Key notes and takeaways from Packers first practice following 49ers game

The Green Bay Packers hit the practice field for their first practice following their preseason opener.

Here are the key notes, along with my takeaways from what took place at the Packers 13th practice.

-The Packers — specifically the offense — got some great news with the return of Christian Watson, Robert Tonyan, and Elgton Jenkins off the PUP list. You can read more about that here.

-According to Andy Herman, Innis Gaines, Kylin Hill, Donte Vaughn, Darnell Savage, Cole Schneider, and David Bakhtiari were working with the rehab group.

Takeaway: This is a good step for Bakhtiari, who hasn’t been with the rehab group until this point. The offensive line is going to be the catalyst for the offense this season. They need improved play — and that begins with getting healthy — compared to what they had a season ago.

Takeaway: Winfree again has had a fast start to camp but is sidelined with an injury. Last summer, an injury derailed his summer. Let’s hope that isn’t the case this time. He has very much positioned himself to make the roster as  another boundary option who would contribute on special teams.

Meanwhile, Leavitt will be out “a while” per LaFleur. Leavitt was expected to be a core special teams contributor.

-The Packers cut kicker Gabe Brkic after signing kicker Ramiz Ahmed.

Takeaway: We don’t know if Mason Crosby will be ready for Week 1, and it’s been a very up and down camp for Brkic. Ahmed played in the USFL this past spring. He went undrafted out of Nevada in 2018.

–Devonte Wyatt was back at practice as well. He missed the preseason game with a concussion. Wyatt had a strong performance during the Family Night practice, winning in a variety of ways after a quiet start to camp.

– Per Andy Herman, the first team offensive line is what it has been with Nijman, Runyan, Myers, Hanson, and Newman from left to right. Vernon Scott was still with the starting defense.

Takeaway: With the assistance of the quick passing game, this group held up well in pass protection, but they weren’t very effective as run-blockers.

-Jon Runyan took a few snaps off, and Zach Tom took over at left guard with the rest of the starters, per Herman. This is not something we’ve seen before, and it is surprising given how well Runyan has played. Tom played left tackle and center at Wake Forest but has the ability to play all five positions. My guess is Matt LaFleur was taking advantage of Tom’s versatility and doing some experimenting.

-Per Matt Schneidman, early practice reps show Jenkins taking pass sets as a right tackle.

Takeaway: Offensive tackle is one of the most important positions in the game, and it’s where Jenkins can provide the most value. If he isn’t one of the tackles come Week 1, I will be very surprised.

-There were a couple of “pressures” from rookie Kingsley Enagbare today.

Takeaway: It was a quiet preseason game for the edge rusher group as a whole, but Enagbare led the defense in pressures, according to PFF ($$). The rotational roles up currently up for grabs. Enagbare has work to do as a run defender but could be super effective on obvious passing downs.

-According to Wes Hodkiewicz, Amari Rodgers did a nice job of staying active during a scramble drill, and Aaron Rodgers was able to find him.

Takeaway: Rodgers has looked much more explosive this summer after cutting weight, which was on display during his touchdown catch and run against the 49ers. He also has been more decisive as a return man. All of these are signs of a player who is taking that step forward in Year 2 that many make.

-Per Matt Schneidman, Samori Toure had some reps with the starters–although he bit on Rodgers’ hard count.

Takeaway: As long as Juwann Winfree can remain healthy, I think that Toure will be on the outside looking in when it comes to making the final roster. Including Winfree, that is already seven receivers, and my guess is that the Packers prefer his experience. Rodgers has also spoken very highly of him as the two continue to build rapport.