(One more game and it’s finally over.)

That changed Sunday.

The Packers got back to work on the practice field and there was some fairly significant news to come out of it. So, that being the case, we’ve decided to whip [...]]]> The Green Bay Packers had been very quiet since Thursday night’s preseason pounding of the Indianapolis Colts.

(One more game and it’s finally over.)

That changed Sunday.

The Packers got back to work on the practice field and there was some fairly significant news to come out of it. So, that being the case, we’ve decided to whip up a batch of training camp stew for you. Not a bad way to start off the week, right?

As always, the information in this report comes courtesy of the fine folks at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette and ESPN Milwaukee’s Jason Wilde.

• Well, we have a winner in the left guard battle: Daryn Colledge. Head coach Mike McCarthy made the announcement after practice today and, really, it comes as no surprise. Colledge, despite getting a better-than-expected (at least in my mind) test from Bryan Bulaga, has been solid in camp for the most part. And with the offensive line, as a whole, playing so well, McCarthy clearly did not want to mess with that, even if it means rolling the dice with a player who has experienced an up-and-down career. The move also means Bulaga can fully heal up, as he’s been dealing with a hip flexor throughout camp.
• Still, even with Colledge winning the job, I don’t think his leash is all that long. Bulaga has shown he can play the position – and play it well – and my best guess is that McCarthy won’t be afraid to go to him at that spot if Colledge has a tough start to the season.
• The Al Harris saga continues. Sunday we found out that Harris is likely out for the season opener and the team is now faced with the decision to either put him on the 53-man roster or place him on the PUP list, making him unavailable until week seven. Quite honestly, I’ve been wrong so often on Harris that, at this point, I am not totally sure what the team should do with him.
• One thought, though: If he’s unavailable for the Philly game, don’t you then have to look at the schedule? Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Washington and Miami would be the five games he’d miss. How many of those teams have deep receiving corps? By my count, none. In that case, it seems to make sense to put him on the list and have him ready for Minnesota on Oct. 24. He’d surely be 100 percent by then. Again, just a thought.
•  Of course, that decision would be easier if Brandon Underwood wasn’t struggling with a shoulder injury. But he is, meaning Sam “My Guy” Shields is getting a look at the nickel spot. I like Shields, but as a nickel? Hopefully, Underwood’s shoulder isn’t that bad.
• Let’s break up the injury news and talk about punters. Tim Masthay outboomed (not sure if that’s a real word) Chris Bryan again Sunday and appears to have taken the lead in the battle there (remember, Masthay was better Thursday, as well). I thought Bryan had the job locked up after his nice start to camp. But Masthay’s gaining on him steadily. No clear winner yet, but I’d guess that will change by Friday morning. In fact, I’d say one of the last decisions the coaches make will be on this position.
• Back to the injury news that’s bad. Cullen Jenkins continues to miss time with his calf injury. He’s all but out for Thursday at Kansas City. Fortunately, though, he should be locked-and-loaded for Philly. And, really, isn’t that all that matters? Seriously, can you imagine the d-line without Jenkins? Scary thought.
• On the bright side, Brad Jones and Clay Matthews appear ready to return, possibly as soon as Thursday night. As much as I don’t want anyone of note to play in this game, I do think it’s important for those two to get a handful of snaps in to shake off the accumulated rust.
• Anyone else starting to worry about Will Blackmon’s knee injury that still isn’t up to par? Anyone else thinking Jason Cherry could crack the roster as a return guy if he turns in another good showing Thursday?
• Should I talk about Quinn Porter’s apparently serious ankle sprain or save it for an updated 53-man roster for Tuesday? I’ll save it, but I think Kregg Lumpkin should be happy about this news.

-Chris Lempesis

The Green Bay Packers went at it twice Thursday as they are just two days away from their preseason opener against the highly touted Cleveland [...]]]> After an ever-so-brief hiatus, we’re back with another helping of training camp stew – your nightly update on the most interesting bits of information to come out of that day’s practice(s).

The Green Bay Packers went at it twice Thursday as they are just two days away from their preseason opener against the highly touted Cleveland Browns (wait – scratch that last part).

As always, the information in this report comes courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Green Bay Press Gazette and Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee:

