GREEN BAY - The Packers' first preseason game is almost here and with that comes decisions to be made on playing time.
After Tuesday's practice scheduled for 11:45 a.m. CT at Nitschke Field, Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff will sit down and chart out how reps will be divided during Thursday night's opener against the Tennessee Titans.
McCarthy said he's already addressed a few of his coaches who have been asking for his thoughts on particular players. For McCarthy, he wants to wait until he sees guys in Tuesday's practice first.
"The biggest thing is today's practice," said McCarthy during his Tuesday morning pre-practice news conference. "This our workload Thursday-type practice (in the regular season), so this will be our longest practice going into the game.
"I just had a bunch of assistant coaches trying to get together one-on-one this morning, you know, 'What are you thinking about this guy? What are you thinking about that guy?' And I'll just tell you what I told all them, let's talk after practice. Because until we get this practice in, it doesn't, we'll see how it sorts out."
There is plenty to be sorted out at several positions this preseason, including competitive battles at backup quarterback, receiver, and throughout the secondary.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst will be paying close attention Thursday night. He also plans to follow the action from the sideline like his predecessor, Ted Thompson, who transitioned to the role of senior advisor the GM this offseason.
"Whether I'll stay there for the next two or three, we'll see," Gutekunst said. "I've always enjoyed watching the game from the top. You can see so much more. But I do think this first one with the young players that we have I'd like to see them interact with our coaches and the stress of the moment."
