Closed Practice Brief: August 25, 2019

Closed Practice Brief: August 25, 2019

Injuries, Usage, Formations, Personnel:

  • A total of 16 Packers not practicing: Allen Lazard (unknown), Eq St. Brown (ankle), Kevin King (hamstring), Mike Tyson (unknown), Ibraheim Campbell (knee), Curtis Bolton (knee), Oren Burks (pectoral), Malcolm Johnson (unknown), Ento (hamstring), Gary (unknown) Roberts (abdomen – PUP), Madison (unknown), Bakhtiarie (unknown), Graham (finger), Gilbert (knee).  Hollman and Vitale returned to practice.  Demovsky
  • Returning are Hollman and Sternberger.  Silverstein
  • Danny Vitale, Ka’dar Hollman and Jace Sternberger returned to practice today. Vitale especially noteworthy. Back in time to claim a spot on the 53.  Wood
  • Claimed off waivers: ILB Nicholas Grigsby (23 career NFL games with the Lions, Patriots and Rams). Signed: OLB James Folston (rookie), CB Jocquez Kalili (rookie). Waived: S Josh Jones (non-football illness).  Demovsky
  • Rashan Gary was up and about in the Packers locker room today, looking and feeling good after a scary collision in Winnipeg.  Owczarski
  • Blake Martinez said he didn't travel to the Oakland game because he wanted to get his back checked out. It had been a bit of a bother during camp so he wanted to make sure nothing was wrong. Tests revealed no issues, he said, and he was back on the practice field today.  Demovsky
  • Packers LB Curtis Bolton said he doesn't think he has an ACL year but was vague about his prognosis. Also, WR Allen Lazard is in the concussion protocol after leaving Thursday's game vs. Oakland.  Demovsky
  • LB Curtis Bolton said he has no idea how serious his right knee injury is. Doesn’t need crutches anymore, but he thinks it’s not as serious as he initially thought. Still waiting on more tests, but doesn’t think it’s an ACL.  Schneidman
  • Josh Jones was waived with a non-football illness. Told it’s something he’s dealt with for a while and can be managed. It’s not believed to be anything that would prevent him from playing.  [Hypothyroidism, which can be managed with medication.]  Demovsky
  • The Packers will likely scratch 33 or so players again Thurs., and with these last couple releases & current injuries they’re almost at an “active 46” for the preseason finale anyway. LOT of snaps available for bubble guys.  Owczarski
  • Matt LaFleur's challenge this week is both getting the team ready for the regular-season opener, which is less than two weeks ago, but also making final roster evaluations. He mentioned possibly even splitting up the team into two different practices.  Demovsky
  • LaFleur said he was unable to split up practice so that he could make up team reps that were lost in the Raiders game. Said the number of injured players made it tough to do it because of shortages at a few positions.  Silverstein 
  • The Packers have used "21" personnel on nearly 20% of their snaps so far in the preseason. In 2018 reg season the usage was 1%. "11" personnel has dropped from 76% in 2018 to 61% through the first three preseason games.  PFF GB Packers

Quarterbacks and WRs:

  • Highest graded player on offense against Oakland - Tim Boyle (90.3). Boyle was 9/9 on passes outside the numbers to the left for 119 yards and (2) TDs.  PFF GB Packers
  • Whitten on Kumerow: "He's not flashy, and you don't have to be. At the end of the day, he makes plays. And he has a knack for getting open."  Whitted adds this on Kumerow: "He's sneaky fast, too. Straight line, he's sneaky fast." So there's that.  Wood
  • Whitted on MVS: "He's a guy who can blow the top off of a defense. Very fluid and very fast, he's a guy who can make those plays downfield consistently."  Wood
  • Asked Getsy what parts of the QB position can't be simulated in practice. He says big thing is pocket presence, because rush isn't live. Something that Aaron Rodgers, of course, can get a feel for naturally at this stage in his career.  Wood

Tight Ends:

Running Backs:

