Packers Daily Links: McDonald, Newhouse Get Into Scuffle

Offensive lineman Nick McDonald and Marshall Newhouse exchanged words at yesterday's training camp practice. That and more in today's Daily Links...

A rarity happened at training camp practice on Tuesday when two players from the same position group got into a fight. "Center Nick McDonald and tackle Marshall Newhouse went face-to-face in an argument that required offensive line coach James Campen and a couple players to break up," writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Afterward, Campen could be seen with his hand on both players' shoulders lecturing them before sending them on their way." In interviews afterward, the linemen downplayed the fight, saying they're over it and characterizing it as a family that gets into fights only to love each other.

More on the tussle between McDonald and Newhouse appears at the Green Bay Press-Gazette, ESPNMilwaukee.com and the Wisconsin State Journal.

A disconcerting report on rookie wide receiver Randall Cobb emerged following an injury to his knees this past preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. "Cobb listed his prognosis as 'day to day,' but when asked whether it was a given he would be ready for the regular-season opener, he couldn't answer yes," said Cobb. Seeing as he hasn't practiced this week, it's a good bet he won't play in Friday's preseason game. Beyond that, it's wait and see.

The no-huddle offense was a hot topic of conversation on Tuesday, with several players weighing in on its effectiveness. "Aaron Rodgers and the starting offense have played five series and have scored two touchdowns — one in the preseason opener at Cleveland and another last Friday against Arizona," writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "Both scoring drives were exclusively in the no-huddle, while the other three drives didn’t feature any no-huddle plays." Rodgers also chimed in saying the Packers might use it in moderation this season.

More on the no-huddle offense appears at ESPNMilwaukee.com, JSOnline and via the Associated Press.

In an article about the running back position, Tom Silverstein suggests one roster spot will come down to a choice between Ryan Grant and Dimitri Nance. "It might seem like heresy to even consider the Packers letting Grant go, but the truth is about two weeks before the season opener the only certainties at the position for the 53-man roster are James Starks, Alex Green and John Kuhn," writes Silverstein. I can't see the Packers not keeping Grant. They've already paid a roster bonus to him and he's a free agent after this season, meaning if he doesn't re-sign with the Packers, they can receive compensation if he signs somewhere else.

The young, backup offensive linemen are featured in an article by Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "First-round draft pick Derek Sherrod proved ill-suited to playing inside in a three-week experiment at left guard," writes Dougherty. "The coaches are high on second-year pro Nick McDonald, who has good size and a fighter’s mentality, but in his bumpy transition from guard to center, he hasn’t outplayed second-year pro Evan Dietrich-Smith." The question is, will the Packers be okay with their backups if there's an injury along the offensive line this season?

The Packers shouldn't think about trading Matt Flynn, says Tom Oates of the Wisconsin State Journal. "The only way the Packers should deal Flynn is if they think Harrell is an NFL-caliber backup," writes Oates. "That's a tough call on a guy who went undrafted out of Texas Tech in 2009, played a year in Canada and spent most of last season on the Packers' practice squad." Plus, the Packers can receive a compensatory draft choice if Flynn leaves as a free agent anyway.

Rookie cornerback Davon House returned to practice on Tuesday for the first time in two and half weeks. "House was instructed by the coaching staff, though, to be careful on his first day back from a hamstring injury, and by all accounts he came through fine," writes Mike Spofford of the Packers official website. House had been dealing with a hamstring injury, but it appears as if he'll make his debut in a game this Friday.

A feature on linebacker Desmond Bishop is written by Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Quarterback Graham Harrell is the subject of an article by Vic Ketchman of Packers.com.

Packer Report has articles on Chastin West and the influence special teams hason the roster (subscription required).

Training camp practice reports come from Bob McGinn, Bill Huber, Jason Wilde, Rob Demovsky and Larry McCarren.

Linebacker Clay Matthews feels good after returning to practice following some hamstring tightness.

Vic So'oto continues to learn a new position at outside linebacker.

The Packers are encouraging "Back to Football" events.

Video: Green Bay and Ashwaubenon are preparing for the regular season home opener against the Saints that will also include a rock concert near Lambeau Field...

Brian Carriveau is the editor of the Maple Street Press Packers Annual. To contact Brian, email [email protected].

0 points
 

Log in to comment and more!

Not a member yet? Join free.

If you have already commented on Cheesehead TV in the past, we've created an account for you. Just verify your email, set a password and you're golden.