The Green Bay Packers are getting ready to hit the field next week for early training camp practices, though they won’t be in full pads just yet. But let’s be real, the minute we hear about camp, our first thought is: who’s actually out there? Because early word from Ashwaubenon is giving us some serious questions already.
Who’s Missing From the Huddle?
On paper, the team was hoping everyone would be back on the field, with only Micah Parsons, Jordon Riley, and Tucker Kraft expected to miss time initially, and Kraft projected to be good to go pretty early. But here’s the thing: if we don’t see guys like Zach Tom, Devonte Wyatt, and Kamal Hadden out there, that’s going to set off some alarms. Missing crucial pieces like that right at the start of camp, when you’re trying to build momentum, can throw a real wrench in the works. You just know fans are going to be glued to those early reports, because seeing key players sidelined early on always means more pressure to get healthy, and fast.
Roster Battles Heating Up
Beyond who’s healthy, early camp is all about those roster spots. You gotta watch the running back room: are Pierre Strong Jr. or Damien Martinez getting reps with the first-team offense at all? If the team loses a ball-carrier for any reason, whoever makes a statement there is probably locking down a spot on the 53-man roster. And at tight end, is Luke Lachey getting looks with the 1s? With Tucker Kraft working back, Lachey could be the second-best in-line blocker they’ve got, and he might just steal a roster spot, or force them to keep four tight ends, which is always interesting.
On defense, the line rotation is massive. Who’s stepping up to be the third starter next to Devonte Wyatt and Javon Hargrave? And who’s going to anchor the nose tackle spot in odd fronts? Then there’s the outside linebacker spot opposite Lukas Van Ness: Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., Collin Oliver, or Danie Dennis-Sutton , that’s a wide-open battle, and whoever emerges there early on is huge for the defense. And in the secondary, assuming Benjamin St-Juste is back healthy after missing minicamp, how much of a shot does he truly have to win that starting job over Carrington Valentine and Brandon Cisse, who got all those reps opposite Keisean Nixon? Every rep counts when you’re fighting for a starting role.
The Crucial Third Phase
And let’s not forget special teams. It’s often overlooked until it costs you a game, right? We’re all watching to see if Skyy Moore is doing enough on these units, and who’s starting where. And how’s Trey Smack kicking? Everything about special teams is under a microscope in these early practices, because those hidden yardage plays can be the difference-makers all season long.
So yeah, next week isn’t just about getting back on the field. It’s about who’s healthy, who’s stepping up, and who’s ready to make a name for themselves. What are *you* tracking in these first few practices? Let us know in the comments.
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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