Packers injury updates following final preseason game
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers were back on the practice field for the first time on Sunday since their final preseason game against Kansas City, and with that, we got several updates on the injury front.
Let’s start with some good news for the Packers, shall we?
Matt LaFleur told reporters prior to practice that tight end Robert Tonyan was elevated to team drills on Sunday. Tonyan, who recently came off the PUP list, has been participating individually since then.
It is still unknown what his status is for Week 1 in Minnesota, but if available, he would provide this Packers passing game with a huge boost–in part because of the question marks at receiver and Tonyan’s rapport with Aaron Rodgers. Also, this offense very much missed his presence last season as none of the other tight ends on the roster can affect the passing game quite like Tonyan can.
David Bakhtiari would also return to practice after a day off last week, although he will continue to work only in individual drills.
Meanwhile, Elgton Jenkins was held out, which from the sounds of it, wasn’t planned, but LaFleur wanted to keep the details “internal.” Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated would report that the injury is not related to Jenkins’ knee.
Without Bakhtiari and Jenkins, the Packers’ offensive line has regularly consisted of Yosh Nijman at left tackle, followed by Jon Runyan, Josh Myers, Jake Hanson, and Royce Newman. The left side of the line has held their own, but both Hanson and Newman have been very up and down–especially against the run.
We’ve also seen Zach Tom worked in at right tackle with Newman moving to right guard. This has seemingly been the more effective combination, but the Packers continue to utilize the other. If neither Bakhtiari nor Jenkins are ready for Week 1, it will be interesting to see which configuration LaFleur goes with.
For this Packers offense to find success this season, it all begins with the play up front. In short, they have to be better than what they were a season ago, where running the ball was a challenge, and Rodgers was under more pressure despite getting the ball out quicker.
In other news, the safety position got some much-needed help with Darnell Savage practicing for the first time since the hamstring injury he suffered on Family Night. I’m not sure he was ever in jeopardy of missing Week 1, but nonetheless, it’s great to see him back on the field.
Also joining him was Dallin Leavitt, who injured his should against San Francisco. Shortly following the injury, LaFleur told reporters that Leavitt was going to be out “a while.” So seeing him on the practice field comes as a welcomed surprise. Leavitt will be a core special teams player on this year’s Packers team.
Lastly, Mason Crosby, Akiel Byers, Innis Gaines, and Alize Mack were working with the rehab group. Tight end Nate Becker, who suffered an injury against Kansas City, was not practicing.
Crosby is still on the PUP list and will either have to be removed by Tuesday afternoon when rosters are to be set if he wants to be available for Week 1. If not, he will remain on PUP and miss the first four games of the season.
When meeting with reporters on Saturday, LaFleur mentioned that he wasn’t sure whether Crosby would be activated before Tuesday. However, last week, Crosby said that being ready for Minnesota is still the goal.
In his place, the Packers signed Ramis Ahmed recently, who has provided a steady presence since joining the team.