 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 Training Camp Blog
Throughout training camp, be sure to check the Packers.com Training Camp Blog as we provide updates of everything going on -- both on and off the field -- around the Packers training facilities: Lambeau Field, Ray Nitschke Field and the Don Hutson Center.
As always, Packers.com is your official source for Green Bay Packers news.
|
Tuesday Post-Practice Update
September 01, 2009, 12:41 pm |
 |
News & Notes
Tuesday's non-pads workout was the final practice open to the public for the season. Afterwards, the fans gave the players a round of applause and Coach McCarthy praised the atmosphere the fans provided at the new Nitschke Field.
For the second straight day, crowd noise was piped in during team periods to simulate a road game. Also for the second straight day, CBs Al Harris and Charles Woodson took their team reps with the scout team, another indication they aren't going to play Thursday in Tennessee. Coach McCarthy confirmed they would sit out the game.
During short-yardage and goal-line defense, the Packers' four down defensive linemen with the starting unit were Cullen Jenkins, Johnny Jolly, Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji. According to the players' listed weights, that's a total of 1,307 pounds anchoring the middle of the line, or about 327 pounds per guy.
In what was the most physical training camp of the McCarthy era, it was only fitting there was one last skirmish during the final workout. This one was between G Daryn Colledge and DE Ronald Talley, who tussled briefly after a goal-line play.
Plays of the Day
CB Tramon Williams had two interceptions in team work. One of them came when a ball to FB Korey Hall was overthrown and Williams, covering a different receiver behind the play, reacted as the ball was coming right at him. On the other, he stepped in front of WR James Jones on a crossing route and made a clean pick.
WR Ruvell Martin made two nice leaping catches in the back corner of the end zone during goal-line work. The first, during 7-on-7, came over CB Joe Porter and the second, during team, was snatched over Williams.
Jones also made a leaping TD catch during 7-on-7 on a deep ball from QB Brian Brohm. In tight double coverage by Williams and LB Brandon Chillar, Jones jumped and hauled in the long pass while falling on his backside in the end zone.
TE Evan Moore had a few sharp catches over the middle during team work as well.
Injury/participation update
G/T T.J. Lang (foot) and LB Desmond Bishop (toe) both returned to practice and are expected to play Thursday.
QB Matt Flynn (shoulder) did not practice and is not expected to play quarterback in Tennessee, though he will hold for field goals.
Remaining out of practice and unable to play Thursday are S Charlie Peprah (knee), CB Will Blackmon (quad), RB Brandon Jackson (ankle), S Aaron Rouse (hamstring), WR Greg Jennings (head) and DE Justin Harrell (back).
***
Now posted: Coach McCarthy's press conference transcript, plus today's feature story on CB Brandon Underwood and the Training Camp Report |
|
Monday Post-Practice Update
August 31, 2009, 3:19 pm |
|
News & Notes
The players practiced in full pads for the only time this week. There is one more practice open to the public, on Tuesday at 10:15 a.m.
B.J. Raji got work at nose tackle in addition to his regular defensive end duties. Raji could play in both spots on Thursday night.
Breno Giacomini took some reps at LT with the No. 1 offensive line while Chad Clifton took a couple of breaks during team drills.
QB Matt Flynn did only light throwing again in the jog-through, but he also returned to his regular holding duties on field goals. K Mason Crosby, after a 1-for-3 performance last Friday, was 8-for-8 on field goals ranging from 25 to 50 yards with Flynn holding. The last three kicks were from 48, 48 and 50.
The defense won both segments of the 2-minute drill. The No. 1 offense didn't even get a first down, as Aaron Rodgers completed just one short pass and was incomplete three straight times to end the drive. Brian Brohm had a little more success, hitting passes to TE Evan Moore, WR Brett Swain, WR Kole Heckendorf (on fourth down to keep the drive alive) and TE Spencer Havner to get the ball all the way inside the 15. But on the final snap, he threw incomplete in the end zone and time ran out.
