 |
www.packers.com | |||
 |
||||
|
return to site | |||
posted 04/23/99
Morning Update - Friday, April 23
The Packers' mandatory post-draft mini-camp opened this morning with a spirited workout lasting nearly two hours. All of the team's draft choices, with the exception of second-round pick Fred Vinson (foot), took part in the practice, which was held inside the Don Hutson Center due to wet field conditions.
Included among those taking part in the workout was wide receiver Robert Brooks, who had sat out the initial mini-camp earlier this month due to offseason back surgery. Brooks moved well throughout the practice and later in the locker room told state media that his back feels fine.
The rookies' day had begun at 6:15 a.m. with a full schedule of activities: equipment fitting, P.R. photos and a whole host of medical examinations, including dental, orthopedic, blood work and EKGs.
Head Coach Ray Rhodes announced after the practice that two undrafted free agents, linebacker Aaron Adams of LSU and offensive lineman Todd Neimeyer of Missouri, had failed their physical examinations and would not be with the team. Rhodes also said that two other players, running back Basil Mitchell of Texas Christian and cornerback Andre Dixon of Northeastern, were forced to miss Friday morning's workout while undergoing additional x-rays. He was hopeful of having them on the field this afternoon.
Rhodes indicated that linebacker Brian Williams would not take part in this mini-camp after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday.
Beginning with Friday morning's practice, guards Marco Rivera and Raleigh McKenzie, an offseason free agent acquisition, swapped spots. Rivera, who started 15 games at left guard in 1998, moved to right guard, while McKenzie went to left guard after working at right guard in the club's initial mini-camp. Rhodes indicated that the move was initiated after both players expressed a preference to play the opposite side.
Kicker Ryan Longwell worked with three different holders - quarterbacks Rick Mirer and Matt Hasselbeck, plus rookie punter Josh Bidwell - during an eight-kick special teams period midway through practice. While the special teams session was taking place, quarterbacks coach Mike McCarthy was with Aaron Brooks, one of two fourth-round draft choices, working on Brooks' drops and footwork.
Another kicker, Fred Galecke of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, is participating in this mini-camp on a tryout basis. In a similar situation is Michael Vaughn, a wide receiver who played collegiately at Alabama. Neither has been signed to a contract, though that remains a future possibility, as was the case with running back Brent Moss following the last mini-camp.