GREEN BAY – Head Coach Mike McCarthy on Tuesday morning did not have any update on the injuries to linebacker Jake Ryan and safety Kentrell Brice, who were carted off the field during Monday's practice.
"Jake Ryan, he's going through testing right now, and Kentrell will obviously not practice today," McCarthy said. "I don't have timelines on either one of them."
Regarding their potential replacements, for however long Ryan and Brice are out, McCarthy complimented the early work in camp of second-year safety Josh Jones, and he's looking for rapid growth from a young inside linebacker group behind third-year pro and leader Blake Martinez.
"I think Josh has come back rejuvenated. I like the camp Josh is having," McCarthy said.
"The young (linebackers), stating the obvious, there's opportunity in front of them. You want to see them step up these next practices. (Numbers) five, six, seven, eight are important. The majority of the install is in, between 70-80 percent on both sides of the ball. It's a heavy situational emphasis, and you want to see those young linebackers grow through this. Their instincts, playing fast, are all important components."
McCarthy also noted there are no concerns with defensive tackle Mike Daniels, who dropped out of Monday's practice early.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst also addressed the media for the first time in camp, coincidentally right after the first injury issues cropped up.
As much as he hates to see any players go down, Gutekunst's message was "the train doesn't stop," and the Packers will have to adjust and move on. That said, he didn't indicate there were any imminent veteran signings to replace the players who are hurt.
"Watching Ted (Thompson) all these years go through the scenarios, the best practice is patience," Gutekunst said. "We've got some young players who have shown promise out there. We'll let them grow into those roles and see what we have.
"At the same time, we're always preparing for anything."
Gutekunst had no update on the personal issue that is keeping rookie offensive lineman and fifth-round draft pick Cole Madison away from camp. He gave no timeline or expected report date.
There was also nothing new to report on the negotiations for a contract extension with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
"Russ (Ball) and Dave Dunn are working on it," Gutekunst said. "Everyone feels the same. We all want to get something done.
"As long as everyone is working toward the same goal, we feel positive about it."
With the annual Family Night practice coming up at the end of the week, Gutekunst said he probably won't watch it much differently than he has in the past as a scout and personnel director.
He does appreciate the atmosphere provided for evaluating players.
"You're still looking for the same things – the competition, how they handle the moment, can they function in that environment," he said. "Family Night gives us a great environment that most teams can't replicate in a practice. That's a benefit to us."