Plays of the Day
On the first two snaps of team red-zone work, CB Charles Woodson and S Anthony Smith intercepted Rodgers' passes. The defenders were supposed to be a scout team, but the DBs clearly knew the routes the WRs were running. Later, Smith had another INT when a pass for WR James Jones on a crossing route deflected off his hands and into Smith's.
Heckendorf made a couple of nice diving catches on low throws on slant routes. FB Korey Hall made a nice grab deep down the middle between two defenders on a pass from Brohm, and on the last play of 7-on-7, WR Ruvell Martin made a tough leaping catch on a lob from Brohm in the back of the end zone against tight coverage.
Injury/participation update
Rookie OL T.J. Lang sat out practice with a foot injury, and McCarthy said the medical staff is doing more tests on the injury. Andrew Hartline and Tony Moll took Lang's reps at LG with the No. 2 and 3 offensive lines.
LB Desmond Bishop sat out practice again. His injury wasn't specified, but he missed time last week with a toe problem.
DE Michael Montgomery practiced with a large club cast on his broken left hand.
Remaining out were S Charlie Peprah (knee), CB Will Blackmon (quad), RB Brandon Jackson (ankle), S Aaron Rouse (hamstring), WR Greg Jennings (head) and DE Justin Harrell (back).
***
Now posted: Press conference transcripts for GM Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy
Today's feature story on WR Jordy Nelson, plus the Training Camp Report |
|
Sunday Post-Practice Update
August 30, 2009, 4:52 pm |
|
News & Notes
The players returned to the field for a one-hour jog-through-only practice, without pads. The team has two more public workouts -- Monday at 10:45 a.m. and Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. -- before practices will be closed for the remainder of the season.
LB Clay Matthews took some reps with the No. 1 nickel defense. Matthews (hamstring) has yet to play in a preseason game and is looking to make his debut on Thursday at Tennessee, as is LB Nick Barnett.
QB Matt Flynn made some short throws in practice for the first time since injuring his shoulder vs. Buffalo on Aug. 22. McCarthy said he has a chance to play Thursday.
TE/LB Spencer Havner continued to work as a tight end, his primary practice position for the past couple of weeks.
Injury/participation update
CB Pat Lee (back) returned to practice for the first time in three weeks, working with the No. 2 defense. McCarthy said he's "hopeful" Lee can play this week for the first time this preseason.
S Atari Bigby (thumb) and DE Michael Montgomery (hand) were injured in Friday's game but did take part in the jog-through. Montgomery might be able to play Thursday without any kind of club cast on his hand.
WR Greg Jennings (head) and RB Brandon Jackson (ankle) did not practice. Jennings won't play Thursday but should be fine for the season opener against Chicago, McCarthy said. Jackson's injury is more significant than initially thought and he doesn't appear likely to play this week.
Also out were S Charlie Peprah (knee), CB Will Blackmon (quad), S Aaron Rouse (hamstring), and DE Justin Harrell (back). Blackmon is considered questionable to doubtful for this week.
P Durant Brooks, LB Stryker Sulak and WR JaRon Harris did not participate in practice and were excused, McCarthy said.
***
Now posted: Coach McCarthy's press conference transcript, plus today's feature story and Training Camp Report |
|
Wednesday Post-Practice Update
August 26, 2009, 1:39 pm |
|
News & Notes
In their final public workout before heading to Arizona on Thursday, the players were in shells for a non-contact practice.
Both sides of the ball worked a lot on short-yardage and goal-line situations. When the offense was working against the scout team defense, crowd noise was piped in to simulate being the road team.
With the release of C/G Duke Preston, the No. 2 offensive line now consists of LT Tony Moll, LG T.J. Lang, C Scott Wells, RG Evan Dietrich-Smith and RT Breno Giacomini.
DE B.J. Raji continued to rotate with DE Johnny Jolly with the No. 1 defense. McCarthy said Raji would play 20-25 snaps on Friday night in Arizona.
