Some Surprises as Packers Officially Open Training Camp

The Green Bay Packers kicked off the 2015 campaign with their first practice of training camp yesterday at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay. There were a few interesting observations as well.

The Green Bay Packers kicked off the 2015 campaign with their first practice of training camp yesterday at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay.

There were a few interesting observations as well.

Perhaps the most eye-opening, and not in a good way, was that second round draft pick Quinten Rollins was put on the PUP (physically unable to perform list) along with three other players.  There was no indication from Head Coach McCarthy what was ailing Rollins or how long he would be out.  His designation however indicated that it was an injury not associated with any team activities.

Also added to the PUP list were OLB Mike Neal, WR Ricky Collins and RB John Crockett. 

Neal is coming off a year in which he seemed to shake the injury bug that had bitten him in the past, but not so to start the 2015 season.  Last season Neal played in 16 games and started three.  There was no indication on when he would return, although McCarthy seemed to indicate that Neal would not miss significant time.

As for Crockett the news was not as rosy when McCarthy suggested that he could be out a while with an unspecified injury.  Crockett the record-setter from North Dakota State, was thought to be firmly in the mix for the third running back position entering training camp.  If Crockett is out for an extended period his chances of making the team will greatly diminish.

The good news is that Jordy Nelson, recovering from off-season hip surgery, was cleared to practice with no restrictions.  During his post-practice news conference McCarthy was glowing about Nelson who he indicted “didn’t miss a beat” from last season.

Last year Jared Abbredaris didn’t make it through training camp before being added to season-ending Injured Reserve with an ACL tear.  Abbredaris was cleared medically to be able to take part in the first session of training camp, but couldn’t make through practice before he was seen gingerly leaving the field.  It appeared the he fell hard on his tail bone and it had nothing to do with his previous injury.

Andrew Quarless who is facing gun charges in Florida and possible discipline from the NFL was absent for personal reasons and there was no time-table on his return to the team.  McCarthy indicated it was a tough personal issue and Quarless had been given as much time as needed to resolve the issue suggesting that it was not related to his Miami gun-related charges.

Clay Matthews and Sam Barrington started inside and Nate Palmer had extended playing time when Matthews slid outside.  Palmer appears to have earned the trust of the coaching staff and all indications are that he will earn playing time in the regular rotation.  McCarthy has been openly complementary of Palmer when speaking to the press.

Casey Hayward as expected opened up as the starting cornerback opposite Sam Shields in what will be his position to lose.  Speaking of Shields there was a minor scare when he left the field in what appeared to be a foot injury but returned later and looked none the worse for the wear.

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Comments (11)

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Amanofthenorth's picture

July 31, 2015 at 07:10 am

Minor scare? For many, that would be fear.

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croatpackfan's picture

July 31, 2015 at 07:17 am

I'm sorry for John Crockett and Abby. Let's hope nothing serious for Abby. I really think he could shine in PR. Hopefully he will...

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Evan's picture

July 31, 2015 at 07:28 am

Another surprise was Blanchard working ahead of Hundley.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

July 31, 2015 at 12:55 pm

If this was for the #2 QB position it would be a surprise.

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Evan's picture

July 31, 2015 at 02:33 pm

Ok...I guess I'm not surprised then.

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egbertsouse's picture

July 31, 2015 at 01:17 pm

Abby--Concussion, 3rd one. This one in a no contact, unpadded practice. Uh-oh.......

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dobber's picture

August 01, 2015 at 05:20 am

...aaaaaand the question of 5 WR or 6 on the opening day roster has suddenly clarified a little bit more.

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Point-Packer's picture

July 31, 2015 at 02:55 pm

Mike Neal is hurt. No way.

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Razor's picture

July 31, 2015 at 05:56 pm

I just don't understand how the coaches put up with players who can't stay on the field. All the talent in the world is useless if you're not on the field AND the coaches are spending time on players who are unreliable. Why waste the time....especially Neal and now Abbraderis.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

July 31, 2015 at 06:54 pm

1) When healthy (I know...I knowwww - it's not often) they're actually talented and can be difference makers. (Excluding Abby, obviously. Has only been in the league for 1 season.)

2) Cheap.

3) Round drafted.

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Jeff Hayes's picture

July 31, 2015 at 08:31 pm

Rollins has a tweaked hammy and they are being cautious with him he will be back soon!

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