A welcome visitor was hanging around Ray Nitschke Field for Thursday’s practice, the 8th of training camp for the Packers.
With so much attention on the new wide receivers, one of the best of the recent past returned. Jordy Nelson and family were in town and got some VIP treatment. It was nice getting a brief hi in passing as Nelson got busy catching up with the team’s public relations staff, equipment folks, trainers and yes, former teammates.
Jordy Nelson’s chat with old teammates interrupted by call. Brian Gutekunst?
Nelson got an up close look at the next line of receivers led by Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. Aaron Rodgers and Lazard botched what looked like an end around pitch during an early team period but a few snaps later, a perfectly timed deep out route connection had Nelson smiling. Sammy Watkins was running free for the second practice in a row and said afterward that little hamstring tug at the start of camp is long gone and he’s ready to roll. Romeo Doubs got a rude welcome from veteran safety Adrian Amos on the first one on one matchup. Amos got in an aggressive bump on Doubs to break up the play. Amos would later deny Rodgers a two minute drive score by physically going through Josiah Deguara to make a goal line interception. A good day for Smash.
Rodgers had a fashion accessory on the field. A feather was sticking straight out of the top of his helmet. Not sure why he donned the feather and even more curious that Matt LaFleur would allow it, but…
Watched an interesting Special Teams drill conducted by Coordinator Rich Bisaccia. Almost on all fours, Bisaccia had a half dozen balls nearby and in rapid fashion, pitched them toward holder Pat O’Donnell who only had time for a quick spot as kicker Gabe Brkic could only snap his leg without taking a step before the next ball was coming. The snaps went to O’Donnell’s left, his right, up high, on the turf, practicing how to handle an unfortunate event.
LaFleur said a new jugs machine is on order and should arrive next week but the alternate jug used in a punt drill got much better results. Returners did a much better job getting to and catching the balls today.
Running back Patrick Taylor missed a second straight day with a groin pull leaving the offense with four backs. LaFleur made it known today that Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon won’t be playing in the pre-season opener at San Francisco next week and he’s not real comfortable going into that game with only two backs so don’t be surprised if the Packers sign one to cover the short term shortfall.
It was a spirited one hour, 50 minute practice and served as a great lead up to Friday night’s Family Night inside Lambeau Field. LaFleur said the change in schedule and atmosphere will be a welcome change and serve as a reminder to the new players experiencing it for the first time how important it will be to stay focused on assignments with the energy level amped up.
Weather shouldn’t be an issue after some fantastic lightning shows and downpours in recent years.