  • [The Packers] released RB Darrin Hall. Keith Ford might be biggest beneficiary. Should get more reps/snaps Thursday.  Wood
  • As far as fit as a runner, Ford’s “plant and one cut” that the Packers’ run scheme requires has been impressive. That said, Carson has been solid all camp also.  Wood
  • Sirmans says Aaron Jones has made a great leap in the pass game, something he's struggled with in the past: "I really don't have a problem with him as a receiver, but even from a protection standpoint." Jones especially better standing up against a LB's bull rush than in past.  Wood
  • LaFleur on why Tra Carson is ahead of rookie RB Dexter Williams: "I think just overall knowledge of knowing what to do, especially when it comes to pass protection."  Wood
  • If Dexter Williams is going to make the roster, the Packers will probably have to keep 4 RBs. Matt LaFleur confirmed Tra Carson remains ahead of the rookie for the No. 3 RB job. Comes down to pass pro and consistency.  Kruse
  • Tre Carson vs Dexter Williams is a classic case of now vs future & ability vs potential. It could theoretically be the 1st LaFleur vs Gutekunst decision, too. Carson is easily ahead of Williams. Williams is ridiculously more talented than Carson. Prediction: Williams over Carson.  Herman

Defensive Backs:

Safety:

  • LaFleur said Raven Greene has done a tremendous job at the inside linebacker position in the dime package. It sure seems he'll be the starter at that position, although it could depend on match-ups.  Silverstein
  • Raven Greene is the highest graded Packers’ player on defense through three weeks of preseason action. Greene is also the 5th highest graded Safety overall (min. 60 snaps).  PFF_ Packers
  • According to Adam Schefter, Josh Jones is "likely" to be claimed on waivers. Packers really couldn't turn him into a soon-to-be-cut ILB or RB?  Kind of amazing that the Packers weren't able to trade Mike Daniels or Josh Jones.  Kruse

Linebackers:

Kicker/STs:

Offensive/Defensive Line:

  • Stenavich says Cole Madison "obviously is rusty" and it will take some time to break bad habits, but he's pleased with his upside: "He's coming along. I think he'll be, down the road, a guy we're very glad we have."  Wood
  • LaFleur said they haven't decided who will start at LG. Still open between Lane Taylor and Elgton Jenkins.  Schneidman
  • Highest graded player on defense against Oakland - Montravius Adams (90.3). Adams accumulated (2) pressures and (2) stops on 28 snaps.  PFF GB Packers
  • OL coach Adam Stenavich on Elgton Jenkins: "He's very intelligent. He's got all physical attributes you want from an interior lineman. ... He's one of those guys that moment is not to big for him. You can put him with first group, and he plays well. He doesn't panic."  Wood
  • OL coach Adam Stenavich says backup tackle Alex Light is his most improved player on the line from OTAs until now.  Schneidman

Overall/Miscellaneous:

