Packers Practice Roundup: Day 9. August 4, 2019
Packers Practice Roundup: Day 9. August 4, 2019
Mike Pettine dialed up some pressure in this practice session. Practice was in helmets and shorts, no pads.
Injuries, Usage, Formations, Personnel:
- Packers go just one hour and 18 minutes in practice No. 9. Demovsky [Packers plan to have 2.5 hour long practices with the Texans – with no 1 on 1 WR vs. DBs – so that is the reason for the short practice, per Demovsky].
- Still out: Crosby, A Jones, Jackson, Donnerson, Roberts, Bulaga, Spriggs, F Brown Wood
- Doesn't sound great about CB Kevin King. Said coach Matt LaFleur: "We'll know a little bit more in the next couple of days." King's 2018 season ended because of a hamstring injury, too. LaFleur said thus doesn't necessarily have to do with that injury. [Demovsky thinks that means more tests on the hammy will be done. He notes that Tony Brown played almost as many snaps last year (287) as King did (304), so at least Brown has some playing time.] Demovsky
- Two additions to list of those not practicing are CB Kevin King and OT Bryan Bulaga. King has a hamstring and Bulaga is part of his normal maintenance plan. Silverstein
- Crosby said it was his kicking leg that bothered him but only when he ran/sprinted. He never had any pain while kicking and in fact has been kicking for more than a week now. He feels like his rep count isn’t far off from normal. Demovsky
- Mason Crosby said he was cleared this morning and will be kicking tomorrow vs. Texans. Wood
- Big nickel look with Greene, Savage, Amos. Herman
- The dime package Pettine employed on Sunday during the designed third-down period featured Za’Darius, Gary and Preston Smith all on the field together along with DT Clark. Demovsky
- Lane Taylor is healthy and in with the 2’s after Elgton Jenkins works with the ones. Elgton Jenkins king snaps at LG with the ones! This could be a fairly significant development if it continues! Herman
- Brady Sheldon with his biggest play of camp as he shoots through the line for a tfl. Run game continues to be a major issue for the offense. Herman
- Unofficial depth charts provided by teams don’t mean much, but the Packers are listing rookie Darnell Savage as a starter at safety. Kruse
- Outside of Jaire there aren’t a ton of players I trust against good receivers/tight ends/backs 1x1 for any significant period of time. Herman
Quarterbacks and WRs:
- Receivers working on their releases at the line of scrimmage. Best routes: Adams Allison Shepherd T. Davis J. Davis. Herman
- DeShone Kizer still struggling. On left out route to J’Mon Moore, same throw he was late for pick-6 to Tony Brown on Family Night, Kizer was way early. Threw well before Moore broke. Also had PBU to Ty Summers (Kumerow), and threw out of bounds rolling left to open Robert Tonyan. Wood
- Boyle’s turn, throws low & incomplete to Lazard. Herman
- Trevor Davis finds himself wide open on a crossser off play action. Nice gain. Herman
- Beautiful and I mean beautiful deep ball from Rodgers to MVS up the sideline. Big 40+ yard pass and catch. MVS beat Tony Brown. Herman
- Aaron Rodgers’ deep ball accuracy + MVS speed could be a special combo. Just connected on what would have been a 60 yard TD despite safety help. Hodkiewicz [Editorial: Could be, hasn’t been, great if it does happen]
- Nice jet sweet to MVS, well blocked and well executed. Herman
Tight Ends:
Running Backs:
- Vitale with a monster blitz pickup. Herman
- Dexter Williams drop. Herman
- Danny Vitale just ran a seam route out of the backfield for a big gain. Sound the alarm!!! Herman
- Tre Carson, not Dexter Williams with the 1s at running backs it start today. Herman
Defensive Backs:
- Tony Brown gets the start at CB with King out. Herman
- Chandon Sullivan continues a very impressive camp with a pbu against Allen Lazard. Herman
- Sliding up the depth chart, UDFA CB Kabion Ento getting second-team reps alongside Ka’Dar Hollman. Ento, the former WR, has had a decent start to camp. A guy worth watching. Wood
Safety:
- Offense goes quick snap from the huddle & the defense cares not as Josh Jones fires off the line for a sack. Very poor session for Kizer & the offense. Herman
- Jamerson w/ a blitz/sack. Boyle throws anyway, great pass, Rouse rips it out. Herman
- Amos shoots thorough for a sack on a blitz. Completed to Kumerow well after the play was “dead.” Herman
Linebackers:
- Defense dominating in 3rd round drills. Pettine is unleashing a series of creative blitzes that the offense has not handled well. Oren Burks comes clean for a would be sack. Kizer inaccurate to Moore. Oren Burks frustrated he tipped his blitz to Kizer pre snap. Herman
- Second-year ILB Oren Burks has gotten a ton of reps this camp. He only played 122 snaps as a rookie but it appears he's in line for a much bigger role. Demovsky
- Ty Summers continues his strong play. Should have probably had the pick vs Kizer who had all day and threw right into coverage. His struggles continue. Herman
- Curtis Bolton knows his path to the team is via special teams. Just had a rough rep on blocking drills and knew it. Was pissed at himself after. Herman
- Reggie Gilbert getting some first-team reps for Preston Smith. Lining up opposite Z Smith. Wood [No tweets about Gilbert’s actual play – no pads though today.]
- Rashan Gary drops in coverage and almost picks off Rodgers. Herman
Kicker/STs:
- P JK Scott closes 1-hour, 18-minute practice with 6 punts vs rush: 45 yards, 3.75 seconds 36, 4.53 45, 4.72 49, 4.40 44, 4.52 55, 4.99 Avg: 45.6, 4.48. Wood
- As we saw at the end of last year when he was activated, Jake Kumerow has a role on special teams. Has looked* to be emerging as a guy Shawn Mennenga wants to lean on. Would be important for Kumerow to earn such roles. Owczarski
Offensive/Defensive Line:
- Bulaga has been given a planned day off. Owczarksi
- Rashan Gary just blew up his 2nd play in a row. This time a big run stop. de Beer vs Gary isn’t fair. Herman
- Rashan Gary just blew by de Beer in a millisecond for a quick sack. He’s a freak. Herman [Different play than above.]
- Time could be coming to get Gary some first team snaps. He just blew up second play of twos. Hodkiewicz
- Gary vs. Bakhtiari and finds it’s not quite so easy against 69 as it is de Beer and Light. Herman
- First-team reps for Elgton Jenkins at LG today, per Larry (McCarren). Kruse
- Alex Light is having some issues with Za’Darius Smith thus far in team. Owczarski
- Za’Darius just schooled Alex Light. Herman
- Another high snap, Will Redmond on the corner blitz scoops it up and would have had a touchdown easily. I believe that was Cole Madison who snapped high. Herman [At least 2nd high snap: Madison had a high snap on Thursday.]
- Cole Madison sails a snap over Manny Wilkins’ head in shotgun. That’s been a problem for him. Silverstein [Same as above, I think.]
- High snaps continue to be an issue. Herman
- Madison worked on exchange off to side with Manny Wilkins off to side during Family Night and snapping pre practice to Elgton Jenkins now. Hodkiewicz
Overall/Miscellaneous:
- Rodgers loves him (Kumerow). LaFleur loves him. Beat Jaire for a huge play tonight. Played all the snaps with the No. 1 offense and made a nice back-shoulder catch in the two-minute drill. Barring an injury, Jake Kumerow is going to be on the 53. Kruse
- Trevor Davis [has changed my mind the most]. He looks like a legit receiver option in this offense & he’s been sooo good. Herman
- LaFleur said Trevor Davis and Billy Turner stood out during Family Night. Kruse
- Tom Brady signs extension. Gets an $8 million or so pay raise but NE gets about $5M in cap relief. Demovsky
- Practice standouts today: Rashan Gary!!! Za’Darius Smith Mike Pettine Danny Vitale David Bakhtiari Ty Summers Chandon Sullivan Adrian Amos. Herman
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Comments (29)
Thegreatreynoldo
August 04, 2019 at 10:30 pm
I chose to use Rashan Gary's photo at the top of the article. He is destroying the #2 offensive linemen and was able to drop back into coverage.