Plays of the Day
The defense got its hands on a lot of passes Wednesday, particularly during 7-on-7 work. Three times CB Al Harris batted down passes in 7-on-7 before finally getting an INT in the final team period of practice. LB Brad Jones tipped, juggled and ultimately picked off a pass for WR Kole Heckendorf, while S Nick Collins nearly had an interception but the ball was punched out from behind by FB Korey Hall. LB Brandon Chillar made perhaps the niftiest play, pulling in a one-handed scoop just off the turf for an interception on a pass deflected by TE Evan Moore.
On offense, QB Aaron Rodgers hit WR James Jones deep down the right sideline for a big gain in team work. Rodgers also found WR Jordy Nelson for a long one during 7-on-7. RB Tyrell Sutton got a lucky TD reception during goal-line work, catching a pass that LB Brad Jones deflected high into the air at the line of scrimmage.
Injury/participation update
LBs Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Desmond Bishop (toe) returned to practice. Matthews took all of his reps at right outside linebacker. He hasn't played in a preseason game yet and won't until the finale next week at Tennessee.
Remaining out were QB Matt Flynn (shoulder), CBs Pat Lee (back) and Will Blackmon (quad), Ss Charlie Peprah (knee) and Aaron Rouse (hamstring), and DE Justin Harrell (back).
***
Now posted: Coach McCarthy's press conference transcript
Today's feature story on RB Ryan Grant and the Training Camp Report |
|
Tuesday Post-Practice Update
August 25, 2009, 3:02 pm |
|
News & Notes
The players were in full pads for the only time this week before Friday night's game. Practice was moved inside after the first 1 1/2 hours because of a developing rainstorm, and the final hour of the workout was in the Don Hutson Center.
With CB Will Blackmon (quad) out, the punt returners during special teams work were WRs Jordy Nelson and Brett Swain, CB Tramon Williams and S Nick Collins. RB Tyrell Sutton and Williams were the kickoff returners.
With QB Matt Flynn (shoulder) and P Durant Brooks (hip) out, WR Ruvell Martin took over as the holder for K Mason Crosby. Martin held for a series of field goals and didn't appear to have any problems.
The two-minute drill didn't go well for the offense. Trailing 21-17 with 1:27 to go, QB Aaron Rodgers was just 2-of-7 passing and the defense came out on top. Rodgers hit WR James Jones for 24 yards to pick up a first down, but his only other completion was for 4 yards to TE Donald Lee. That set up a fourth-and-6 from the defense's 32-yard line, and Rodgers' pass deep over the middle to Lee was incomplete, ending the drive.
Plays of the Day
On the first snap of 11-on-11 red zone work, Rodgers hit WR Donald Driver on a post for a 20-yard TD. QB Brian Brohm connected for back-to-back scores, one to WR JaRon Harris on a crossing route, and another on a lob toward the back of the end zone to Martin. Also, TE Evan Moore made a nifty one-handed catch with his left hand on a short throw from Brohm. Moore is still practicing with a taped-up broken finger on his right hand.
On defense, S Atari Bigby got an interception when a deep ball down the middle for WR Kole Heckendorf was deflected into his mitts. CB Al Harris also had an interception, stepping in front of Harris on a slant route and making an aggressive play on the ball. LB Brad Jones nearly picked off Rodgers, leaping on a throw over the middle and getting two hands on it, but only batting it down.
Injury/participation update
New to the injury list is LB Desmond Bishop, who sat out with a bruised toe.
In addition to Blackmon, Brooks and Flynn, remaining out were CB Pat Lee (back), S Charlie Peprah (knee), S Aaron Rouse (hamstring), LB Clay Matthews (hamstring) and DE Justin Harrell (back).
***
Now posted: Press conference transcripts from GM Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy
Today's feature story on OLB Brady Poppinga, plus the Training Camp Report |
|
Monday Evening Post-Practice Update
August 24, 2009, 9:16 pm |
|
News & Notes
The players returned to the practice field for a shells (non-padded) workout. The 11-on-11 periods were not as competitive as usual without full contact.
