Packers Practice Roundup: August 26, 2021

 

GENERAL/PERSONNEL:

training camp practices with the media in attendance. Today’s edition went 1 hour, 56 minutes.  Last practice (open to media) of Training Camp.  Hodkiewicz  [So, this is the last Practice Roundup this year.]

Aaron Rodgers confirmed he's had the COVID-19 vaccine.  "Yeah I've been immunized." he said. "There's guys on the team that haven't been vaccinated and it's personal decision, not going to judge those guys."  Demovsky

Matt LaFleur says Kurt Benkert "will definitely play" in Buffalo, even if Jordan Love plays. If Love can go, LaFleur said, he'll play the first half, maybe into the third quarter. Then it'll be Benkert's time.  2)  Matt LaFleur on Jordan Love's shoulder and his availability Saturday in Buffalo: "I thought he looked good. He said there's no pain. We'll let it go through the week, and we'll see."  Wood

I don’t think Funchess had done enough to beat out Taylor or ESB even if he were healthy. ESB needs to get healthy though to stay in the race. They know what he can do but he has had trouble staying healthy.  Silverstein  [Really? ESB has done enough to win a roster spot over Funchess?  Over Malik Taylor?  We shall soon see.]

The Packers also announced they released WR chris Blair. They signed DL Abdullah Anderson and CB Stephen Denmark. Their roster is now at 79 players entering preseason finale in Buffalo, one short of maximum.  Wood  [So, I guess GB just didn’t like Avery.]

David Bakhtiari and Dennis Kelly working off to the side. Both have looked good.  Herman

Josh Allen will start the Bills’ preseason finale.  Matthew Fairburn retweeted by Schneidman

Preston Smith and MVS are going to make a lot of money this year.  [Both have had great camps.]

QB Jordan Love (shoulder) continues to practice as the Packers prepare for Buffalo on Saturday. Absent with injury:

Equanimeous St. Brown

Vernon Scott

Za’Darius Smith

Dennis Kelly

Juwann Winfree

Tyler Lancaster  Reiner [Most important tweet: some of these guys might need to play to keep roster spots.]

 

QUARTERBACKS/WIDE RECEIVERS:

On MVS the person, which translates to the WR: "The person is in a way different head space. I think he is so settled mentally. Very clear. Very present."  He says there were times in past he didn't know if he could count on MVS, but he has zero doubts now.  2)   Aaron Rodgers rolls left and uncorks a ridiculous throw to MVS on the right numbers, across the field almost 50 yards. Those never get old.  Wood

Aaron Rodgers said MVS is in a way different head space this year. "He's a way different person. He has become a true professional," Rodgers said.  Silverstein

Rodgers is on one. Gorgeous back shoulder deep down field to MVS who adjusts, holds on and makes a great contested catch against Sullivan. Chandon has to be wondering what the hell is going on. Solid coverage on back to back deep completions.  2) Absolute WOW throw by 12. That was unreal. Chandon had great coverage on a crosser to Davante. The ball fell out of the sky into the hands of Adams. No words I tweet can do it justice. Unreal throw.  Herman

Benkert to Hazelton. Straight red zone money.  Benkert misses to Malik on a back shoulder.   Herman  [In the team period.]

Really good rush by Preston vs Elgton. Been a good battle all summer. Smith and Gary prolly would’ve been in position for sack but Rodgers hits Rodgers on the deep crosser.  Hodkiewicz

Rodgers said on the Pat McAffee Show that Amari has been impressive at times but is still having a rookie’s preseason because there’s so much being thrown at him. Said it’s no slight on Amari and what he’s going through is expected. Amari will still have a role on offense and teams.  Schneidman

Love finds Malik Taylor deep on a corner route. Really nice ball by Love and a big gain. Love is having a very nice day.  2)  Another nice progression play by Love. Looks for the shot play off play action, it’s not there, he adjusts his feet and finds his next read, a checkdown to a wide open Kylin Hill.   3)  Things you love to see - Jordan Love rolling right - has Sternberger wide open in the flat but goes through his progressions and finds Amari for a bigger gain. Nice play by 10.  Herman