• Man, it really sounds like the heat is beyond brutal in Titletown right now, doesn’t it? It was so bad – how bad was it? – that head coach Mike McCarthy decided to avoid going with full pads for the evening practice, also shortening the evening session by over a half an hour. It also sounds like Mike Mac was just a hair irritable during the morning session. As I’ve said before on this site, McCarthy – like myself – is a big guy. We do not take to heat well and, sometimes, we take out our aggressions on those around us. Our bad.
• Sorry to begin with the weather. Didn’t mean to sound like my mother there.
• Back to the lack of full padded practices over the last week or so. It’s a smart idea, really. The team did plenty of full pad, full contact stuff early on. And with the preseason games actually upon us, this team’s going to have more than enough opportunity to start hitting. Really, you’d rather have them hitting players on other teams, anyways.
• Guard T.J. Lang injured his quad in the morning practice and didn’t go during the evening. It’s not yet known how serious it is, but McCarthy did say Lang could very well miss Saturday’s game. In McCarthy terms, that means he’s out.
• Chalk up another outstanding day for my man Sam Shields. With two more interceptions in the morning session, Shields just continues to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster. He’s officially earned “my man” status for the 2010 camp. The past two winners of this honor were Tyrell Sutton (’09) and Kregg Lumpkin (’08, before we had the blog). Something tells me Shields is more Lumpkin than Sutton, in terms of ultimately making the roster.
• Donald Driver, after missing five straight practices, returned for the night session and did what Double D always does: Make plays, including some tough catches in traffic. I really don’t think the calf injury was that serious. Rather, I think the team is being cautious with him, especially when you factor in his offseason knee surgery and age. There really isn’t much Driver needs to work on, anyways. He needs to be locked and loaded for Sept. 12 (less than a month away!).
• Green Bay is so depleted in the linebacking corps – how depleted is it? – that Spencer Havner was actually taking some snaps there Thursday. The move appears to be only temporary, but still, it’s a sign that this team needs to heal up there in a major way.
• Graham Harrell appears to be improving steadily each and every day and turned in another solid day Thursday. You might laugh, but Harrell actually has a decent shot to make this team, in my mind. It’s clear the Packers are grooming Matt Flynn in the hopes of trading him after the season. And it’s no secret that other teams have showed interest in Flynn in the past. That being the case, the Packers need to start prepping their next Matt Flynn. Maybe it’s Harrell and, if that’s the case, he’ll likely get a spot on the team so he can begin to learn the position.
• Some more info on the Browns game. The starters will go roughly 20 snaps, which seems like a higher-than-usual amount considering its the first game. I’d go a series for each side. Games two and three are the ones you should focus on. Actually, I wouldn’t play them at all during the preseason, but that’s just me. I’m terrified of injuries like that.
• Nick Barnett (knee), Jason Spitz (calf), Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Will Blackmon (knee) are all likely to join Lang on the sidelines for the game.
• Finally, this has nothing to do with Thursday’s practices, but I think you all should read Lori Nickel’s outstanding piece on Anna Schmidt, a 13-year old girl who recently visited a Packers practice by way of the Make-A-Wish foundation. We talk about football being a battle – but, really, that’s b.s. Read up on what this kid had to go through. THAT’S a battle. As fans, we need perspective some times (myself chief amongst that group) and this provides it.

We’ll be back Friday with a preview of sorts for the Browns game.

-Chris Lempesis

The Green Bay Packers practiced just once Monday, but there was still quite a bit going on. Let’s get to that now, shall we?

As always, a thanks to the fine folks [...]]]> And we’re back with yet another heaping helping of training camp stew, your nightly recap of the most interesting bits of information from today’s practice.

The Green Bay Packers practiced just once Monday, but there was still quite a bit going on. Let’s get to that now, shall we?

As always, a thanks to the fine folks at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette and Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee (a newcomer to the Stew, yes, but Wilde rocks, no question about it).

