The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for their final practice before traveling to face the Denver Broncos this Friday, and the chatter isn’t just about their upcoming preseason tilt. Today’s half-speed “jogthrough” saw some key players return to the field, especially welcome news for an offensive line that’s been a major question mark as Week 1 approaches.
The O-Line Shuffle Heats Up
Everyone’s been asking who’s gonna anchor that offensive line in Week 1, and now we might actually get some answers. Aaron Banks, who was dealing with a knee issue, is back in full practice mode after doing team drills yesterday for the first time. Zach Bako-Bewele is also back on the field. That means all the main contenders for those starting spots are finally healthy at the same time. This is it, folks, the competition is officially ON!
Today’s practice, even if it was a jog-through, saw a wild rotation up front. The first-team unit kicked off with Jordan Morgan, Banks, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk, and Bako-Bewele from left to right. But don’t get too comfortable with that lineup, because Wednesday’s first-team also saw a bunch of other combinations. Monk even took snaps at center, Jager Burton jumped between both left and right guard, and Anthony Belton was out there at right tackle. It’s a full-on puzzle for the coaching staff, and every snap matters to figure this out.
Injury Updates and Preseason Plans
Beyond the offensive line, the Packers got some other bodies back in the mix today. Receiver Bo Melton, who had a stinger and dropped out yesterday, is good to go. Edge defenders Dani Dennis-Sutton (illness) and Nyjalik Kelly (knee) also returned to practice. Coach LaFleur did mention Dennis-Sutton overheated, which landed him in medical protocol, but it’s still good to see guys working their way back.
The physically unable to perform (PUP) list, however, hasn’t budged. Tight end Luke Musgrave (neck), edge defender Micah Parsons (knee), defensive lineman Jordon Riley (ankle), and long snapper Matt Orzech (calf) are still inactive. Tackle Darian Kinnard (ankle) and safety Javon Bullard (foot) also missed practice today, but the team’s describing both of those as “short-term.” Bullard himself even said he’d play through his bone bruise if it were a regular game week.
So what’s next? Head coach Matt LaFleur has a clear plan for the Broncos game on Friday: starters get two drives, and that’s it for their preseason action. After that, the Packers will use their starters in joint practices during Week 3, saving the backups for the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. With Week 1 rapidly approaching and that offensive line still unsettled, those two drives against Denver are going to be absolutely critical for the Packers to start ironing things out.
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.
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