The No. 1 offensive line for the duration of practice was as follows: RT Allen Barbre, RG Josh Sitton, C Jason Spitz, LG Daryn Colledge, LT Chad Clifton
P Jeremy Kapinos continued to take all the punting reps with Durant Brooks (hip) out. Punting with strong wind during the special teams period, Kapinos boomed two punts 60 yards or so, and another nearly 60. Others weren't as long, but most of his punts had decent hang time.
DE Johnny Jolly continued to work with the No. 1 base defense and the top nickel package. Rookie B.J. Raji rotated in and got some reps there as well.
Injury/participation update
LB Nick Barnett was a full participant in practice for the first time. There wasn't full contact, but Barnett was in team (11-on-11) periods with the No. 1 defense.
LB Jeremy Thompson also returned to full participation in practice. He had been out the past couple of weeks with a shoulder stinger.
Sitting out or limited in practice were QB Matt Flynn (shoulder), CB Pat Lee (back), S Charlie Peprah (knee), CB Will Blackmon (quad), S Aaron Rouse (hamstring), TE Devin Frischknecht (shin), LB Clay Matthews (hamstring) and DE Justin Harrell (back).
***
Now posted: Coach McCarthy's press conference transcript, plus today's feature story on the offensive line and the Training Camp Report |
|
Thursday Evening Post-Practice Update
August 20, 2009, 8:51 pm |
|
News & Notes
Thursday night's practice wrapped up the final day of two-a-day sessions for training camp. The team was able to work outside on Ray Nitschke Field after practicing inside The Don Hutson Center in the morning due to rain.
The final workout ended 10 minutes early, closing out an hour and 40-minute practice. Head Coach Mike McCarthy said the team had "heavy legs" in their final practice of two-a-days.
DE Johnny Jolly was back working with the No. 1 defense at left end after missing practice this week with an ankle injury. NT B.J. Raji also worked a few reps with the first defense at left end.
K Mason Crosby connected on all of his field-goal attempts, including a long of 52.
Plays of the Night
WR Ruvell Martin extended to make a nice grab over the middle on a pass from QB Matt Flynn during team (11-on-11) work.
S Anthony Smith made a nifty over-the-shoulder interception on the left sideline of a Brian Brohm pass intended for Martin.
QB Aaron Rodgers connected with WR Brett Swain over the middle for a nice pickup.
Injury/participation update
The healthy veterans that were given the morning off - CBs Charles Woodson and Al Harris, LB Aaron Kampman, NT Ryan Pickett, WR Donald Driver and TE Donald Lee - all returned to practice.
The one-a-day participants -- S Atari Bigby, C Scott Wells, LBs Nick Barnett and Brad Jones, T Chad Clifton and DE Cullen Jenkins - were back on the field as well after taking the morning off.
The Packers saw a couple of injured players return to practice, with S Anthony Smith (groin), WRs James Jones (hamstring) and JaRon Harris (groin) and Jolly all back on the field.
S Aaron Rouse dropped out at the end of practice with a hamstring injury. McCarthy said he didn't know the severity of the injury yet but how Rouse felt Friday morning would be a bigger indicator.
LB Desmond Bishop also dropped out of practice early on with an unspecified injury but he did return. McCarthy said he was not on the post-practice injury report.
Remaining out were CB Pat Lee (back), LBs Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Jeremy Thompson (stinger) and DE Justin Harrell (back).
***
Now posted: Today's Training Camp Report |
|
Thursday Morning Post-Practice Update
August 20, 2009, 11:39 am |
|
News & Notes
Due to the rainy weather, practice was moved inside to the Don Hutson Center. A few hundred fans were allowed in to watch practice along the east side of the building. The team was in full pads, though several veterans were given the morning off (see below).
During kickoff return, the top three return men who took turns were CB Will Blackmon, CB Tramon Williams and RB Tyrell Sutton.
Two-way player Spencer Havner was back at outside linebacker on Thursday after working all week at tight end to this point.
Plays of the Day
WR Kole Heckendorf made a few standout catches. He made a leaping catch over the middle on a crossing route from QB Matt Flynn, another leaping catch near the sideline on a comeback route from QB Brian Brohm, and then Flynn hit him in stride down the middle on a post route.