• The biggest news to come out of Monday’s practice was the update on Clay Matthews’ hamstring injury, suffered during the “Family Night” scrimmage Saturday. According to head coach Mike McCarthy, Matthews will be out at least a couple of weeks (maybe closer to three). Matthews told reporters it’s in the same area of the same hamstring he injured last summer. He also said he won’t push himself in rehabbing the injury like he did last time around.
• The injury, while it will cause him to miss a significant amount of practice time, doesn’t concern me all that much – especially if Matthews takes a smarter rehab approach this time. Frankly, I’d rather not have him play in any preseason games, anyways. One thing I am curious about, though, is how it will alter his recent position swap. Remember, Matthews had spent a lot of his time in camp at a new spot, left outside linebacker, with Brandon Chillar playing the right side. You have to wonder now if the Packers will continue that switch once he returns.
• The other big news Monday comes in the form of first round pick Bryan Bulaga sharing starting snaps at left guard with Daryn Colledge. It sure seems like Bulaga – who has impressed McCarthy quite a bit, from the sounds of it – has a legitimate chance to beat out Colledge for the gig. I’m not sure how I feel about this. Part of me really likes the idea of Bulaga strictly focusing on his left tackle duties, so he can fully learn the position and be ready if/when he’s called to play when Chad Clifton injures his (fill in the blank). Having him play left guard could leave him unprepared in that instance. On the other hand, if Bulaga is flat-out better than Colledge – certainly a possibility – maybe he should be the guy there. After all, the goal is to have the best players out there, right? Definitely something new to focus on as camp progresses.
• There’s more fallout from this potential switch, too. Jason Spitz – who left practice with a calf injury – may end up serving as a “Sixth Man” of sorts for the line this season, as he can play both guard spots and center. Originally, Spitz and Colledge were going to battle it out at LG. T.J. Lang – the guy I originally had filling that “Sixth Man” role – will likely get his work on the right side alone now. We’ll be taking a look at the offensive line situation at some point this week, for sure.
• Now, on to some things that actually happened in practice…
• Kicker Mason Crosby followed up his strong scrimmage performance by hitting six of eight kicks. One was missed from 43, but that was apparently due to a poor hold from Chris Bryan. The other miss was from 53. So, in the end, you could say Crosby was, essentially, six of seven. Not bad – or, at least, not any worse. I’ll take it.
• A.J. Hawk would have had himself a sack of Aaron Rodgers…you know, if people were allowed to hit No. 12. Hawk was a major standout in the scrimmage. It sounds like he might be building on that just a little bit. That’s a positive as, again, it’s a make-or-break year for him in Green Bay.
• Some one-on-one reports: Justin Harrell dominated Lang at one point and Jarius Wynn crushed Allen Barbre at another. It’s really nice to see Harrell contributing in any form (now that I’ve said that, back injury coming in three…two….). As for Barbre’s loss…well, let’s just say he’d be wise to give his realtor a call right about now. He’s not long for this roster.
• Am I concerned about the Rodgers-led offense being 0-for-5 in the two-minute drill so far in camp? Not really – but I wouldn’t mind seeing something more than zero. It’s hard to win when you have to settle for three points everytime, you know?
• Finally, an apology to Donald Driver: We failed to mention his two-year contract extension Friday. We should have. The extension keeps him in green and gold through the 2012 season and Driver himself said he’ll definitely retire as a Packer. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Mr. Driver, we have been extremely fortunate to be able to root for you for the past 11 years. You’re nothing but a class act and you always make us proud to be Packers fans. Here’s hoping you see, not only the end of that deal, but one more, too.

-Chris Lempesis

That’s right: Training camp stew: The sequel.

The Green Bay Packers practiced twice Thursday, so there was quite a bit of information to sift through. We’ve done just [...]]]> And your nightly serving of our takes on the most interesting bits of information to come out of that day’s training camp practice has returned for a second year.

That’s right: Training camp stew: The sequel.

The Green Bay Packers practiced twice Thursday, so there was quite a bit of information to sift through. We’ve done just that and are happy to present our thoughts now.

As always, this information comes from the fine folks at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press Gazette.

Enjoy:

• The biggest news to come out of the day, of course, was the fact that Atari Bigby will be undergoing surgery on his troublesome ankle. He’ll need roughly a month to recover and it’s unknown if he’ll be available for the season opener. My take: Bigby’s ankle was never right. It probably hasn’t been for months. There’s simply no way the ankle got that much worse during a simple conditioning test. That’s why he sat out all the offseason stuff. Remember, he’s represented by superagent Drew Rosenhaus (a man who knows a thing or two about getting his clients to fake health). If he’d made the ankle worse in, say, March, there’s no way he’d ever have a shot at a new deal. Rosenhaus and Bigby figured that, by having Bigby sit out, the team would see his true value. That went out the window when the team drafted Morgan Burnett, though. So Bigby is now a player fighting a seemingly chronic ankle problem while his younger, healthier replacement continues to gain experience with the starting unit. Bad moves all around, Atari. 
• Will Blackmon, moving to the safety position this season, appeared to leave the night practice early with a knee injury. He said on his Twitter page that it’s nothing serious. I hope he’s right – otherwise, Derrick Martin becomes the No. 3 safety on this team (double gulp).
• More injury news, although this is good news: Daryn Colledge (elbow) and Brad Jones (back) both returned to practice, as did Justin Harrell (heat issues).
• Perhaps I was wrong on the Brandon Chillar/Clay Matthews tandem at OLB. Both players were all over the place Thursday, in multiple facets. In fact, Chillar’s been so good, the team kept him in with the No. 1s, despite Jones’ return. I’ve said this before: Chillar is an outstanding athlete, but he needs to show that more often in terms of making plays. Well, he’s done a lot of that lately. Maybe he’s finally found a home for himself. As for Matthews, I didn’t like the idea of moving him over to the left side. But it sounds like he’s so good, he’ll make plays at either spot.
• Despite the early struggles, the offense is doing a couple of things I really like. They’ve cut down on the deep throws dramatically and there seems to be more of a focus on quick passes. Remember, the focus on a short, precise passing game – along with the return of Mark Tauscher – was a key factor in the offense’s second-half turnaround last season. I had concerns that Mike McCarthy would revert back to the home run chasing ways of the first half. It sounds like I might have been wrong – and I’m more than okay with that.
• The defense won the day. That’s good – that group needs to continue to build confidence. The offense is going to come around, either way.
• The worst thing to come out of Thursday: The complete lack of consistency from the punting candidates, Chris Bryan and Tim Masthay. It sounds like both were great at times and wretched at others. And this isn’t the first time this has happened during camp. It’s getting sort of frustrating. One of these guys has to step up and grab the job. This team can not afford another year of Frost-and-Kapinos-esque punting. Field position is huge. A good punter – as much as we laugh at the profession - helps that greatly.

