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Alarming signs at Packers OTAs: Is the depth chart on life support?
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- Alarming signs at Packers OTAs: Is the depth chart on life support?
Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images
Green Bay 's opening OTA session wasn't just about the drills; it also gave a clear look at how many players are currently on the road back from injury.
With 16 members of the roster not taking part, several of them were dealing with issues that fall right between early May and the run-up to training camp.
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Devonni Reed was one of the few returning names available at linebacker. He returned to the field for Thursday's practice after an undisclosed injury cost him time during rookie minicamp.
The Packers responded by adding a couple of bodies ahead of Thursday's session, including former Maryland prospect Fa'Najae Gotay. The organisation has listed Gotay as a defensive back, but he spent most of his collegiate career at linebacker.
While he'd appeared in warmups early on, Landon Young left Thursday's practice and didn't return. He remains sidelined alongside fellow lineman Isaiah McDuffie (shoulder) and fullback Kenny Clark (ankle), who both missed Wednesday's session as well.
Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images
Parsons' PUP status looking likely for start of camp
Micah Parsons , Green Bay's All-Pro edge rusher acquired from Dallas this offseason, was another notable absence. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Parsons is progressing well in his ACL recovery and is expected to begin training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
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Under the updated rules for this year, players who remain on the list into the season must sit out at least four games but can return to practice as early as Week 3. That left Lukas Van Ness and Barryn Sorrell running with the first-team defence, while Brenton Cox Jr. rotated in behind them.
Tucker Kraft and Zach Tom continued their rehab away from the main group. LaFleur said both are expected back by training camp or early into it, adding that Kraft "looks so good, you want to put him out there." Before his Week 9 ACL injury against Carolina, Kraft was having a strong season, posting 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games.
Darian Kinnard filled in at right tackle with the first-team offence while Tom remains sidelined. At tight end, Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle took most of the reps.
Absences Create Opportunities for New Faces to Step In
With Devonte Wyatt not available, the Packers got a look at their interior defensive line options. Javon Hargrave , who joined from Philadelphia along with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, took first-team reps alongside Karl Brooks and Warren Brinson , while rookie Chris McClellan also saw time in the rotation.
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With Gannon putting in a new system, these snaps were valuable for everyone involved. In the secondary, Carrington Valentine worked opposite Keisean Nixon , and rookie Brandon Cisse got some time as the group adjusted to the new approach.
Evan Williams stood out with a strong defensive play, moving across the field to pick off a deep pass from Jordan Love meant for Christian Watson , who may have been affected by the wind. Meanwhile, Nixon defended well against Musgrave as Love dodged pressure from Xavier McKinney , while Watson later responded with an impressive catch on a deep crossing route.
Green Bay's rehab group still controls the long-term ceiling, and the players taking the current reps can push the staff to keep evaluating the depth chart once the healthier names return.
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