Danny Vitale was a close second choice. He picked up a blitz beautifully today and ran a seam route out of the backfield for big yards. Those are important attributes, in my opinion. As it happens, Zack Kruse has a great article that leaves very little doubt about Vitale making the roster, based on quotes from HC LaFleur, who said he mentioned that he studied ways to use Vitale while preparing for his job interview. GB is going to have a FB, most likely. Partial link below.
Many would have chosen a photo of Kevin King, who was held out of practice (and will be out for at least a while) due to his hamstring injury. The photo for me is about who is doing well in practice, so I chose Gary
packerswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/04/matt-lafleur-on-packers-fb-danny-vitale-hes-been-awesome/?utm_source=smg&utm_medium=wasabi&utm_content=home-hero.
sonomaca
August 04, 2019 at 11:32 pm
King might be headed for 8 week PUP. Was this unexpected? I don’t think so. Sounds as if they have some useful young corners, though.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 05, 2019 at 12:02 am
Strictly speaking, King is not eligible for the PUP list since he has practiced. He is a candidate for the IR, and GB will have two returns from IR to use during the season.
Although Demovsky took a dim view (and may have some insider knowledge), we don't know if King's hammy recovery time should be measured in days or weeks at this time.
GBPDAN1
August 05, 2019 at 04:02 am
I'm beginning to lose all hope for King. He can't even make it through training camp in one piece with basically no hitting. He's such a fragile China doll. Packers best hope is that Tony Brown and Ka'Dar Hollman blossom because this guy can't be counted on to tie his shoes with out being injured. I'm already crossing him off the roster in my mind ( as I don't expect him to play more than a handful of games) and looking forward to seeing what Brown and Hollman can do.
NickPerry
August 05, 2019 at 04:25 am
It would also be nice if Josh Jackson started to practice. I mean Damn... Who cares if they switch a few guys titles around on the training staff if they're the SAME Guys?
SO frustrating!
carlos
August 05, 2019 at 06:22 am
Unfortunately GPDan, I think you are right. Maybe look into a established vet in some fashion. Hate to say trade, but that might be the only way to get a good corner. Some good prospects, but not much experience.
Tundraboy
August 05, 2019 at 08:32 am
I think I'm crossing him off as well. I understand that when you're recovering from one injury sometimes it's easy to pick up other ones as well, but if I'm recovering from a shoulder for the last 2 years I'm making damn sure the rest of my body is in Tip-Top shape. I mean what was the guy doing during the off-season.
My other theory is that maybe with all the new guys in camp he tried to do a little bit too much too soon. But again a lot of guys do this so why was he not in prime shape coming into camp.
albert999
August 04, 2019 at 10:42 pm
Dump king
josefK
August 04, 2019 at 10:55 pm
du calme Albert - I would advise valerian tea.
King will be very useful in our superbowl run
albert999
August 05, 2019 at 08:56 am
whatever tea your drinking my friend give me some
super bowl run? Have to make the playoffs first and by then king will have sat out most of the games and be in no shape/health or football ready to make any difference.
He’s a liability at this point with continuous injuries and must be dumped or traded
Thegreatreynoldo
August 05, 2019 at 02:18 am
"Best routes: Adams Allison Shepherd T. Davis J. Davis. Herman"
Interesting. Good route runners tend to remain in the NFL in some capacity. I expect all of the above to be on the 53-man roster or receive a PS offer. Jawill Davis (6'.07", 191 lbs., 39" vertical, 4.37 forty pro day speed) has made some tough catches early, and has a chance as well.