That’s all for today. We’ll be back Friday with another round.

-Chris Lempesis

We’re very glad that you all felt as passionate about the issue as we did – [...]]]> As Adam previously stated, he and I are pretty much done talking about Judas. In fact, we ARE done. Gene will be weighing in with his thoughts sometime soon, but after that, don’t expect any more Judas stuff from us.

We’re very glad that you all felt as passionate about the issue as we did – one reader even called me an “asshat”, which was a first – but from now on, we’d rather focus on the team that’s actually going to, you know, win the NFC North this season.

(Although I do just want to point out that Judas’ debut comes tonight against Kansas City. The Chiefs, as you may or may not remember, have one Bernard Pollard on their roster. Pollard is the player who put the hit on Tom Brady in the season opener last year that destroyed Brady’s knee. Bernie, from Packers’ fans everywhere, I just want to say that if you feel like doing that again, you know, tonight would be the perfect time. We aren’t going to stop you. In fact, godspeed my man. Godspeed.)

Anywho, it’s time to give you your daily serving of the best bits of information from today’s training camp practice.

The Packers have had four practices since we last checked in, so there is obviously a lot to get to. Thursday’s evening practice actually marked the end of training camp, so from now until the start of the season, we’ll be doing more in-depth pieces and columns previewing the team with occasional practice check-ins as they are warranted.

As always, this information comes courtesy of the fine folks at the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• Hate to start this thing with some bad news, but Aaron Rouse injured his hamstring right at the end of practice Thursday and had to be carted off. McCarthy told reporters it didn’t sound good, although more wouldn’t be known until today. The injury becomes even more of a downer when you consider McCarthy said he had considered ending practice early and if he had done so, the injury would have been avoided. Just another setback for Rouse, a player who has shown a lot of promise when he’s actually made it on the field. But injuries and inconsistency have hurt him throughout his time as a Packer.
• Now, an update on the Justin Harrell situation. Although Harrell said earlier this week he feared his career was over, both Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson have not said the same. In fact, they seem to think there’s a chance he could play this season. Of course, both could just be not wanting to show their cards, so I’m not sure how much stock I put into what they said. I tend to believe the player more than the coach in these situations, so I still think Harrell is probably done, at least in Green Bay.
• Clay Matthews (hamstring), Jeremy Thompson (groin) and Pat Lee (back) have missed all the practices over the past two days. McCarthy said Matthews and Thompson will not play against Buffalo on Saturday (T.O. apparently isn’t playing either, so if you’re at the game, you won’t get to boo him which sucks). I’m starting to worry about Matthews and Thompson. Both showed promise before getting hurt, but they need to get on the field at some point before the season. You hate to have these guys learning when the games actually count.
• Johnny Jolly (ankle), James Jones (hamstring), Kregg Lumpkin (shoulder sprain) and Anthony Smith (groin) were all back practicing Thursday after missing practices earlier in the week. Very good news indeed.
• McCarthy said earlier in the day Thursday that Jolly and B.J. Raji (RAJI!!) will likely play Saturday as long as nothing happens on Thursday or Friday. So excited to see Raji finally suit up, I can’t even tell you.
• An update on the punting battle between Jeremy Kapinos and Durant Brooks (otherwise known as “Clash of the Titans”) from the Press Gazette. Thursday, Kapinos averaged 41.6 yards and a 4.0 hang time. Brooks averaged 44.8 yards and a 3.82 hang time. It sounds like Brooks has a bigger leg, but is too inconsistent. In the end, I still think Kapinos wins the gig.
• Call it “The Defensive Twilight Zone” Thursday night as Charles Woodson dropped a pick while A.J. Hawk and Brady Poppinga made nice plays in coverage. Was practice being held in The Bizzaro World?
• Atari Bigby also dropped an easy pick. It sounds like he’s been less-than-stellar so far. Shame considering this scheme seems perfect for his skill set.
• Cullen Jenkins and Jolly lined up in the nickel 4-3 scheme, which differed from earlier in the week when Raji had lined up with Jenkins.
• Allen Barbre has gotten a lot of the work with the starters at RT. Even though Breno Giacomini has probably outplayed him, from the sounds of it, it seems like the team wants to give Barbre more than enough of a chance to win the job.
• By my count, Mason Crosby has gone 11-of-11 on field goals over the past four practices, including one from 52 yards. Maybe last Saturday’s subpar showing was just what he needed.
• Matt Flynn, barring a shocking change of events, has the backup quarterback job cemented. He’s looked solid, especially in getting rid of the ball under pressure. More than I can say about Brian Brohm…
• Finally, McCarthy said Aaron Rodgers and the other veterans will be on the field for between 20 and 25 snaps Saturday. That group played roughly 20 snaps last week.