 

TIGHT ENDS:

Aaron Rodgers loops pass to his tight end over Krys Barnes in back end zone, and Tonyan casually stabs it with right hand and stays inbounds for TD catch. Not sure Tonyan doesn’t have the best hands on this team. Makes everything look easy.  Wood

Love floats to a wide open Deguara in the flat. Nice gain. Offense picking apart the defense on the ground and through the air today.  Herman

 

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN:

Aaron Rodgers says he was "gentle" on rookie Josh Myers early in camp. That's changing now: "We need him to play more like a veteran, and not like a rookie." Rodgers got frustrated with Myers today because he made an adjustment, and the rookie did not change the cadence.  Woods

Another false start by the offense.  2)  False start offense with the 2’s taking over.  Herman

Aaron Rodgers just chewed someone out, and it sure seemed to be rookie C Josh Myers after he didn’t snap the ball when he was supposed to. Rodgers called timeout, and as @BillHuberSI notes, it was a frustrated timeout call. Rodgers is scheduled to be at the podium after practice.  Rodgers: “I made an adjustment and he decided to not change the cadence by himself. Just about everybody else probably moved but he was kind of doing his own thing ... that’ll be his one-time mistake on that. You need plays like that. I’m not mad about that.”  Schneidman

Royce Newman and Lucas Patrick getting first-team reps at RG and LG, respectively.  2)  Matt LaFleur says he's now looking at 3 candidates to fill 2 guard spots: "Whatever the combination may be of a Royce Newman, a Lucas Patrick, a Jon Runyan." Does not name Ben Braden, who had been getting a crack at first-team reps earlier in camp.  Wood  [Many observers believe Patrick is a better RG than a LG, but Newman has been practicing mostly at RG.  Both can’t play there.]

No mention of Braden [for the starting guard opening], who had been in the running but has been the No. 2 RT with Dennis Kelly out.

Pass rush picked up in last team drill. Rashan Gary beat Billy Turner for a likely sack, Preston Smith beat Elgton Jenkins insider for a pressure, Dean Lowry knocked down a pass and newcomer Abdullah Anderson beat Yosh Nijman with a great spin move.  Silverstein

Started drill at RT and crossed over. One of the few times it wasn’t 74 and 77 all camp. Big snaps for Nijman.  Hodkiewicz

Yosh Nijman getting some work at RT with the 1s. Don’t think we’ve seen that yet this preseason.  Schneidman  [No idea how Nijman fared at RT.  There have been a number of tweets indicating that Turner has gotten beaten by Gary and Preston Smith this camp.]  

Yosh getting reps with the 1s most recently at LT, just had a fantastic rep against D. Scott.  Herman

 

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:

Kingsley Keke, who is cementing himself high on this DL depth chart, credited with a sack on Aaron Rodgers to set up 3rd-and-17. After an 8-yard bubble to Aaron Jones, Rodgers found Davante Adams for 14 yards on a 4th-and-9 deep in route. Good moments on both sides of LOS.  Wood

Delontae Scott sets the edge and makes a tfl on Kylin.  Herman

Even with the music blaring, Jordan Love gets Delontae Scott to jump offside with his hard count. Love then takes his shot deep left, but WR on that side cut off his route. Christian Uphoff makes a sliding interception…that wouldn’t count because of 5-yard penalty.  Wood

Dean Lowry has had a nice camp. Bats down a Rodgers pass at LOS. He’s done that a lot this summer.  Hodkiewicz

Kenny Clark slides down the LOS and snuffs out a screen pass from Aaron Rodgers to A.J. Dillon. Made the “tackle” in open space. Big, athletic dude against another big, athletic dude. Wood

 

LINEBACKERS:

Rashan Gary just broke through the Packers’ OL and would have had a sack on Aaron Rodgers. He has looked really good in camp. They’re gonna need him to continue that next month with Za’Darius Smith’s back injury still keeping him off the field.  Wood

Rodgers to Tonyan over the middle. Great protection by B. Turner on the play against Tipa.  [Tipa doesn’t beat the number one guys, IMO.]