  • The designation was non-football illness, but he'll still be subject to waivers. If he clears, he can sign with any team he wants. If he's claimed, he comes with an $849,846 salary. The Packers gain about $350,000 in room this year and will carry $304,711 in dead money next year.  Silverstein  [Cap savings technically would be the $849K in base salary.  Since a new player earning about $570K slides into the 51st highest paid slot, the team’s cap space increases by $849K minus $570K, rough $280K under the Rule of 51.  Silverstein isn’t wrong though, since some UDFA ultimately will almost certainly make the team and earn the minimum of $495K, thus eventually meaning the team will gain perhaps $354K in cap space.]
  • Matt LaFleur says the Packers wasted 6 or 7 seconds late in last night's game because he couldn't run to call TO, and officials couldn't hear him. Fine in preseason, not so much in regular season. Going forward, LaFleur says Luke Getsy will be designated TO caller until he can run.  Wood
  • It’s interesting that so far, it seems like the biggest second year jumps have actually come from the undrafted free agents, and not last years’ draft picks: Raven Greene Tony Brown Alex Light Tim Boyle.  Herman
  • Vedvik has gotten two field-goal attempts ... and missed both from 43 and 54 yards. The thinking coming into today was his best shot was at punter and kickoff specialist anyway, but they wanted to see him get the reps. This may clear up part of the picture.  Pelissero
  • If I were GB I’d be massively aggressive in trading for Tunsil. I’d move on from Lane Taylor a& actually save money this year - starting Tunsil @ LG in 2019. You then have your longterm line next year: Bakhtiari - Jenkins - Linsley - Turner - Tunsil & it’d be a damn good one.  Herman [After reports that Miami is shopping OT Tunsil.]
  • [OTOH about Tunsil]  No. Miami picked up his team option, so he's a 10+ million player next year. That and Green Bay doesn't really have a place to play him [Tunsil].  Uglem  [$2.15M in 2019, and $10.35M, all cash in 2020.  Likely would involve an extension that would reduce that 2020 cap number.]
  • Whoever leaked the Luck thing [retirement] btw is an absolute asshole. Planned for 3pm tomorrow. Instead Luck gets ambushed by it DURING A GAME when he's on the sidelines. Has to do his speech ad-hoc after getting booed on his way off the field [by the Indy fans].  Sam Monson
  • Yes. It's a calf/ankle/shoulder/head/ab/leg/rib/kidney...problem...  Hodkiewicz [on why Luck retired.]

 

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4 points
 

Comments (39)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 25, 2019 at 10:07 pm

Tra Carson RB had a solid game.
D. Shepard is really, really good as he reminds me of Greg Jennings in that he is a natural WR and knows the game.
T. Davis played with confidence.
Lazard is improving and blending in nicely.
OL is still looking good.
Boyle is ok...improving...long way to go.
R. Greene looks solid and has the green shoes
R. Tonyun looks better all the time.
R. Gary showed some flashes on defense.
J. Jackson had a few good moments and so did some players in the secondary.

Overall not bad, but it's preseason playing against 2nd and 3rd stringers.

7 points
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mrtundra's picture

August 26, 2019 at 08:42 am

I think Boyle is more than okay. I think he is the obvious choice as our #2 QB. He is far better than Kizer has shown, to date.

2 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 25, 2019 at 10:29 pm

The cap hit for Tunsil for next year on his option is $10.3 with zero dead money if cut. He is about $3 million this year which is a decent bargain.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 25, 2019 at 10:41 pm

I don't have any idea how good Tunsil is or what it would take to pry him away from Miami. The cap hit for Tunsil for the acquiring team would be $2.15M in 2019 and $10.35M in 2020. $6.25M AAV for a starting RT is very reasonable. Not sure if GB would try to trade Bulaga?

It was interesting in part because Ross Uglem and Andy Herman voiced different opinions. I'd have to research how Tunsil has played (few teams are willing to trade good starting OTs, so is Miami rebuilding again?) and learn what pick or players we would have to lose to acquire him to have an opinion. It's not like I watch the Dolphins.

1 points
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flackcatcher's picture

August 26, 2019 at 06:16 am

Even with his knee and shoulder injuries and age, Bulaga is a full level above Tunsil. Tunsil is a RT who has one too many mental lapses along with technique failures at critical moments in the game. OK on run blocking, sub standard on pass protection. Should be better, and Rodgers would slice him alive over his play. Not worth what the Packers would have to give up on draft choices alone. I hate to say this, but MLF needs to find a way either avoid the Jenkins-Taylor questions, or flat out lie. He needs a go too phase like"Pad level too high". Still too green on the pressers. This whole Jenkins thing is about getting the rookie as many snaps as possible so he can be the first off the bench at all three interior line slots in case of injury this year. Great job TGR. Thanks.

2 points
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flackcatcher's picture

August 26, 2019 at 06:33 am

On Miami, just like Tampa bad ownership leading to an unstable front office from both Florida teams. Tampa's is basically clueless, try hard but can't get out of their own feet at times. Tampa owner knows this, and is trying to stay out of way of the front office. Miami is different, flat out toxic owner. Mean, bullying, interferes in the personal and coaching all the time. Miami should be better, but constant turn over in the coaching and front office make that difficult. Outside of the Colts and Raiders, the worst owner in the NFL. (Others may have different views, this is my opinion having lived in South Florida and watching the mess and glad I was a Packer fan.)

