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Packers Navigate Training Camp Day 9 Amidst Returns, Rotations, and Rising Stars
The Green Bay Packers conducted their ninth training camp practice on Sunday, an session necessitated to be moved indoors to the Don Hutson Center as severe storms swept through the area. This shift provided a controlled environment for the team to continue their preparations, offering a clearer lens into the evolving roster dynamics, player performances, and lingering concerns as the regular season approaches. What transpired inside the facility, compiled from various credible reports, offered a mix of encouraging developments, persistent challenges, and alarming trends, categorizing the day’s events into the good, the bad, and the ugly.
THE GOOD
Welcome Back: A Flood of Returns Boosts Roster Depth and Competition
Sunday marked a significant morale and functional boost for the Packers as a substantial contingent of key players returned to practice, or participated for the first time this summer. Their reintegration signals progress in recovery and promises to intensify competition across several position groups. The notable list of returnees included:
- Tight end Tucker Kraft, who has been sidelined with a knee injury. His return is particularly vital given the team’s ongoing struggles with tight end health.
- Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, coming off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to a knee issue. Hargrave’s presence is crucial for anchoring the defensive line.
- Offensive tackle Zach Bako-Bewele (formerly Zach Tom), also recovering from a knee injury, whose immediate return to the starting lineup underscored his importance.
- Guard Aaron Banks, who was previously out with a knee injury and for rest. His availability adds experienced depth to the interior offensive line.
- Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, making his way back from an ankle ailment, strengthens the rotation on the defensive front.
- Running back Chris Brooks, returning from a hamstring injury that had placed him on the PUP list, offers another option in the backfield.
- Cornerback Kamal Hadden, who had been dealing with an ankle injury, providing more depth in the secondary.
The return of these players, especially critical starters and contributors, injects a renewed sense of optimism and much-needed experience back into the active roster. Their gradual re-entry into full-contact drills will be closely monitored, but their presence alone elevates the intensity and quality of practice.
Shuffling Corners: A New Look for the Packers’ Secondary
Perhaps one of the most intriguing developments of the day was the significant shake-up in the cornerback alignment. For the first time this summer, the Packers’ starting cornerbacks during a segment of the team period were rookie Brandon Cisse and free agent acquisition Benjamin St-Juste. This unexpected pairing suggests the coaching staff is actively exploring new combinations and fostering intense competition in the secondary.
Veteran Keisean Nixon, who had started all 17 games last season, found himself splitting reps between the No. 1 and No. 2 defensive units. Cisse, a promising rookie, consistently worked with the No. 1 defense throughout the drills, while St-Juste also rotated between the first and second teams. This experimentation comes at a time when last season’s starter, Carrington Valentine, is sidelined with a hamstring injury, further complicating the picture.
Nixon’s partial demotion to the No. 2s, even for a portion of team drills, was particularly noteworthy and raised eyebrows. After starting his first full season at cornerback last year, Nixon’s performance was markedly inconsistent. Pro Football Focus awarded him a 66.4 overall defensive grade, placing him 41st among 114 qualified cornerbacks – a respectable but not elite standing. His PFF coverage grade of 67.8 ranked 35th, while his run-defense grade of 66.6 was 40th. While he managed one interception and broke up 13 passes, opposing quarterbacks posted a 105.2 passer rating when targeting him, completing 50 receptions and amassing 72 tackles (58 solo).
His 2025 season was a microcosm of highs and lows, perfectly encapsulated by the two regular-season games against the Chicago Bears. In a thrilling 28-21 victory over Chicago on December 7, Nixon delivered a game-saving interception. Yet, just thirteen days later, he surrendered a critical 46-yard touchdown pass to Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore in overtime, contributing to Chicago’s 22-16 comeback win.
Nixon’s recent struggles extended into training camp, particularly during Friday’s "Family Night" scrimmage, where he was reportedly outmaneuvered repeatedly by wide receiver Matthew Golden in one-on-one drills. His Sunday performance, culminating in a partial demotion, suggests a potentially even steeper decline in his standing. The current dynamic now opens the door wide for Cisse and St-Juste to potentially emerge as Green Bay’s starting cornerbacks for Week 1’s pivotal matchup against Minnesota.
Making His Move: Savion Williams Emerges in the Wide Receiver Corps
While the Packers’ top three wide receivers – Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed – are firmly established, the battle for the No. 4 spot has been a persistent question mark throughout the summer. However, Savion Williams, Green Bay’s third-round draft pick from 2025, is rapidly making a compelling case for himself.