 

DEFENSIVE BACKS:

Only concern from practice today is that it sounds like Stokes pulled up at one point and didn’t practice after that. Will be worth monitoring.  2)  Kevin King all over a quick throw to Davante on the outside. King has taken the reps with the ones so far. I don’t think I’ve seen Stokes take any team reps yet.  Herman

Chandon Sullivan with an impressive play, beating Davante Adams’ block and getting in position to tackle Aaron Jones on a slip screen to the left. A tough combo there.  Wood

Sullivan all over a quick throw to Jones after 12 was um, let’s say, not happy with something at the line of scrimmage the play earlier.  2) Chandon again had perfect coverage on a completion. He’s having the best bad day ever, or the worst good day…  Herman

Love to Hazelton on a crosser. Ento was a step late and Hazelton picks up a big gain.  Herman

 

SPECIAL TEAMS:

K JJ Molson remains money in practice. Among his makes, 56 and 60 yards.  Silverstein  [I would guess that Molson has made a higher percentage of his field goal attempts than Crosby has during this camp.  He is just auditioning for another team, I assume.]

The punt returners today have been Cobb, Amari, and Begelton. Herman

WR Malik Taylor and CB Isaac Yiadom getting first-team reps on both sides of the LOS. Two guys who could make the roster on the strength of special teams.  Wood

 

 

 

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15 points
 

Comments (29)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Bure9620's picture

August 26, 2021 at 09:33 pm

Sounds like Braden no longer in the running for starting guard. Interesting, not that he was lights out but I have not been impressed with Patrick or Runyan at all.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 26, 2021 at 09:47 pm

Sounds like that, but perhaps LaFleur just was thinking of Braden at RT. Kelly was working out with Bakh and both looked spry. I can't tell how far away these guys are from returning to action.

Kelly might need to play against Buffalo to earn a spot. Wonder if Kelly would pass through waivers and/or be willing to go to the PS? I would think he is cheap enough to attract a waiver claim and "not if he can help it," respectively.

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Coldworld's picture

August 27, 2021 at 09:26 am

Looks like they are focusing Braden on RT where he did well last week. I think he’s the new swing lineman. Kelly might not make the team. Interesting to see Nijman get some time at RT. He’s been exclusively at left for a year or so, but RT may be his best route to start in future. I think it’s a sign he’s in the long term plans.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 26, 2021 at 10:01 pm

MVS has had a really good camp.

OL seems a little unsettled still. Gary and Preston Smith have beaten Turner a few times during camp, particularly Preston. I suppose both those guys do know how to rush the passer. I just don't see Tipa beat a name player. I am thinking Turner is just okay at RT, more of a lower to mid level starter there.

Note that Newman and Patrick both have been at RG a lot. Patrick has played both LG and RG, but folks think he's is more comfortable/better at RG. They tried Braden a LG for a while.

Josh Allen is going to play some, so Buffalo will probably use their OL starters. Good test for Tipa, Chauncey Rivers and Garvin to state their case. Garvin looking not lost on STs would help his case.

The plan is to play Benkert. Interesting, since it will just showcase him some more. It sounds like Love will play the first half plus some of the third quarter (per LaFleur according to a tweet - not sure if I included it above). At least as long as he has no pain after these practices.

There are more practices, but they are closed to both the public and closed to the media from here on out. Although cut downs are on August 31, technically training camp doesn't end until September 5. Not sure whether there is a difference.

I didn't see a word about the safeties in today's assortment of tweets. Malik Taylor had a big catch. Not sure: I don't think they were in full pads. I got the impression just shoulder pads and shorts. I don't think there was a clear tweet by the media. I'd love to know how Nijman looked at right tackle.

