Packers Practice Roundup - August 13, 2023

The Packers had a spirited though non-padded closed practice on Sunday.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

The (closed) practice was not in pads but the tempo and competitiveness were at a high level.  Huber

And that’s it for today after 87 minutes.  Demovsky

Andre Miller, who has been in between WR and TE in his career, and started with the Packers as a WR, has made the move to TE today. We’ll see if it’s a permanent move but GB was very light on TEs with the Davis injury.  2) Starting OL in walkthroughs Walker - EJ - Myers - Runyan - Tom Owens still with Savage at safety.  3) I talked on my video today about how on the second int from Clifford that Tucker needed to do a better job of coming back to the ball and boxing out better against the defender. Matt basically just echoed that exact thought, stating Kraft needed to do a better job of coming back.  4) Matt LaFleur praised his receivers blocking in the game including calling out this block from Wicks.  Herman  [Click here to read Andy' twitter feed including some video, including the block Wicks threw.  TGR]

Deguara is on the field and running plays, per Bretl.

Second OL: Kadeem Telfort, Royce Newman, James Empey, Sean Rhyan, Yosh Nijman.  Wood

Ooops. Totally forgot! Tucker Kraft Jayden Reed Jordan Love Luke Musgrave (as best players in practice today).  Herman

With David Bakhtiari not practicing, the Packers reconfigured their offensive line on starter’s 2-minute drill: Rasheed Walker, Zach Tom, Josh Myers, Jon Runyan, Yosh Nijman. Tom took Elgton Jenkins’ reps, allowing Nijman to get RT reps. Third position Tom has played in camp.  Wood

LaFleur says he liked the play style of the receivers at Friday, notably by Heath's demolition of the safety.  Huber

 

INJURIES:

Players not practicing: Bakhtiari Caleb Jones Tenuta Tariq Carpenter Nichols Stokes Gaines Davis There are likely more, thus us what I’ve seen so far. Jake Hanson is back.  2)  I assumed Yosh was out but he is practicing. This seems like an upgrade for Walker. He was my 3rd highest graded offensive player on Friday.  3)  Goodson out Gary did lineup with the team in walkthroughs.  4)  Jaire is out here and had his helmet initially but looks like he’s working off to the side. May not be an official return to practice yet.  It was reported Friday that it’s a groin injury for Jaire. PR confirmed he’s out with the groin again today but just precautionary.  Herman  

RB Tyler Goodson is at practice, but he’s watching from the sideline with his right shoulder in a sling.  2)  Tariq Carpenter is not practicing because of a back injury. Wood

Tenuta is going to be the longest injury from the injuries on Friday per MLF (of those expected to return - Tyler Davis is out for the season).  Herman

Coach Matt LaFleur said the only injury that might last a while from the Bengals game was to LT Luke Tenuta. He didn't think the others were overly serious.  2)  LaFleur said that the personnel department will keep an eye on tight ends available after losing Tyler Davis for the season with a knee injury.  3)  LaFleur said that he doubted whether OLB Rashan Gary would be cleared for team reps this week. Said as soon as the trainers give him the go-ahead, he'll be out there but they are taking their time as expected.  Silverstein

Matt LaFleur implies that Luke Tenuta’s ankle injury is long term. Injuries from Friday to Tyler Goodson, Corey Ballentine and Caleb Jones don’t seem as serious.  Schneidman

 

QUARTERBACKS/WIDE RECEIVERS:

Opening offense: Love Watson - Toure Jones Musgrave - Deguara Walker - Elgton - Myers - JRJ - Tom.  Herman  

Love riffles a ball to Musgrave in team up the middle. Valentine close by. Nice throw by 10. Jones had a really nice run right side the play before and Dillon for a few up the middle after that.  2) Love to Musgrave for a big gain down field. Get your stock now. Clifford to Dubose off a bootleg on the next play.  3) Clifford and Empey botch an exchange. Crazy how many of those there have been.  4) Clifford hits Kraft for a td in red zone drills. Love hits Doubs on an out. Just short of end zone. Clifford comes back to Kraft next play but overthrown. Good coverage on the play. McGough to Dubose for a td. Nice start for Dubose today. Love to Deguara - Savage with fantastic coverage and bats it away. McGough throws a beautiful jump ball for a Allen who at 6’8” easily goes and gets it but Allen couldn’t survive the ground. Incomplete. Douglas continues his strong camp. Breaks up a pass to Musgrave from Love in the end zone. Jayden Reed td from Love. McCrary td from Clifford with an air guitar from Clifford after. Clifford and Love buy time on opposite ends of the field. Clifford hits Melton back of the end zone for a td. Love hits Dillon front of the end zone for a td. McGough designed rollout - throw away. Love throws an absolute bullet to Dillon for a Td. Good red zone period for the offenses!  Herman

5) 2 minute drill. 1:45 down 28-21. Own 30. 2 timeouts. Love at qb. Complete short to Jones. No gain. Out of bounds. Complete to Toure for 6 yards. Out of bounds. Complete to the right. Didn’t see to who. First down. Another big completion to Musgrave. First down out of bounds. Love and Deguara not on the same page on a corner route. Deguara cut it off shorter. Incomplete. Savage was on it. Jordan draws another false start with the hard count. Free play. Incomplete to Watson on a tough shot play. Overthrown a bit to the right but would have been contested anyway. Love misses a checkdown to Dillon. 3rd and 5 upcoming. On opposing 38. 52 seconds left. Still have both timeouts. Love to Reed on a slant. First down. Clock ticks. Love rolls left. Throw away. Nobody open. Ball on 31. 2nd and 10. 30 seconds left. Still 2 timeouts. Douglas talking serious smack. Love finds Wicks on a crosser. 9 yards. Timeout. 24 seconds left. Ball on 22. 3rd & 1. Love to Watson on a quick out. First down out of bounds. 20 seconds left. Ball n 15. First n 10. Love to Jones for a few. Next play love throws an absolute dime to Reed for a sliding touchdown. Beautiful play. Nixon in coverage. Was a free play too 2 point conversion - love to Doubs on a fade but Valentine in coverage. Defense holds. Really fun drive. 6) Same situation for the 2’s. Starting on own 25 though. First play Clifford’s throw almost picked by a diving McDuffie incomplete. Clifford to Taylor for a few. Clifford to Kraft on one of the best plays of camp up the seam between 3 defenders. Perfectly placed. Awesome play by Kraft but they called it a sack or something. Everyone a bit confused on what happened. Brenton Cox sack, defense wins.  Herman

Down 28-21 with 1:45 left on own 30, starting offense scores TD on starting defense in two minute on dime down seam from Love to Reed for 13-yard score against Nixon on free play (Cox jumped off). Fade to Doubs for two and the win incomplete with Valentine in coverage.  Schneidman

Added together, Love was 17-of-23 passing with four touchdowns and zero interceptions.  Huber [Don't get too excited - Clifford threw 3 TDs as well.  And this is a zero sum scenario - the offense score 7 TDs in 87 minutes of practice against the defense.  It was raining TDs again.  TGR]

 

RUNNING BACKS:

In the Packers first 11-on-11 session, we saw a lot of 21 personnel with Patrick Taylor as the second running back, and he looked very good as a lead blocker for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.  Bretl  [This is the first practice after Emanuel Wilson's "breakout" game.  Blocking and STs might well be requirements for RB #3.  TGR]  2) Emanuel Wilson was working with the second-team offense. Before practice, LaFleur said that Wilson will have to show consistency on special teams and as a blocker.  Bretl

 

LINEBACKERS:

Brenton Cox Jr. sacked Sean Clifford on fourth down to end backup 2-minute drill. Cox beat Royce Newman off the ball. Clifford was not at all pleased. Slammed the football, looked back at the OL. Dude is fiery.  Wood

Nice pass rush re by Hollins v. Nijman. Quick pass to flat to Jones. No gain.  2)  Enagbare beats Walker, Love escapes up middle finds Wicks for catch a little YAC.   Bretl

 

DEFENSIVE LINE:

Jonathan Ford really stacking days. Just had a nice run stop at the los.  Herman

Rookie DL Karl Brooks on field with the Packers starting defense for 2-minute drill. Kenny Clark not taking team reps today.  Wood

 

SECONDARY:

Some clarification here: Jaire Alexander’s practice routine has not changed from last week. He did individual drills, but still no team, even in walkthrough. Carrington Valentine taking those reps.  Herman  [Valentine obviously is CB #3 until Stokes returns.  TGR]

Anthony Johnson got some reps with the 1s.  Huber

 

Photo courtesy of Sam Greene, The Enquirer/USA Today Network

 

 

 

 

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8 points
 

Comments (13)

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greengold's picture

August 14, 2023 at 04:59 am

Kudos, TGR!