-Chris Lempesis

The Packers only had one practice today, but it was fairly eventful – too eventful, you might even say.

As always, this information comes courtesy of the fine folks at the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal [...]]]> Here it is, your nightly serving of the most interesting bits of information from today’s training camp practice.

The Packers only had one practice today, but it was fairly eventful – too eventful, you might even say.

As always, this information comes courtesy of the fine folks at the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• The biggest story of the day, obviously, is Justin Harrell admitting to reporters that his career might, in fact, be over. As it turns out, his recent back problems are related to the two surgeries he’s already had on the same area of his back, his L4 disc. Harrell, described in the Journal Sentinel as being “obviously distraught”, told reporters he and the team are trying to figure out a treatment plan. My guess is that Harrell is probably done for good. A back problem isn’t like a lot of injuries in that the back is crucial to every single thing an athlete does physically. To have already had two surgeries and still not had the problem fixed? I just can’t see it magically getting better. And, as I’ve said for awhile, this was a make-or-break year for him in that he at least had to be able to get on the field to make it worth Green Bay’s while to keep him around. It doesn’t look like that’s happening, thus Harrell’s time as a Packer is probably over. Shame.
• Might as well show this again.
• In more injury news – hooray! – it turns out the Pack didn’t make it through Saturday night completely unscathed as wideout James Jones suffered a hamstring injury. Mike McCarthy gave the old “day-to-day” response on how long he’d be out, but considering injuries have been a big problem for him, it’s not a good sign. That is a real downer as Jones was clearly winning the No. 3 receiver battle and building on the promise of his strong rookie season in 2007.
• Keeping the good vibes going, Jeremy Thompson (groin), Clay Matthews (hamstring), Pat Lee (back) and Johnny Jolly (ankle) all missed practice. Jolly apparently experienced some soreness in the ankle he injured early in camp. But he looked very good against the Browns, by all accounts, so I doubt the injury is a major setback. Unfortunately, Thompson and Matthews don’t appear to be likely to play against Buffalo on Saturday. If it’s only Monday and the team can already say that, that says their injuries are fairly severe – at least not of the minor nick-and-cut variety, anyways.
• Okay, okay, enough bad news. Let’s get to some good news, shall we? B.J. Raji (RAJI!!) had his first official practice as a Packer today! It sounds like Raji is in pretty good football shape already as he participated in all drills. He’ll practice once-a-day this week and, hopefully, see some action Saturday against Buffalo.
• Nick Barnett also returned to action, his first since tearing his ACL against Minnesota last season. Barnett didn’t get in on any actual team drills, instead participating in 7-on-7/individual drills. Apparently Barnett was looking confident at times, tentative at others – basically, about how you’d expect him to be right now. I think the approach taken by the team is a good one – bring him along slowly, let him regain confidence in his knee before throwing him into the live team stuff, which can be brutal this time of year. Either way, to have the leader of the defense back is always a plus.
• With Raji practicing and Barnett back somewhat, the team is as close as it’s been yet to having its full front seven together, with still enough practice time for the group to really gel before the season starts.
• Seventh-round pick Brad Jones finally returned to practice after a back injury kept him out for all of camp thus far. It sounds like he looked good, too, possessing quickness and an ability to get to the ball and make plays. With the transition to the new scheme, Green Bay needs all the talented linebackers it can get and just maybe, the team has another one.
• Mason Crosby bouncing back from a subpar showing Saturday, connecting on 6-of-6 today. I keep saying this, but maybe this will be the start of some actual consistency. I figure if I just keep saying it, it will happen at some point.
• Jermichael Finley, according to the Press Gazette, continues to gain confidence every practice. Confidence + genuine freakish athletic skills = Potential big-time playmaker.
• Something old, something new on the o-line: Scott Wells and Jason Spitz continue to split reps at center as it appears there is no front-runner in the battle for the starting spot yet. It sounds like the team is going to wait until at least after Saturday’s game to pick a starter there. A new battle has emerged in McCarthy announcing that Allen Barbre and Breno Giacomini will be splitting reps at right tackle. This has been coming for some time now as Barbre – the hands-down favorite to win the job before camp – has underwhelmed and Giacomini has looked strong. No timetable announced for picking a starter there. That the Packers are having these battles now is okay, but they must pick their starting five by the time the crucial third game, against Arizona, rolls around. That group needs some time to build real, actual chemistry before the games count.
• Finally, as for this whole “Judas might still become a Viking talk”, all I can say is this: Sunrise, sunset.