This is it for Practice Roundups. Thanks for reading this series. And thanks to the media observers who put out tweets: they make this possible. The ones who get into the most detail are Andy Herman and Ryan Woods.

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Since'61's picture

August 26, 2021 at 10:44 pm

TGR -great job. Again my appreciation for your hard work and efforts to bring us this information throughout the training camp. Be well. Thanks, Since ‘61

9 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 27, 2021 at 09:28 am

Yes indeed. TGR, this has been the highlight of camp coverage for me. Very much appreciated.

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dobber's picture

August 27, 2021 at 10:26 am

**stands, slow clap**

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croatpackfan's picture

August 27, 2021 at 06:39 am

No, THANK YOU TGR for efforts and consistency in reports you are bringing to us after every practice.

I know that you were not presented at many practice, but I would like to get your impression on development of Jordan Love, Taylor, Hill (especially in pass protection), Benkert (it looks like he is what he is, no development on his side), Uphoff, Gains, McDuffy and maybe some other young guys which catch your attention.

Thank you!

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Guam's picture

August 27, 2021 at 08:42 am

Add my thanks to the chorus TGR. This is my favorite new column and all the comments from practice certainly helped my understanding of the young Packer players. I appreciate all of your hard work bringing this to us and thank you again.

5 points
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CheesyTex's picture

August 27, 2021 at 09:58 am

Ditto.

Also appreciate the insights and depth of your other posts.

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jurp's picture

August 27, 2021 at 05:53 pm

Thanks much, TGR! I've enjoyed reading your posts very much!

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Swisch's picture

August 26, 2021 at 10:04 pm

As an embattled nation in a moment of heartbreak and humiliation, we should seriously consider cancelling the NFL preseason games this weekend.
In this time of crisis, I humbly put forth my modest Facebook page of Keep America Unique as a voice for not giving up in the debacle of Afghanistan and daring to save the day.
It's not a matter of claiming to be absolutely right in all points, but of rallying America to action to rescue our people and regain our dignity. Well-meaning disagreements welcome, but remembering we're in this together.
I understand if this post is deleted by CHTV as inappropriate, but this dire situation may be worthy of an exception. Either way, I'm good.
***
In the spirit of Packer fans, and to borrow from Vince Lombardi: What the hell is going on out there?
Are we just grabbing listlessly at this crucial adversity, or are we tackling it head on as Americans.
This contest isn't over until we say it is, and we don't quit until we win the day.
Keep America Unique is opinionated but independent. If my ideas are considered impractical more or less, propose better ones in robust but respectful discussion. Please, let's stick together!!!

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Guam's picture

August 27, 2021 at 08:48 am

Not the right forum for this Swisch. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but please find a political blog to air it on. Thanks.

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Swisch's picture

August 27, 2021 at 05:11 pm

You may be right, Guam.
I wasn't sure about whether or not to put forth this post, but in any case it was meant to be a rare exception.
The overall situation I referred to has me really shaken up, but I agree about CheeseheadTV being a refuge from such events and their related issues.
Please pardon any inappropriateness on my part.
Back to football . . .

2 points
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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

August 27, 2021 at 01:14 pm

You lost me after the first sentence. Take your political rants elsewhere.

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Roadrunner23's picture

August 26, 2021 at 10:49 pm

Thanks so much for the round ups James! I enjoyed them very much!
ND

3 points
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Todd's picture

August 26, 2021 at 11:05 pm

Good stuff as always. Really appreciate you putting these roundups together. Thanks!

2 points
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Fubared's picture

August 26, 2021 at 11:15 pm

I wonder why they didnt put st brown on ir and just say adios. They must love him for some reason but I have no clue,
Would like to see Buffalo target King a lot and we can see if he has improved at all. Very confused why they game him a new contract after the play the last three years.
Time to bring in a punter to at least compete with Scott, They love him too
Rodgers is probably very sore that they let a pro bowl center leave and he has to work with a rookie?

