this season, similar to Jalen Ramsey, and line up all over the place. So far, the bulk of the slot snaps have gone to Rasul Douglas.

– Andy Herman would tweet out that there were a few rough reps for the punt blocking team along with a low snap from Steven Wirtel.

Takeaway: Bisaccia has brought intensity and accountability to this unit, but to a degree, it is still going to be a work in progress. As far as the long-snapper position goes, Brian Gutekunst said last week that Wirtel and Coco were also competing with players around the NFL who may end up cut. Given how the last few practices have gone, the Packers long-snapper may not be on the roster yet.

– La’Darius Hamilton had a sack, tackle for loss, and forced an interception per Bill Huber.

Takeaway: There is a lot to still be decided at edge rusher, but Hamilton seems to be the front-runner for one of those rotational roles.

– As Andy Herman would note, it was a strong day for Amari Rodgers.

Takeaway: I go into greater detail here, but he should be considered a roster lock.

-Keisean Nixon’s impact was already felt with an interception off Jordan Love per Matt Schneidman.

Takeaway: Nixon’s return provides the Packers with a boost in the slot, where they have little experience, as well as on special teams, where he was a core member under Bisaccia. Nixon will be on this roster.

Another day, another dominant defensive performance in the two-minute drill.

Takeaway: This shouldn’t come as a surprise. The defense is stout at all three levels, while the offense is without Tonyan, Jenkins, and Bakhtiari while also trying to navigate without Davante Adams. As Aaron Rodgers said earlier this summer, this could be a long training camp for the offense. The hope is that this makes them better in the long run and more quickly.

– It was another inconsistent day for rookie kicker Gabe Brkic, per Ryan Wood. This is one of the more obvious risks that come with relying on an inexperienced kicker and why this job always belonged to Crosby, even with his down 2021 season.