Williams showcased his burgeoning talent during Friday’s Family Night, hauling in a 15-yard touchdown catch over safety Kitan Oladapo. He followed that up with an even more impressive performance on Sunday, highlighted by a spectacular 60-yard bomb for a score thrown by No. 3 quarterback Kyle McCord. Beyond the deep shot, Williams consistently made plays, securing a bevy of receptions and demonstrating his versatility with a significant gain on an end-around play.
Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed confidence in Williams’ inherent abilities, stating, “Savion, his measurables are off the charts in terms of his size, speed, and strength. And then he’s just a young player that’s still learning and he’s got a long way to go, but I think he’s showcased a lot of great traits and that’s why we drafted him and that’s why we loved him coming out.”
At 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, Williams possesses a unique combination of size and physicality that veteran competitors like Skyy Moore and Bo Melton, also vying for the No. 4 role, do not. While he remains raw in certain aspects of his game, his tremendous upside and physical attributes present a tantalizing prospect for the Packers. Should Williams continue his upward trajectory and solidify his grasp on the No. 4 wideout position, it would undoubtedly be considered a significant win for Green Bay’s offensive depth and future.
Line Dancing: Offensive Line Configurations Shift with Key Returns
The return of Zach Bako-Bewele (formerly Zach Tom) on Sunday immediately brought clarity and a new configuration to the offensive line. Recognized as one of the top right tackles in the league, Bako-Bewele seamlessly reclaimed his spot with the No. 1 offensive line. This re-established the core of the unit, with rookie Jager Burton lining up at left guard and Jacob Monlk securing the right guard position.
This development, however, left 2025 second-round draft pick Anthony Belton as the odd man out in the starting five. Belton, who had started the final seven games of the 2025 season at right guard and was initially projected to be the starter there, has endured a disappointing training camp. His struggles prompted a move to right tackle last week, but with Bako-Bewele’s return, Belton found himself without a clear starting position.
Belton acknowledged the need for versatility and consistency earlier in camp, stating on August 7, “I just got to just be bought in, whether it’s guard or tackle. I’ve just got, to start off, know the assignment and just execute. I’ve got to do my part to kind of really be more of a student in the game and learn from my mistakes. You know, repetitive mistakes are kind of (a sign that) you’re not getting nowhere. It’s no signs of growth for you going out there messing up on the same thing. So I’ve just got to get to a point where I just got to consistently show up mentally and physically perform.”
Head coach Matt LaFleur reiterated the team’s belief in Belton’s raw talent, but also highlighted the critical need for consistency. “Well, I think he’s a really talented guy that’s played a lot of meaningful snaps for us,” LaFleur said. “He’s still a young, developing player. I think with him, just like I’ve said many times, it’s just, he’s certainly capable. It’s just got to be consistent, and the better he gets at that, the better the player he’s going to be. But I am excited about his future in this league.” Belton’s challenge now is to prove his worth and versatility, potentially as a swing player, as the team looks to finalize its offensive line depth chart.
Fun Night: Adam Vinatieri’s Hall of Fame Speech Delivers Legendary Humor
Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin was among those present in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday to witness the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, specifically to support his former teammate, legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri. Vinatieri, renowned for his clutch kicks and multiple Super Bowl victories, delivered one of the most memorable and humor-filled speeches in recent Hall of Fame history, earning him the praise of host Chris Berman, who affectionately dubbed it "a night at the improv."
Vinatieri, known for his calm demeanor under pressure on the field, showed a surprising comedic touch, playfully targeting former coaches and teammates. Among his humorous jabs were good-natured digs at Bill Belichick, his iconic coach in New England, and future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, with whom he played in Indianapolis.
Regarding Belichick, who now coaches at North Carolina, Vinatieri quipped, "Unfortunately, Bill couldn’t make it today. There’s a lot going on at UNC right now. I thought it was because training camp had already started, but in truth, he was judging his girlfriend’s cheerleading competition." The audience erupted in laughter, appreciating the blend of inside humor and playful ribbing.
Manning, celebrated for his intellectual approach to the game, was also not spared from Vinatieri’s wit. "Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today’s teleprompter," Vinatieri joked, setting up the punchline. "A gigantic forehead means a big brain, and your football IQ is unmatched, buddy." The speech provided a refreshing and entertaining break from the traditional solemnity of such events, highlighting Vinatieri’s personality beyond his on-field heroics.
This and That:
Edge rusher Collin Oliver, who has quietly compiled a strong camp performance, made a notable play by breaking up a pass intended for Jaden Nixon. Defensive back Jaylin Simpson received significant reps, working as the second perimeter corner with the No. 2 defense. Running back MarShawn Lloyd showcased his versatility and commitment to pass protection with an impressive blitz pickup against safety Javon Bullard, a crucial skill for any modern NFL back.