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croatpackfan's picture

August 27, 2021 at 03:28 am

Because you are not evaluate or judging player if he enters the game injured and you have nobody else healthy and better than injured one. Second I bow to Kevin who take all the blame on himself for 2 important mistakes (one at the end of the 1st half and one at last possession of the NFCCG), not finding excuses in his injury, or in strange defensive call from his coaches or because of changing the criteria from referees. For me he is high quality person. And you love to have that kind of persons on your roster.

2 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 27, 2021 at 05:46 am

ESQ is a very talented WR that the coaches see in practice. It is unfortunate that us fans have not been able to see ESB play. The talent is definitely there!

Not sure what has gone on with the constant injuries for going on 4 years now. Some players physically just cannot handle the physicality of the NFL. Will be interesting to see if they stash him on IR once again.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 27, 2021 at 07:21 am

ESB is the guy I thought would break out each year. He is big. He's fast. He's strong. He's smooth.

And every year I am disappointed. He gets sick. He gets hurt.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 27, 2021 at 12:02 pm

Two rumored knocks on him coming into the draft as that he wouldn’t play through any injury and that he really wasn’t interested in football, his father was the driver (he seems like a character). I have to say that the former at least seems true and the latter plausible. He has seldom put more than an isolated splash together in the off season, or at any time prior.

Either way, his availability record and lack of growth is enough to end this debate absent injuries even without considering ST contribution. Taylor is WR 6. Winfree, if healthy, might push him, but I think health takes him to the PS with Bagelton and maybe Hazelton, who has great hands. The EQ is still relevant crowd need a miraculous performance from him (he is supposedly practicing) or an injury or 2 to receivers. There are some in the media who keep pushing the fantasy.

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greengold's picture

August 27, 2021 at 12:37 pm

Yeah, I don't see his brother doing too much in this league either... was very happy we didn't draft him this year.

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PeteK's picture

August 27, 2021 at 09:17 am

That's the job of a HOF veteran to work and develop rookies or take a pay cut to keep a pro bowl center. I'm not worried about that tough love Rodgers is giving Meyers. I'm sure he's also picking him up afterwards and when he makes a good play.

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Coldworld's picture

August 27, 2021 at 09:32 am

Silverstein has always had a soft spot for ESB. That tweet made me laugh. Just a reminder that we all have to question ourselves periodically to ensure we aren’t letting emotions blind us to reality and expose us to laughter.

3 points
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Tedlyflyfisher's picture

August 26, 2021 at 11:40 pm

I read that we’re down to 79 instead of 80 so I thought they’d sign another punter to audition against the Bills, but then I see in this report that JJ Molson is back on the roster? I wonder if that puts them back up to 80.

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Coldworld's picture

August 27, 2021 at 09:41 am

He never left. I’m wondering if the plan is to keep him on the PS and for next year. As TGR said, it does make the release of Avery and more puzzling. I wonder if we sign a body.

Hazelton has shown up in these a couple of times this week. Is he a mire than just a body? I could see him on the PS.

Galeai is only going to win by speed. He’s just not physically powerful or heavy enough. He could be a 5th OLB as a cover/speed rusher in the Fackrell mold (Fackrell never bull rushed anyone). If not, he’s PS at best. Who is the 4th OLB?

Abdullah has some ability to pressure and has played games. Is he more than just a body as well? Could he make the PS over someone like Previlon? He’s bigger and as athletic.

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egbertsouse's picture

August 27, 2021 at 07:21 am

Hey moderators, you need to bump these people with political agendas off the site. You cleaned it up for awhile but they are sneaking back. This is a sports site, right?

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Johnblood27's picture

August 27, 2021 at 08:34 am

Out of the blue prediction...

GBP trade K Molson to a team that is cutting a coveted Punter.

Just makes sense to avoid the waiver wire if you're number 29 or so...

Is there a match? A team in need of a K but having 2 servicable P?

0 points
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