NickPerry
August 05, 2019 at 04:27 am
The Packers HAVE to address the back-up QB position if Kiser doesn't REALLY pick it up in the games.
carlos
August 05, 2019 at 06:43 am
The holes, which all teams have, are starting to show up. Mostly due to injury or no decent backups. I’m looking at Kings hammy and think,”What next.” The negative side of me. A good backup QB needs to emerge, RB’s hurting and not getting reps, etc. A lot of work to be done yet and very early in camp yet. I am keeping my fingers crossed on the injury front and suspect some player movement. Go Pack!!
Tundraboy
August 05, 2019 at 08:33 am
NP, Yep!
stockholder
August 05, 2019 at 06:47 am
I think the packers still need to address the OL. It's just not working out. * Jenkins working with the ones at LG. * Taylor second string. Stupid. I would put Turner at LG. Forget backing up Bulaga. It was a mess with Taylor there the last two years. Give Madison his chance at RG. Bulaga into his maintenance program? 2020 pick at RT coming. Spriggs. What a bust. Kings injury is paving the way for Brown. Jackson, Spriggs, King, same names, same problem. It's time the packers just get away from guys that have the lingering injuries.
albert999
August 05, 2019 at 08:59 am
COULDNT AGREE MORE
dobber
August 05, 2019 at 09:18 am
So let me get this straight: the OL is healthy, they haven't played a game, yet, but it's just not working out?
...why would you put Turner at LG, aside from being argumentative?
...of course they're going to be thinking on a replacement for Bulaga in 2020: he has no contract!
Leatherhead
August 05, 2019 at 09:28 am
Taylor is a pretty good guard who battled through injuries last year. We didn't pay Turner $7 million/year to play guard....he's our RT of the future. I just hope the future isn't this year.
If they really think Jenkins is an upgrade over Taylor, then they should go with that.
dobber
August 05, 2019 at 10:09 am
Based on Taylor not being a great fit for the blocking schemes we've been told LaFfy wants to employ, and a sub-par 2018, my initial thought was that LG would be Jenkins' most direct route (aside from injury) to playing time. I'm surprised they seem to have waited this long to test him over there.
As for Turner, we keep hearing that he's not being paid that money to be a guard. Maybe. At this point, his $7M AAV--if we want to look at that--puts him 19th for OG in 2019 (upper third), but his cap hit is under $4.5M which is 28th overall for OG in 2019: middle of the pack. The cash value on his deal in 2019 is top 5 because that new cash is accounted for by his bonus which is new money collected up front.
After that, his cash value drops into the 20s and his cap hit for 2020 is coming in large part from a roster bonus. His cap hit escalates in 2021, 2022, but we need to keep in mind that there are fewer contracts signed for those years, so his ranking naturally increases. An $8.1M cap hit in 2022 ranks 10th currently. I'd be surprised if he's much inside the top 20 by that time...if he's even still playing for the Packers.
With Turner, it seems more people are concerned with the speculation, but I think it's accurate to say that the contract is not out of line with OGs.
stockholder
August 05, 2019 at 09:37 am
The Guards were the problem for the last 2 years. Turner at LG ends the 2 years of Taylor, who is now practicing with the second team. Turner is not going to RT. Especially Barclay etc. there. Keep the LG question mark in mind. Taylor was a RG before LG.
flackcatcher
August 05, 2019 at 06:42 pm
Taylor played thru two years of injuries that would put any other player on the IR. With the way TC is set up, there is very little time to experiment with position switches, so coaches do what they can in the off season and in OTA before they install their systems and schemes. Taylor with the no.2 is not unexpected having not practiced until yesterday. Thanks to the cut down TC the hard truth is these coaches do not know their players strength and weakness just yet. Taylor is another player the O line coach needs to see play to get a real grasp of his skill set as an O lineman. Plus I bet the coaches do not know who will be their core players or critical backups yet on offense. While the Packers like most NFL teams do not like to do this, with how thin the O line is, if Taylor starts he will a the first player shifted to either tackle slot. Pending Spriggs, the Packers have no backups for both tackle positions, and only McCray for the guard portions. So seeing how Taylor is on the field is an utter necessary for this team. I bet the Packers O line coaches are going nuts looking over camp video trying to figure out who the core backups are going to be. So much talent, and not a clue on how to use them. Wonderful......