1 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 26, 2019 at 05:41 pm

I am going to be watching R. Gary with a KEEN eye this year on every play!!!!

0 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 25, 2019 at 10:32 pm

Agree on the Luck leak, I was really sad hearing those fans boo, just ridiculous and classless.

12 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 25, 2019 at 10:53 pm

I used Josh Jones' photo at the top of this article. I wrote that I would give good odds on Josh Jones clearing waivers elsewhere, so I had to include Schefter's tweet contradicting my position.

Luck is interesting. During his speech, he noted that he is still in considerable pain. I get that some fans have now paid for two years of season tickets thinking Luck would be the starting QB [and I assume that one can still obtain season tickets without having to wait for years.] I do note that it looks like Luck pocketed a $12M roster bonus back in March.

There are several ways of looking at that: five months ago he thought he'd play this season; he thought even if he didn't play ever again he'd earned that money; it is too late now since it has been paid, so Indy can't get the cap space back again anyway. [Of course, if he was in doubt, he could have told Indy to restructure the contract so he got the bonus only if he were on the roster in September, or even whenever.] Even with my cap obsession, I agree with Bure that it was classless for the fans to boo Luck. I can't think of any Packers' player I would boo, other than perhaps Martellus Bennett. (Sharper too, but that is a little different.)

We are using a lot of "21" personnel.

5 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

August 25, 2019 at 11:25 pm

I booed Brett Farve the Viking.

2 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

August 26, 2019 at 08:00 am

It sounds better as Farve the Viking.

I guess the Colts are luckless.

4 points
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dobber's picture

August 26, 2019 at 08:05 am

Jacoby Brissett is, in my mind, a pretty reasonable stash in 10 and 12-team fantasy leagues.

Meaning: that team has a pretty good OL, a couple promising young RBs, depth at WR and TE. He's in a good spot.

1 points
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mrtundra's picture

August 26, 2019 at 08:45 am

Who didn't boo Favre the viking?

3 points
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Jonathan Spader's picture

August 26, 2019 at 09:15 am

Apparently at least 4 people Tundra lol just further proof that there are Viking fans on the CHTV site.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 26, 2019 at 08:19 pm

"I guess the Colts are Luckless."

LOL. TK would have approved.

1 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 26, 2019 at 09:56 pm

I booed the Vikings but cheered for Brett Favre!!! Best NFL QB of All Time!!!

0 points
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Since'61's picture

August 25, 2019 at 10:51 pm

TGR - once again a great update. I appreciate all of your hard work to get this done for us.
Thanks, Since ‘61

8 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 25, 2019 at 11:04 pm

Thank you, I appreciate it. It does take about 2 hours, and sometimes life makes that time commitment awkward. Everyone should consider checking out the twitter feeds of some of these folks noted here. I generally enjoy it, and often there are interesting video clips as well, but checking out a dozen or more of them gets time-consuming.

One more closed practice, and one more preseason game.

8 points
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MarkinMadison's picture

August 26, 2019 at 08:02 am

I appreciate you doing the summaries. I've purposely avoided Twitter. Too much media in my life already.

4 points
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ShooterMcGee's picture

August 26, 2019 at 12:57 am

I am so glad Vitale is back at Practice. He seems to be a big part of the offensive game plan. I also wonder if that means Dexter Williams is more likely to make the team than Carson. My thought being Vitale is the 3rd back and we can now wait for D. Williams to develop.

5 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 26, 2019 at 07:27 am

Would D. Williams be claimed if cut?

0 points
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dobber's picture

August 26, 2019 at 07:32 am

I suspect not. There are a lot of guys who profile like Dexter Williams out there.