THE BAD
New Injuries: The Roster Takes Another Hit
Training camp, while essential for preparation, inevitably brings its share of bumps and bruises. Sunday’s practice saw several players who participated in Friday’s Family Night sidelined, adding to the growing list of concerns. The new casualties included:
- Wide receiver Matthew Golden (toe)
- Wide receiver Jayden Reed (ankle)
- Linebacker Zaire Franklin (late travel back from Hall of Fame induction, though not an injury, it meant absence from practice)
- Safety Marlon Jones (waived/injured)
- Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (foot)
- Tight end Josh Whyle (neck)
The absence of key offensive players like Golden and Reed, both expected to be major contributors, is particularly concerning, even if their injuries prove to be minor. Similarly, the simultaneous absence of starting linebackers Franklin (due to travel) and Cooper (injury) significantly impacts defensive continuity.
From the Infirmary: A Lingering List of Absences
The Packers’ injury list remains extensive, with several players either on reserve lists or missing practice. The long-term outlook for some of these athletes casts a shadow over the team’s depth.
Reserve lists:
- Edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee)
- Tight end Luke Musgrave (neck)
- Long snapper Matt Orzech (calf)
- Defensive tackle Jordon Reilly (Achilles)
Players who missed practice:
- Cornerback Carrington Valentine (hamstring)
- Cornerback Johnathan Baldwin (knee)
- Cornerback Domani Jackson
- Running back Josh Jacobs (groin)
The cumulative effect of these injuries, particularly to key starters like Parsons and Jacobs, and the uncertain future of Musgrave, poses significant challenges for the team’s depth and overall readiness.
Still Not Good Enough: Kicker Trey Smack’s Inconsistent Performance
Rookie kicker Trey Smack, the only kicker drafted in the entire 2026 NFL Draft (sixth round), continued to display inconsistency in his performance. After converting 6-of-7 kicks during Friday’s Family Night, Smack managed to make only 2-of-3 attempts while kicking inside the Don Hutson Center on Sunday. His successful kicks came from 33 and 43 yards, but he notably missed a 48-yarder.
This latest outing brings Smack’s overall camp record to a concerning 16-of-23, translating to a conversion rate of just 69.6%. For a position as critical as kicker, where precision and reliability are paramount, such inconsistency raises serious questions about his readiness for the NFL.
Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst has been clear about the expectations for Smack, stating, “Just perform. You know, that’s the most thing and that’s going to give me faith and trust.” Smack’s struggles underscore the immense pressure on a rookie kicker to prove his worth and secure a roster spot, and his current performance is not yet inspiring the "faith and trust" the GM seeks.
This and That:
With Zaire Franklin (travel) and Edgerrin Cooper (foot) both out, the starting linebacker duties fell to Isaiah McDuffie and Ty’Ron Hopper. This provided valuable reps for the backups but highlighted the precariousness of depth at the position. Safety Marlon Jones was officially waived/injured, further thinning the secondary.
THE UGLY
Curse of the Tight Ends: An Unprecedented String of Injuries
The tight end position has become a veritable minefield for the Green Bay Packers, plagued by an alarming and seemingly unending string of injuries. The situation has reached a point where one has to question what the "tight end Gods" have against the franchise.
Tucker Kraft, a promising talent, is still diligently working his way back from a torn ACL suffered on November 2, 2025. His recovery timeline is critical, but the lingering effects of such a significant injury are always a concern. Even more troubling is the status of Luke Musgrave, who has not practiced at all this camp due to a neck injury. His future remains up in the air, casting a significant shadow over the team’s long-term plans at the position.
The roster has already seen casualties, with RJ Maryland (hamstring) and Luke Lachey (foot/ankle) both being waived with injury designations last week, depleting the depth chart even further. On Sunday, Josh Whyle added his name to this unfortunate list, suffering a neck injury of his own during practice. While the initial reports suggest Whyle’s injury is not expected to be long-term, it is yet another setback in a position group that can ill-afford any more.
The continuous cycle of tight end injuries creates immense challenges for the offensive scheme, disrupting continuity and forcing the coaching staff to constantly adjust. The sheer volume and severity of these injuries at a single position are highly unusual and profoundly frustrating, leaving the Packers searching for answers and healthy bodies as the season approaches.
CAMP REPORTS
The team continues its rigorous training camp schedule, with daily reports tracking the progress, setbacks, and standout performances:
