Shields, Porter Not Returning Punts

The rookie cornerback and running back didn't take part in punt return practice this morning, but rookie wide receiver Chastin West did.

GREEN BAY – If this morning's training camp practice was any indication, undrafted rookies Sam Shields and Quinn Porter will no longer be returning punts.

During a special teams segment of the 8:45 a.m. practice, neither player took part in a four-man rotation catching punts from a JUGS machine during a session in which the focus was on the transition from defending the punt to blocking for the returner.

While Shields and Porter did not take part in receiving punts, fellow undrafted rookie Chastin West did. He joined a group that included Will Blackmon, Tramon Williams and Jordy Nelson.

This may have ended an experiment with Shields as a returner that dates back to offseason practices during OTAs. He, without question, has dropped more kicks than any other person on the roster during practice dating back to May.

Shields had a poor showing on both kick and punt returns during the first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns in which he muffed one kick and fumbled away one punt. He had two punt returns for a total of 1 yard and one kick return for 13 yards.

Porter hasn't had nearly the problems Shields has had when it comes to catching the ball, but he certainly hasn't been on the same level as the veterans either. He had one punt return for 4 yards and one kick return for 22 yards in the Browns game.

Shields and Porter had been returning punts during practice as recently as Tuesday.

Blackmon has been a steadying influence at the position when he's been available as a guy that is both comfortable cradling the ball and showing a spark returning it too, at least in the past. Now he has to show he's recovered from knee surgery last year and can still provide a threat.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said after practice he didn't know if Blackmon would play in the second preseason game in Seattle on Saturday night or not.

"I’ll see how he feels after today," said McCarthy. "He was very positive after Tuesday’s work, had the day off yesterday. From not having practiced, we’ll see how he feels. I’m hoping, I assume he will feel well because the practice was a very high tempo."

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Comments (25)

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Asshalo's picture

August 19, 2010 at 04:03 pm

Porter looked pretty timid last Saturday with the opportunities he received. Glad they're looking at other options.

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PackerAaron's picture

August 19, 2010 at 04:06 pm

He looked terrible on returns. Terrible.

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Charles Barkley's picture

August 20, 2010 at 02:37 am

Turrble. Just Turrble.

GBP 4 LIFE

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BoxStuffer's picture

August 19, 2010 at 04:19 pm

I'd like to think Shields should still be practicing catching punts and KOs since we're still in the preseason and you can't teach speed, but I guess sometimes you can't teach catching either.
If this move is permanent, it'll be a lot tougher for him to make the roster unless he shows a lot as a CB.

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hyperRevue's picture

August 19, 2010 at 04:20 pm

Is Charles Dillon still on the roster? Has he shown anything in camp?

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hyperRevue's picture

August 19, 2010 at 04:23 pm

I forget what Packer blog recently lobbied for the Packers to sign Larry Beaver (returner/WR recently cut by the Saints).

Thoughts on that?

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hyperRevue's picture

August 19, 2010 at 04:29 pm

Ah, here is the post.

http://packerupdate.net/?p=5906

NCAA Record Holder for return TDs.

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PackersRS's picture

August 19, 2010 at 04:30 pm

So how's Shields doing as a gunner? Or haven't they tried it yet?

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Madman's picture

August 19, 2010 at 04:34 pm

Personally, I'd rather see Shields get the benefit of the doubt at CB. Lee and Blackmon are both chronically injured. I know it's heresey to write Shields over Lee or Blackmon, but if these guys aren't available they have no value.

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Tom's picture

August 19, 2010 at 07:55 pm

I was just thinking, could this move to pull Shields off punt returns have just as much to do with the sparks of potential he's shown at CB? They spent a bunch of time trying to coach him up on on returns, but he's already had a pick 6 in camp and made some nice plays on D... why not let him make a run at the roster by focusing solely on an important position the D has been thin on?

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Jeremy's picture

August 19, 2010 at 04:40 pm

I'm not going to worry about the punt return job just yet because Blackman can step in and do it. I'm worried about Blackman getting the reps he needs to provide depth at safety. We all know what happens with Derrick Martin or Jarrett Bush in there on defense.

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lebowski's picture

August 19, 2010 at 05:11 pm

It's 'Blackmon'. He's Jamaican.

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Charles Barkley's picture

August 20, 2010 at 02:37 am

lol

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FITZCORE1252's picture

August 20, 2010 at 02:38 am

Forgot to change my handle back.

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PresidentRaygun's picture

August 21, 2010 at 10:47 am

Awesome

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BubbaOne's picture

August 19, 2010 at 05:08 pm

Pat Lee had some success last year @ returning. Why isn't he (and Brandon Jackson) getting some reps. Esp w/ the likelihood Tramon won't return kicks if he starts @ CB.

PS---I'd like to see MM use Shields @ WR. Even as a decoy he could open up the field.

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Tarynfor12's picture

August 19, 2010 at 05:58 pm

Bubbaone,stop watching reruns of "Unnessessary Roughness"please.
Jackson had a TD return for us in SCRIMMAGE he's our savior in return game as he will be as our RB if Grant goes down.
Geez we are in trouble.

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pat fermanich's picture

August 19, 2010 at 06:01 pm

put neal back there

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pat fermanich's picture

August 19, 2010 at 06:06 pm

jordy nelson

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packersplanet's picture

August 19, 2010 at 08:28 pm

I'll second that if were talking about kick offs. "stiff hips" Nelson is always good for 20+ yards. Punt returns though, there's got to be someone better.

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PackersRS's picture

August 20, 2010 at 12:57 pm

Agreed.

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eddiemathews's picture

August 20, 2010 at 12:30 am

It has to be Blackmon on punts, if healthy. I had no problem with Nelson on KO; he got to the 40 alot. His problem is that he always goes to the sideline. The KO coverage team could just leave the kicker to cover the middle of the field, and send everybody else to the sidelines.

Most important thing on punt returns: DON'T FUMBLE

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pat fermanich's picture

August 20, 2010 at 03:16 am

free agents nick graham,aron rouse,jamael fudge,aham green,todd watkins

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pat fermanich's picture

August 21, 2010 at 06:34 am

shields you want to be a pro, than act like one you missing your big chance to shine .cant catch the ball. punt returns,kick off returns. wheres the coach cant find no one again this season to get it done just like the punting to trade for a kick returner.

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pat fermanich's picture

August 22, 2010 at 08:47 pm

after practice shields should work on if there is one . have batting machine have a football mach. throw shields 100 passes and than a kicking machine at least 100 before he leaves practice than the passes he misses take a lap around lambeau than in locker room on black board right I will catch every pass. than you are excused from practice my little buddy shields

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