Interesting mix at OL with Tom switching to LG, and Telfort moving up to take #2 reps at LT.

I’m not as concerned with the Packers doing some due diligence in really finding out & expanding player capabilities at OL. Preparedness. Figure, their #1 unit is pretty well set. Players do get injured as we saw with Tenuta, especially w 17 game schedule. Can’t recall ever seeing this much combination testing, but it may prove beneficial. Hearing Caleb Jones’ ankle injury is considered “less serious” is music to my ears.

For anyone wondering about Telfort, here are some notes:

OT Kadeem Telfort - UAB
6-8 319 35 7/8” arms!!!! 86” wingspan!!!

Physical, tone setting power blocker. Wide body able to slide & mirror outside rushers. OUTSTANDING SCREEN BLOCKER! + instincts. Gets out front quickly. + flexibility. + feet. + quickness. Strong flexible core able to anchor bull rushes.

Jolts with an amazing hand punch. You don’t see him getting beat with speed on the outside in pass pro. Overpowers 2nd level defenders. Excels in cut blocks down line. Mean streak. Only allowed 1 sack in 2022.

Starting at the end, how about Anthony Johnson Jr. getting some Safety reps with the 1s? I was expecting this might happen, glad to see it. Gamer with the goods. All 3 games for evaluating the S group are huge. Savage making plays a plus Could have his best season w this much pass rush.

S Anthony Johnson Jr.- Iowa St.
6-0 207, 4.54, 75.5" wingspan, 37.5 vertical (75%) 125 broad (77%)

Versatile, but at his best in RUN D. Punishing, crushing blows.

AJJ is not your average rookie, as he finished his career #2 in Iowa St. history with 62 career games played. That's a lot of experience. Add in his ability to play both CB and S, and I believe that might give him a leg up on some of the competition. His tackling, run D, coverage, both in zone & press man all graded 77% or higher.

CB coverage with S eyes. Reads & deciphers quickly, reacting in a flash with a nose for the ball. Jumps routes. Drives fast on plays in front of him. Tall framed with long arms. Great plant/cut. Active communicator pre snap.

GREAT press/zone skills. Very good in red zone. GREAT reacting to QB in coverage. "YOU CANNOT TEACH HIS EFFORT."

PFF RANKED AJJ their #90 PLAYER OVERALL! The Sporting News ranked Anthony Johnson Jr. #151 Overall Player in the Draft. He was taken at Pick #242. Like Valentine, he could be a real steal. There's a lot to like there. #1 D reps may be a revelation v. NE.
--

Jonathan Ford? A real testament to LaFleur & Co’s abilities in player development. Ford’s emergence is encouraging in building a 6 man rotation at DL. Long season. Haven’t had this kind of depth at DL in 10+ years. Clark always took too many reps. Looking forward to seeing Ford’s progression this season.

LBs - SUPER impressed with Cox Jr., Enagbare & Hollins. Relentless pressure! I think we keep 6 here too w Gary, Smith & LVN. Lessons learned w Gary’s injury w no depth there in ‘22. And, to think there’s more behind that 6!!!

At WR, Wicks already making a great impression & DuBose could surprise. Grant DuBose came from one of the smallest programs, but word got out he looks like he belongs in the NFL. He sure looks it to me.

Clifford calling out his OL with the stink eye, precious.

On that, OL faced CIN 2s & 3s, but they are GOOD. Top 5 last year. We mostly played our 2s & 3s too. I bring this up because maybe DL & OLBs are THAT GOOD, and we are really seeing iron sharpening iron…?

VALENTINE. Jaire w a groin injury would normally be a major concern at this point. Valentine’s emergence takes a little pressure off there. Great play by the rookie.

Kraft learning importance of coming back for the ball. Bueno!

Go, Emanuel Wilson, go!!!

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Turophile's picture

August 14, 2023 at 05:20 am

Great piece by TGR.
Loved the comments by greengold - he/she is always so positive when posting.
Props to you both.

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greengold's picture

August 14, 2023 at 05:58 am

Turophile! I was wondering the other day where you were! Good to see you back.

