If the Packers and Texans didn’t have bad blood that may change after these joint practices. The last time these two teams faced each other was a snowy week 13 contest in Green Bay during the 2016 season. It was the Packers second win in their run the table finish of six consecutive wins. In present day, both teams had a chippy first day of joint practices with the Packers walking away pretty banged up. The Packers and Texans will face each other for their first games of the 2019 preseason on Thursday at Lambeau Field.

Reports indicate a fight broke out after Houston’s first-year corner Lonnie Johnson recorded a hard hit on rookie third-round tight end Jace Sternberger. Luckily, it got broken up pretty quick but the damage wasn’t over.

A multitude of Packers players got hurt at some point during the practice.

Just to recap:

Sternberger left the field as a result of the hit that popped off his helmet.

Wide receiver Trevor Davis was slow to get up after a kick return.

Wide receiver Jake Kumerow continues to deal with a hand issue that appeared to arise during Friday’s Family Night.

Safety Adrian Amos had to exit with a banged-up shoulder.

Outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith was seen limping after going through a one on one.  

Edge Rashan Gary hobbled off after ending up on the ground following a pass rush rep.

There may have been more that I could have missed.

Overall, Matt LaFleur said he did like the energy following Monday’s practice and didn’t comment much on the extent of any of the injuries outside of Davis who will be evaluated further. Hopefully, that is an indication the rest of the injuries aren’t as serious.

“We should know something more the next day (Tuesday)”, said LaFleur.

As far as Thursday’s game, he did say the team had not yet committed to holding Aaron Rodgers out of the game. LaFleur stated that if things go well today, Rodgers will sit out until week two.

That means there will be plenty of work for backup DeShone Kizer who has seen a rough start to his 2019 camp. Every day it seems he has thrown an interception. He threw one Monday to Texans linebacker Dylan Cole.

The Packers offense has been well behind the defense so far this camp which is to be expected as they adapt to the new system. Thursday will be yet another crash course in terms of grasping LaFleur’s concepts.

This will also be our first chance to get a look at some of the newcomers including rookie safety Darnell Savage and Gary. Hopefully, both will play at least a series. Then, there is also the receiving group where the competition continues to flourish.

Week one of preseason should provide insight as to what receivers are distinguishing themselves. Both Davis and Kumerow had productive Family Night’s but could be held out on Thursday for precaution.

If you’re looking for a matchup to watch, just keep an eye on Green Bay’s front vs the Houston offensive line. The Texans selected Alabama State offensive tackle Tytus Howard with their first pick in April. He should have his hands full with the Packers edge group.

Preseason is about evaluation more than it is anything else. Thursday will certainly be entertaining but the Packers have a ways to go to get down to the final 53. This will be their first big step.