It’s only been two days, but we can start to identify a couple of the key players and narratives for this year’s Packers team already.
The Green Bay Packers have only practiced twice so far in training camp, but a few things are already becoming clear from this team’s early returns.
First: The offensive line will be a work in progress until the end of training camp, and possibly beyond that. There’s no Elgton Jenkins yet as he is dealing with a back issue and new arrival Aaron Banks sat out team drills in Thursday’s practice. That has led to Sean Rhyan taking snaps as the starting center, while Travis Glover — fresh off a nightmare in last year’s playoff game — subbed in at guard with the ones.
Hopefully the Packers get all of their top linemen back on the field together soon. They’ll need to figure out what’s going on at the right guard and left tackle spots, but without a full complement, it’s difficult to have a true position battle.
Meanwhile, Tucker Kraft might just be the focal point of the passing game this year. He was one nominee when we at APC wrote a series of posts last summer about who the Packers’ number one receiver would be, and he finished second behind only Jayden Reed in receptions and yards, while being 4th in targets. Given all of the talk about finding more ways to get him the football, could he be in for an even bigger role — something akin to peak Travis Kelce in Kansas City?
That’s admittedly a lofty goal. But with the team surrounding Kraft with a glut of receivers with different skill sets, the big tight end might just be the one constant on offense. After all, he’s already a better blocker than Kelce ever was, and he barely ever comes off the field. Don’t be shocked if he ends up as a top-5 tight end in terms of receiving production in 2025.
Today the team will practice for the third straight day, and that session will be followed by the Shareholders Meeting in the afternoon. It’s officially Mark Murphy’s last day on the job. So if you’re in the area, get down to Lambeau and give him a great send-off.
5 things learned at Packers training camp – July 24 | Packers.com
MarShawn Lloyd is ready to get to work after losing virtually all of his rookie season to injuries. Meanwhile, Jordan Love’s hard count is coming along, as he got the defense to jump twice on Thursday.
Packers training camp: Matthew Golden’s new nickname and 8 more observations – The Athletic ($)
Rich Bisaccia has christened Golden “Bullet,” partly because his speed reminds him of “Bullet” Bob Hayes of the Cowboys. Hayes was the only man to ever win an Olympic gold medal (100 meter dash) and a Super Bowl ring.
Nathaniel Hackett rejoins Packers, this time to help on defense – ESPN
Hackett is serving a similar role to how Robert Saleh contributed a year ago, working on the opposite side of the ball from his normal area of expertise.
Packers look to expand Tucker Kraft’s role after breakout season | Packers Wire
Kraft finished 50th in the NFL in receiving yards a season ago with 707, with put him 7th among all tight ends. It won’t be a surprise if he climbs the leaderboard in 2025.
After Playoff Disaster, Travis Glover Gets Big Opportunity | SI.com
Glover knows that his debut in the Wild Card game went horribly, and he’s using that performance as motivation to push him this summer. Now getting some reps with the No. 1 offense, he’s getting a chance to show whether he belongs.
Chuck E. Cheese Mascot Arrested at Florida Restaurant, on Camera | TMZ
The photo of the costumed mascot being led out the door in handcuffs while children look on in the background will be with me forever.