He. And, thanks. Yeah, TGR’s camp & preseason work is stellar.

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ReaganRulz's picture

August 14, 2023 at 06:48 am

Thx GG for the low down on Telfort. Did not know hardly anything about him. I must be living under a rock!! :)

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 14, 2023 at 08:54 am

The draft network was a little less effusive while still loving his physical gifts and size. He had some trouble with the law which forced a transfer to UAB. They also had some concern over effort, punch placement, pad level due to his height, and he tends to bend at the waist. He had a terrible day at his pro day (24.5" vertical, 8' broad, 8.70 three cone time). Despite those numbers, he is thought to have good lateral movement, and the ability to get to the second level.

Apparently, on tape he looked like he should have been a top SEC tackle. He may be further along in development than Nijman was; if not, it would be wise to give him a year on the PS to see what he can become.

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greengold's picture

August 14, 2023 at 09:46 am

I generally only post the positive aspects relayed on a player to give us a sense of what we have to work with. Bakhtiari's draft profile negatives are a laugh fest now, as are many.

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SicSemperTyrannis's picture

August 14, 2023 at 08:22 am

Re our DBs, I like the idea of playing #25 Nixon less to reduce risk of injury so he's more of a return specialist. I'm glad he wants to play D and offense too, but I'm even more glad if we have sufficient depth to not need to. Even with Ja out! Although this is more like resting a veteran, not a serious injury. Trying to make sure it doesn't get worse.

Tenuta is a serious mofo and I think we have more depth at O line, but there's a difference between developmental projects and polished ready to start or fill in without a hitch. I offer no evaluations there. Yet. Still anxiously hoping Tenuta has not suffered a high ankle sprain, that could be really serious on a guy that big. Mt Caleb's ankle injury being "less serious" still tells us almost nothing, and I anxiously await an update there. Just a regular sprained ankle can take weeks to completely heal, and this is a terrible time for that with a developing player poised to take on second string responsibilities.

More buzz from the Jets possibly wanting Bakh; if anybody would trade a King's ransom for him they're most likely I think. A very complex situation! I make exactly nothing out of Tom at LG to pace EJ, he just needed a breather and they want to keep Tom on his toes.

#63 Walker at 6'6 324 might be roughly equivalent to or ahead of Tenuta? Glad to see him getting reps! Rhyan becoming usable even as a backup would of course be wonderful. Of new adds at C #61 & 62, 61 Schneider is listed as being 12# heavier. I'm surprised to see Empey getting more snaps at C? The only other O lineman still on the roster not already mentioned is #79 DeLance. I have no idea but I'm guessing he's either cut or PS material? 6'4 303#, he ain't too small ...

Great info from TGR :)

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 14, 2023 at 05:57 am

The Packers gave a game ball to Kenneth Odumegwu even though the team doesn't normally issue game balls during the preseason. It was his very first time playing in an organized football game. That is a nice gesture. As it happens, because Odumegwu is part of the international program, he does not count against the roster limit, and though the Packers will pay him a salary, that amount also won't count against the salary cap. Odumegwu played 12 snaps, rather more than I expected.

Several media members have written that Sean Rhyan had a better evening against Cincy than was apparent. Andy Herman said during his podcast that he gave Rhyan a positive overall grade, noting that he had a couple of whiffs but also was pretty solid for the vast majority of the snaps he played.

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fthisJack's picture

August 14, 2023 at 07:04 am

Thanks for the update TGR. Always appreciated. During the Cincy game a player that is way down on the depth chart caught my eye. His name is William Hooper. I believe he had 2 or 3 pass breakups in garbage time but I was impressed. Looks like PS guy to me.

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MooPack's picture

August 14, 2023 at 09:13 am

I’ll say this again - Newman needs to be let go. Been here long enough to know he’s not good enough. On the other side - Cox giving him fits. Packers may just have a baller there. I’m thinking he makes the 53.

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dobber's picture

August 14, 2023 at 07:19 pm

"Love riffles a ball to Musgrave in team up the middle."

Is riffling the ball a good thing? ;)

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greengold's picture

August 14, 2023 at 07:25 pm

Why shoot a perfectly good football?

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Shawn's picture

August 16, 2023 at 09:24 pm

Your generosity and compassion have meant the world to me, and I will be eternally thankful.

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