flackcatcher
August 05, 2019 at 06:53 am
Looking closely at the kicking situation. Fricken may have kicked himself off the 53 without Crosby on the field. Pushing to the right is a major technical issue that Fricken still has not corrected. But still, Crosby's salary and age are major 'red flags', so the Packers have given Fricken every chance to depose Crosby. I'm a Crosby man, but as the football types say, "It's a game time decision".
dobber
August 05, 2019 at 09:19 am
I think you're right: if they're going to challenge Crosby beyond Ficken, they'll need to find someone ASAP (or wait 'til cutdowns). Waiting and going into games that count with a new kicker would be a dicey proposition.
greengold
August 05, 2019 at 07:48 am
While I'm disappointed with King's injury, again, I think they've stocked our defensive backfield with a good amount of quality depth. I'm not the least bit concerned with coverage with King out.
Ka'Dar Hollman, Kablon Ento, Tony Brown and Chandon Sullivan all seem to know what they are doing out there, and none of them look out of place. The game isn't too big for any of them. Hats off to Gutekunst again, for taking this area of weakness, and in two years making it what appears to be a strength.
Tony Brown seems the logical starter opposite Alexander in this case, and the other guys will all get their turns when we use 5 or 6 DBs.
dobber
August 05, 2019 at 09:28 am
It's not just the King injury, but also the fact that Jackson hasn't practiced yet, either. That's 2 of your top 4 (arguably) who are in doubt. Not the way you want to start your season.
Since'61
August 05, 2019 at 08:37 am
TGR appreciate all of your hard work. Jackson and now King have been and will miss many reps this preseason. Hopefully Brown and Holman can step up.
Distressing news about the poor ground game so far. If MLF is going to depend on play action the running game needs to get on track or it will be the AR to Adams show again in 2019.
Good to hear that the defense looks pretty solid so far. 31 days to the Bears. Go Pack Go!
Thanks, Since ‘61
Lare
August 05, 2019 at 09:01 am
Thanks TGR.
It'll be interesting to see how they do against the Texans. It's kind of a Catch-22 practicing against your own team- you want them both to do good so if the running game isn't working it's a good sign that the run defense is working.
LambeauPlain
August 05, 2019 at 09:22 am
Keep waiting to hear about RBs Grant and Hall...especially with Williams out, AJ taking some days off, and Dexter Williams getting demoted to the "2's" with Tra Carson running with the starters.
Maybe the new backs are still struggling with the playbook but I thought Grant would be a quick study, having played for Hackett the last few years.
But Vitale continues his camp in the spotlight. He was a stud at Northwestern but he never found a role in Tampa Bay or Cleveland at the infrequently used FB position, although Cleveland was preparing to increase his role when he hurt his calf.
At the 2016 combine he ran a 4.6, and was a top performer on the bench (30 reps), vertical (38.5") and in the 20 and 60 yd shuttles. He can run, catch, pick up blitzes. All he needs to improve on is his lead blocking, which isn't all that important with the wide zone run game.
Danny the Muscle Man could be the best Packer FB since Kuuuuuhn!
Grafton44
August 05, 2019 at 09:37 pm
Please explain what PBU means. It was used under the Quarterback/ Wide Receivers notes.
I am a distant relative of Ty Summers. His father is having lunch at my house in St. Louis tomorrow, then he is heading to Green Bay for the Thursday game against the Texans.
I appreciate all the comments about Ty, good and bad, to help me understand how he is doing. Thanks.