Key notes and takeaways from Packers 12th training camp practice

The Green Bay Packers’ 12th training camp practice was closed to the public, but the local beat reporters were still there to keep us up to date.

Here is a look at what you need to know, along with some takeaways from Tuesday’s Packers practice.

– During his press conference, Matt LaFleur discussed the importance of rallying to the football. In the few practices I’ve been to, this has been evident. This Packers defense looks very fast, and the entire unit has done an excellent job of flowing to the football.

– It was a vet rest day for Aaron Rodgers per Matt Schneidman. CB Donte Vaughn and edge rusher Randy Ramsey were both out. Steven Wirtel was also back after leaving yesterday’s practice, as was Ty Summers, who missed Monday with an illness.

Takeaway: Ramsey was mentioned by Brian Gutekunst as someone the team was “excited” to have back. Unfortunately, this is now the second practice he has missed with an ankle injury, which is what kept him sidelined all last year. He seems to be falling behind in the edge rusher competition.

With Rodgers resting, it meant Jordan Love got all of the reps with the starters. Improved confidence and command of the huddle as well as at the line of scrimmage, has been the common theme for Love, and the results on the field are much improved for the most part.

Rob Demovsky tweeted out: “if you’re a long snapper, you might want to let Brian Gutekunst know you’re available.”

Takeaway: Jack Coco has been the front-runner based on snaps, but neither he nor Wirtel have impressed. Gutekunst mentioned last week that both players are also competing with other long-snappers around the league who may end up cut.

As Andy Herman would note, the OL is not yet set, according to Matt LaFleur, but one combination seems to be favored, and that is the configuration of Nijman, Runyan, Myers, Hanson, and Newman—although a lot is still to be determined.

Takeaway: Another combination I wouldn’t be surprised to see would be Newman at right guard and Tom at right tackle. Tom has impressed at both tackle spots with his athleticism and strong technique.

– Andy Herman mentions that Jack Heflin continues to show up in run defense.

Takeaway: We know who the five rotational players will be along the defensive front, but the question is whether or not the Packers will choose to roster five or six IDLs? Heflin was kept as the sixth lineman last season but rarely saw the field on defense or on special teams. If that’s the case this season, could that roster spot be better utilized elsewhere? Competing with Heflin is Jonathan Ford.

– Another day, another dominant performance by the defense. This has become the norm and shouldn’t really come as a surprise. Green Bay’s defense has the potential to be one of the best in football while the offense is still without key players—not to mention that the Packers’ offense is trying to find its rhythm without Davante Adams.

– Jonathan Garvin was one of Andy Herman’s standout performers.

Takeaway: As I’ve discussed previously, the edge rusher battle appears wide open for the most part. The only player who seems to have an edge for one of the rotational roles at this time is La’Darius Hamilton. But Garvin, Galeai, and Enagbare have all had their share of second-team reps as well—and Garvin, specifically, seems to be trending upward.

– Keisean Nixon just returned to practice but is making an early impression on both defense and special teams—playing with confidence, as Andy Herman tweeted.

Takeaway: This was an under-the-radar signing, but Nixon will play key roles this year, both as the fourth cornerback, providing slot experience, as well as on special teams, where he has played a variety of roles as well as under Bisaccia with the Raiders.

– Shawn Davis saw some reps with the starters at safety before Vernon Scott took back over, according to Andy Herman.

Takeaway: It’s a crowded safety room, but right now, my educated guess is that the Packers keep five, with Davis, Scott, and Leavitt being the final three.

– Andy Herman would say that Sammy Watkins has had a “quiet start” to training camp and also mention that Watkins’ deal comes with “cost-savings” if he’s cut.

Takeaway: Barring an injury, I still think Watkins is on this team. My guess is that Rodgers and LaFleur value his experience—which there isn’t a lot of. Although Doubs has impressed, there are risks that come with relying heavily on a rookie right away—not to mention that we don’t know what to expect from Christian Watson yet. Also, If cut, the Packers save $1.4 million, according to Over the Cap, which isn’t much in NFL terms.

– Rashan Gary had another impressive day. Gary finished second in total pressures last season among edge rushers, per PFF  ($$).