-Chris Lempesis

The Packers had two practices today and, with only two days to go until Saturday’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, there’s quite a bit to get to.

As always, this information comes courtesy of the folks at the [...]]]> Here it is, your nightly serving of the most interesting bits of information from today’s training camp practice.

The Packers had two practices today and, with only two days to go until Saturday’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, there’s quite a bit to get to.

As always, this information comes courtesy of the folks at the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• Johnny Jolly was back in action for the evening practice and didn’t appear to be favoring his injured ankle at all. A good sign indeed and head coach Mike McCarthy said there is a good chance he will play at least a bit Saturday.
• Also back were DeShawn Wynn (knee) and Ruvell Martin (groin).
• Likely out for Saturday are Justin Harrell (back), Clay Matthews (hamstring), Jeremy Thompson (groin) and Pat Lee (back).
• Starting corners Al Harris and Charles Woodson worked with the scout team tonight, meaning both are also likely out Saturday. Makes sense as neither really needs to play, although it would be interesting to see how Harris does in the new scheme. That he is not playing could be a good sign in terms of how fast he’s picking things up. Tramon Williams and Will Blackmon will likely start and any time you can get starting experience – even if it’s a preseason game – that’s a positive.
• With Tory Humphries officially being placed on injured reserve, ending his season, that means there’s a new Packer: Stryker Sulak (was that the name of the bad guy in Demolition Man?) Sulak, a sixth-round pick by Oakland in this year’s draft, was recently released (Al Davis doing something strange and illogical? No way!). He’s 6-feet, 4 1/2-inches and 250 pounds. He played defensive end at Missouri, but will likely be an outside linebacker in the new scheme. He had a nice career at Mizzou, being named to the All Big 12 Team three times. Last season, he led the nation with six forced fumbles. He also had 10 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. Sounds like there’s some potential there…plus, with that name, how can you NOT root for this guy?
• Jeremy Kapinos had a nice day, which included a 61-yard punt from his own 20. He’s definitely had a better week than Durant Brooks, from the sounds of it. Brooks might also have a hip injury he’s dealing with, although he told reporters he’s fine and that he doesn’t know where McCarthy got that from. Some great numbers from the Press Gazette tracking the punting battle. For today, Kapinos averaged 45.7 yards a punt with a 4.19 hang time. Brooks had numbers of 45.2 and 3.81, respectively. For camp as a whole, Kapinos is averaging 46.6 and 3.95 while Brooks is averaging 48.9 and 4.05. Still too-close-to-call at this point. (Did I really talk that long about punting? Wow, I guess I did!)
• Breno Giacomini was back with the No. 1s, where he has been most of the past week. It looks like he’s getting the upper hand on Allen Barbre in the starting RT battle. Barbre had the job at the start of camp but it sounds like he’s been less-than-stellar, to say the least.
• Mason Crosby was 6-of-6 today, including boomers from 47 and 53 yards. Hopefully he keeps it going.
• Brian Brohm continues to struggle making throws under pressure. Apparently he gets rattled by the rush. Yeah, that’s what you want to see because he won’t face any pressure in the NFL or anything. Yikes.
• Two more fights tonight: Aaron Rouse apparently got the best of Evan Moore, landing three rights while Moore was down before things got broken up. The second came between defensive tackle Anthony Toribio and Duke Preson, although it sounds like that got broken up fairly quickly.
• Good thing Martin got back on the field today because Jake Allen apparently made another nice grab, a 22-yard catch down the right sideline on a throw from Aaron Rodgers. Allen really appears to be making a push for that No. 5 receiver spot.

-Chris Lempesis

Anywho, after a four-day absence, we’re back to give you your daily serving of the most interesting bits from today’s training camp practice.

The Packers have had three practices in the past two days – including two [...]]]> Hope you missed us, we’re back!! (Hopefully you all pick up on that reference. If not, well, shame on you)

Anywho, after a four-day absence, we’re back to give you your daily serving of the most interesting bits from today’s training camp practice.

The Packers have had three practices in the past two days – including two Tuesday – so there’s quite a bit to get to. Yes, I know we should have had one up Monday, but prior commitments prevented me from getting a recap out. My bad.