2 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 26, 2019 at 07:40 am

I think you’re right. He can’t pass pro and he can’t catch the ball. Needs a year on PS. That said, given the way he’s been publicly humiliated, he might opt to join someone else’s PS if cut.

3 points
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dobber's picture

August 26, 2019 at 08:03 am

I think that with so many RBs out there, and his not doing much to distinguish himself, he should recognize his best route to someone's 53 is to stay with the system and team he knows...if they want him, that is.

There were rumblings that Malachi Dupre was so put off when the Packers cut him a couple years ago that he wouldn't consider coming to their PS. Who knows...

1 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 26, 2019 at 09:06 am

Well, when everyone knows that mild-mannered LaFleur singled him out for harsh treatment, that’s just humiliating. Made him look dumb. LaFleur mishandled that.

-6 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 26, 2019 at 10:13 am

It’s a pro sport. If you can’t know your first assignment of a scripted period you are not yet a pro. I have zero problem with what LaFleur did. The interesting part is to look at how the player responds: it’s easy to fix that.

D. Williams has potential, but he never really grabbed a role in college, which is why he dropped to the 6th. I think we are seeing that now: will he step up and solve those issues? It’s application not talent. If he responds by sulking, which I have not seen yet, then let him walk: J Jones two is not needed here.

4 points
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carlos's picture

August 26, 2019 at 07:20 pm

Maybe he’s was tired of him not knowing his assignments. You only have a small window of time to develop players. Knowing your job is critical. Not doing it right can lead to a turn over or worse yet- causing someone else an injury.

0 points
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Branden Burke's picture

August 26, 2019 at 09:31 am

I think so

0 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 26, 2019 at 10:10 am

The consequence may be that they have to keep him on 53 because, if they cut him, he might go to someone else’s PS.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 26, 2019 at 10:19 am

Let him. He isn’t ready and he isn’t a unique talent. He would be foolish, but that’s his right. It may not be a wise choice.

Dupre, if that was his reasoning, seems now to be holding up the foot of the Chargers depth chart. He will likely be available this weekend. Would you take him back?

0 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 26, 2019 at 10:32 am

Didn’t Dupre have a concussion in GB? Maybe he felt they just tossed him out because of injury.

I’d be kinda pissed if I were Dexter. His humiliation was public, and he was the only one. Not to mention, he’s a 6th rounder! He’s supposed to be incompetent.

0 points
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Tundraboy's picture

August 26, 2019 at 09:35 pm

Looking forward to seeing how Vitale plays,assuming he does.

0 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 26, 2019 at 07:45 am

Regarding Josh Jones, I too have hypothyroidism. Can be several underlying causes. Normally, you just supplement with Synthroid. Retest in 6 weeks. Will feel tired until levels normalized.

3 points
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mrtundra's picture

August 26, 2019 at 08:47 am

If you forget to take your meds, for a while, your joints will hurt a lot, as well. I have it, too. It definitely can be managed, though.

3 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 26, 2019 at 09:13 am

Most of the time it’s an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s. I t could also be long-standing low iodine, radiation exposure, or carcinoma. Need a diagnosis from an endocrinologist.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 26, 2019 at 10:21 am

So how much credence do those of you who deal with this condition give to his sudden unavailability being unplanned bad luck?

1 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 26, 2019 at 10:27 am

If the condition was only discovered and treated recently, he’d probably require another month. No biggie. If there’s something more to the diagnosis, could be much longer. Millions of people have this condition and function normally.

0 points
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PatrickGB's picture

August 26, 2019 at 11:19 am

Jones struggles with coverage. How can you be a DB and not cover well? The hybrid role as LB/DB was his best bet. If he did not like that role, it’s on him, not on the team.

0 points
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ILPackerBacker's picture

August 26, 2019 at 12:04 pm

Millions, including me, have this and deal with it daily. In my case over 35 years.

But nobody smashes me around. There is an interesting article to be read on how the typical person would react to ONE nfl collusion.

There is nothing normal about these guys. They are abnormal physically by definition. The contact is extra ordinary

2 points
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