On defense, S/CB Jarrett Bush reached around to break up a pass intended for WR Brett Swain, and on a blitz, Williams and LB Brady Poppinga overwhelmed the protection scheme on the left side for an easy sack.
Injury/participation update
Healthy veterans given the morning off were CBs Charles Woodson and Al Harris, LB Aaron Kampman, NT Ryan Pickett, WR Donald Driver and TE Donald Lee.
Players on a one-a-day schedule -- S Atari Bigby, LBs Nick Barnett and Brad Jones, C Scott Wells, T Chad Clifton and DE Cullen Jenkins -- sat out and are expected to practice in the evening.
New to the injury list is S Anthony Smith (groin). RB Kregg Lumpkin (shoulder) was in full pads but didn't take any full-contact reps, doing rehab work off to the side instead.
Remaining out were CB Pat Lee (back), LBs Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Jeremy Thompson (stinger), WRs JaRon Harris (groin) and James Jones (hamstring), and DEs Justin Harrell (back) and Johnny Jolly (ankle).
Coach McCarthy ruled Matthews and Thompson out for Saturday night's game. He said Jolly could possibly play.
***
Now posted: Coach McCarthy's press conference transcript
Today's feature story on rookie DE Jarius Wynn
Coming later: The Training Camp Report |
|
Thursday Morning Practice Indoors
August 20, 2009, 8:05 am |
|
| Due to the weather, Thursday morning's training camp practice has been moved inside to the Don Hutson Center. |
|
Tuesday Evening Post-Practice Update
August 18, 2009, 9:16 pm |
|
News & Notes
NT/DE B.J. Raji took part in his second practice of camp and was already rotating in to take snaps with the No. 1 base defense as the starting left end and with the No. 1 nickel defense.
The QBs continued a regular drill where they try to loft a deep throw from 40-45 yards into an elevated hoop/net apparatus. No one got one through the hoop Tuesday night, but Aaron Rodgers hit the rim of the hoop on back-to-back throws, eliciting an audible reaction from the crowd.
The offensive line continued not only the rotation of Allen Barbre and Breno Giacomini at RT with the first unit, but also the rotation of all the C-RG combinations involving Scott Wells, Jason Spitz and Josh Sitton.
The majority of the team (11-on-11) work was against scout teams for the offense and defense, as both units prepared for future opponents.
Plays of the Day
CB Charles Woodson had a pair of interceptions, one a diving play on a pass from QB Brian Brohm on a hitch route to WR Jordy Nelson, and the other on a pass from QB Matt Flynn intended for WR Kole Heckendorf. CB Al Harris also had a nice pass break-up along the sideline on a pass from Flynn for Heckendorf.
Speaking of Heckendorf, he made a couple of highlight reel catches, a sliding grab along the sideline after Flynn had scrambled to the right, and a diving catch in the back of the end zone on a pass from Brohm after the QB eluded pressure from Raji and LB Aaron Kampman.
Rodgers had perfect touch on a short lob pass over CB Joe Porter to Nelson in the back of the end zone. S Charlie Peprah picked off a pass from Brohm intended for WR Ruvell Martin.
Injury/participation update
RB Kregg Lumpkin sat out practice with a shoulder sprain that McCarthy said happened in last Saturday's game.
All the players on a one-a-day schedule -- Raji, Wells, S Atari Bigby, LB Brad Jones, T Chad Clifton, DE Cullen Jenkins and NT Ryan Pickett -- returned to full duty in the evening after sitting out in the morning.
LB Nick Barnett continued to do jog-through, individual, and 7-on-7 work only.
Remaining out were CB Pat Lee (back), LBs Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Jeremy Thompson (stinger), WRs JaRon Harris (groin) and James Jones (hamstring), and DEs Justin Harrell (back) and Johnny Jolly (ankle).
***
Now posted: Today's Training Camp Report |
|
| Note: To obtain the URL for a specific blog post, simply click on the at the top of the post. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