As always, this information comes courtesy of the fine folks at the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• Most recent injury news: Clay Matthews (hamstring), Jeremy Thompson (groin), Justin Harrell (back), DeShawn Wynn (knee), Pat Lee (back), Ruvell Martin (groin), Nick Barnett (knee) and Johnny Jolly (ankle) were all out from Tuesday night’s practice.
• Wynn’s injury happened in practice last Friday. It’s an apparent bone bruise and it’s unknown how long he will be out. Can you believe he got hurt?
• Jolly is apparently close to being ready to return, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. No word on if Barnett will in fact test his injured knee this week, as was reported last week.
• Turns out McCarthy was bs-ing us when he said the team was giving Harrell time off last week strictly for rest. Yep, you guessed it: Harrell’s back flared up again, the same back problem that has plagued him for much of his career. No word on how long he will be out, although he’s already missed five days and it’s him so I’m not very optimistic on a quick return. Harrell looked sharp early in camp, but the injury is just another reminder of how fragile the big guy is. This is absolutely a make-or-break year for him. If he got on the field and performed poorly, that would be one thing. But if he can’t even stay healthy enough to get on the field, that’s it – it’s time for the team to cut its losses and move on.
• Sounds like Ted Thompson is starting to lose patience: “This game is about accountability and durability and all of that, and that has to factor in.” Thompson later added: “We’ll see, but at the end of the day, you have to be able to line up and do your part, and he’s giving it a go.”
• Always a good time to show this.
• This team is so banged up, Brady Poppinga was the starting ROLB and Mike “I allegedly scored an eight on the Wonderlic, which means I can barely read” Montgomery was the starting LE. And if that doesn’t put your heart in your throat, I don’t know what will.
• On to the on-field happenings, Brandon Jackson returned from his shoulder injury and looked good Tuesday night. Good. This is a crucial season for him.
• Greg Jennings and Donald Driver with nice snags while being covered by Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson, respectively, Tuesday night. Wonder if those guys will make the team.
• Aaron Kampman continues to own Allen Barbre, who apparently hasn’t done much to win the starting RT job as Breno Giacomini worked with the No. 1s throughout practice Monday.
• Mason Crosby bounced back nicely from his 6-of-9 (gulp) showing Monday during Tuesday morning’s practice, hitting three kicks of over 50 yards. It feels like he’s really close to becoming a very good kicker, yet very far away.
• Jake Allen keeps on making a case for himself as the No. 5 receiver, with another good set of practices. Martin better get healthy quick.
• Duke Preston is still struggling mightily on the o-line. He could be on the early bubble. Shame since he has such a cool-sounding name.
• Brandon Chillar, according to McCarthy, has been maybe the best linebacker in camp so far. Yet another bad sign for Poppinga.
• The team released its first depth chart of camp Tuesday. I’m not even going to link to it or mention it because it means nothing. If you don’t believe me, look for yourself.

-Chris Lempesis

The Packers had just one practice today in preparation for Saturday night’s annual Family Night scrimmage, which always sells out. Funny, the Minnesota Vikings have trouble selling out a home playoff game, yet the Packers sell out a scrimmage. Yeah, [...]]]> Here it is, your nightly serving of all the best bits of information from today’s practice.

The Packers had just one practice today in preparation for Saturday night’s annual Family Night scrimmage, which always sells out. Funny, the Minnesota Vikings have trouble selling out a home playoff game, yet the Packers sell out a scrimmage. Yeah, great fans there in the Twin Cities.

Anyways, as always, this information comes courtesy of the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• Those absent from today’s practice were Clay Matthews (hamstring), Jeremy Thompson (groin), Anthony Smith (groin), Ruvell Martin (groin), Johnny Jolly (ankle), Justin Harrell (rest), Pat Lee (back), Brandon Jackson (shoulder) and Al Harris (funeral for late Philadelphia Eagles d-coordinator Jim Johnson).
• Today’s practice was fairly light, what with the scrimmage being tomorrow and all, so there wasn’t a ton going on.
• For all the talk of fullback Quinn Johnson being a draft steal in the fifth round, Johnson hasn’t lived up to it at all thus far. He’s looked bad in blocking drills and today he fumbled on one of his rare opportunities to carry the ball.
• Speaking of struggling, Brady Poppinga continues to show he can not cover one bit. Now, it’s gotten worse, though, as running backs are also dominating him. What I said about Aaron Kampman holds true with Poppinga, as well. If you can’t cover at OLB in this scheme, it doesn’t matter how well you do everything else. Poppinga is going to have to improve a lot just to make the team, recent contract extension or not.
• Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm continue to be inconsistent. Some days are good, some are not. Overall it doesn’t sound like either has improved by leaps and bounds from last season. Just one more reason Michael Vick could really work on this team.
• Enough with the negative. Jake Allen had a tremendous day, catching three touchdowns, one of which would have been a 98-yarder. He’s 6-feet, 4-inches, thus making him quite a bit bigger than most of the Packers’ receivers. He’s also been a solid red zone target in camp so far. And with Martin struggling with injuries – something that plagued him last season, as well – Allen could end up as the team’s No. 5 receiver, despite the fact that Martin is Aaron Rodgers’ buddy.
• Another day, another very good showing from Jermichael Finley, who continues to be one of the best Packers in camp so far.
• Harrell will play tomorrow. The team has been resting him in preparation for the scrimmage. Pray he doesn’t get hurt.

