The pads are officially ON for the Green Bay Packers. After four practices over the last five days spent in just shorts, Thursday, July 30, 2026, marks the first full-contact day of training camp at the Don Hutson Center. This isn’t just another practice; it’s a massive shift, a different ballgame entirely, and it’s where the real work of figuring out this squad truly begins.
Full Contact Changes Everything
Until today, the first week of camp has been a ramp-up period. Coaches were getting back into the rhythm of calling plays, the training staff was finding its groove, and the players were adjusting to the intense pace. But now, with full pads strapped on, everything changes. This is where the surprise players emerge, for better or worse. We’ve all seen it: a guy flying under the radar in non-contact drills suddenly looks like a completely different beast when the hitting starts. It’s what makes these early padded sessions so electrifying. It’s time for the offensive linemen, like Karsen Barnhart (61), Zach Tom (50), Josh Gesky (76), and Anthony Belton (71), who’ve been running through drills, to face real pressure with pass rushers coming after them at full tilt. This is the moment to see if that early camp hype can translate to the trenches.
Who Steps Up When It Matters?
This is crunch time for a lot of guys. The Packers are looking to unearth some gems, especially among their deep but young group of pass rushers. You want to see who brings that relentless energy when the contact ramps up. Same goes for the tight end room, which is young but not nearly as deep; finding a couple of standout players there would be huge. Jordan Morgan absolutely needs to shine now that the pass rushers are coming at him with everything they’ve got. And we’ve got defensive tackle Anthony Campbell; can he maintain that strong start he had in camp when the pads are on and the intensity ratchets up? Then there’s veteran Bo Melton, who’s back in his happy place focusing solely on offense after never playing a single snap on defense last year. With his focus no longer split, everyone’s watching to see if he can contribute more on offense and solidify his spot. These padded practices are about identifying the true core of this team moving forward, letting players who aren’t part of that core move on.
What’s Next for Green Bay
These crucial padded practices are all building toward Family Night on Friday evening. After that, the focus quickly shifts to preseason games, which kick off just a week later. It’s a rapid progression, and every hit, every block, every catch in these full-contact sessions is a data point. What’s at stake for Green Bay isn’t just about winning drills; it’s about solidifying a roster, finding out who can truly perform under pressure, and setting the tone for the entire season. You know we’ll be watching every snap to see who answers the call.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
Leave a Reply