Quick slants (copyright, Adam Somers)

Sounds like one Packer isn’t entirely happy with B.J. Raji’s now week-long holdout. From middle linebacker Nick Barnett’s Twitter page tonight:

“No news on raji yet??? Man I chouldnt sit out this long whoa”

Apparently spelling isn’t one of Barnett’s strong suits. That’s okay, though, because I agree with him on his point. Raji needs to get to camp. Like now.

-Chris Lempesis

Now it’s time to get back in the kitchen – and by kitchen I mean my couch – and give you your [...]]]> Like the Green Bay Packers, we at OBOD decided to take yesterday off. We didn’t do much – you know, went to Home Depot, Bed, Bath & Beyond. Actually, a pretty nice little Wednesday.

Now it’s time to get back in the kitchen – and by kitchen I mean my couch – and give you your daily serving of the most interesting bits of information from today’s practice.

The Packers had two practices today, so there was quite a bit going on.

As always, this information comes courtesy of the folks at the Green Bay Press Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• The big news of the day occurred this morning when No. 3 tight end Tory Humphrey suffered a broken forearm. The injury likely ends his season. Humphrey has shown flashes of real talent throughout his time with the team. But he has never been able to stay healthy, outside of last season. Both 2006 and 2007 ended with him on the injured reserve list. No matter when he recovers, chances are he is done in Green Bay.
• Hate to keep the negative vibe going, but the Packers are really becoming an injured bunch. Both players competing for the starting ROLB spot, Clay Matthews and Jeremy Thompson, left the night practice with injuries. Matthews re-aggrevated his hamstring that sidelined him for a good portion of the OTAs/minicamps. Thompson left with a groin injury. How long either player will be out is up in the air as of now. Wideout Ruvell Martin (Saginaw Valley State! GLIAC in the house!) and safety Anthony Smith both suffered groin injuries – Smith in the morning and Martin at night. It is unknown how long either will be out. Johnny Jolly again missed practice with his bad ankle. Justin Harrell was not practicing, although the team said it is just giving him rest. You get the feeling even they are surprised he hasn’t hurt something…yet.
• On a more positive note, Daryn Colledge (right quad) was back in the morning and made it through the day. Jarrett Bush also recovered from his ab strain, although I don’t know if that’s good or not.
• Moving on to the things that happened on the field, Jermichael Finley appeared to be the player of the day, by all accounts, showing off his supreme athleticism on a few different plays. It sounds like he might be the red zone target this team has lacked for quite some time. Again, you heard it here first: take Finley late in your fantasy draft. You’ll thank me later.
• Cullen Jenkins continues to dominate. Today he did it during one-on-one drills. Sounds like someone forgot to tell him 3-4 ends are just supposed to occupy blockers and nothing more. If Jenkins can also generate pass rush as an end in this scheme, the Packers will terrorize opponents with this defense much sooner than later.
• In this scheme, corners have to cover deep by themselves quite a bit more often than they did in the old scheme. Sounds like Will Blackmon is really struggling, getting beat more than once today.
• Desmond Bishop’s strong play early is good, because it sounds like A.J. Hawk is pretty much lost. While Bishop is just reacting, Hawk seems to be too busy being tangled up in himself. Where does that sound familiar? From when he had to play MLB last season, perhaps? I hate to say this, especially since both Adam and I own Hawk jerseys, but we might have to finally come to grips with the fact that he’s just not very good.
• Special teams was a big focus today. There was some good and some not so good. The good was Mason Crosby hitting on 8-of-9 attempts. Hopefully he’s shaking off some of his early camp struggles. The bad came with the punters (shocker!). Durant Brooks and Jeremy Kapinos got off to bad starts. They finished somewhat respectable – Brooks had a gross average of 49.2 yards and a hang time of 3.85 seconds and Kapinos had a 54.3 gross average and 3.94 hang time – but still, it doesn’t seem like either of these players is the answer. The Packers can’t afford to wait too long to find out or else we might have a repeat of the Derrick Frost disaster from last season. And I might hang myself.

Quick slants (copyright, Adam Somers)

• It sounds like this Michael Vick-to-the-Packers story is really picking up some steam. Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal reported today that the team has had some internal discussions about signing Vick. The Packers won’t say it, but I think they really want to make this move. The risk is somewhat high, but the reward could be huge.
• Speaking of troubled players Ted Thompson took a chance on, Koren Robinson will sign with the Orlando Tuskers of the new UFL, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Koro, who actually played with the Seattle Seahawks last season, probably is trying to get in a spot where he can put up some big numbers in that league and then join an NFL team for the stretch drive. And you know what? I’ll be rooting for him.
• Of course, perhaps the biggest NFL story of the day involves Michael Crabtree telling the San Francisco 49ers that he is prepared to sit out the season and re-enter the 2010 draft if they don’t pay him his value. Seems like Crabtree wants to be paid much more than the No. 10 overall pick slot. Too bad we didn’t draft him, huh? Yeah, that would have been fun.

-Chris Lempesis