The first three practices of training camp for the Green Bay Packers have come and gone. And with the first week of Packers training camp, many different things were learned. From on the field to off the field, news was popping off like crazy!
And so, it makes one wonder: out of all of the Packers news, what was the most intriguing news coming out of camp? Let’s take a look at what were the top five things learned at Packers training camp.
Packers Number Five -Kicking Battle Over With?
Before training camp, the Packers had two kickers on the roster, rookie Trey Smack and Lucas Havrisik. However, just before training camp kicked off, Green Bay released Havrisik and signed Lenny Krieg. So, at first, it seemed like there still might be a kicking competition. But, just a couple of days later, Krieg was no longer with the team. This left Smack as the only kicker on the team.
So, battle over with?
Not quite, I would expect the Packers to continually bring in kickers to try out. Plus, one never knows when another team could release a veteran. Trey Smack is still very much likely to be the Packers kicker heading into the regular season, but that’s not necessarily a given. If he performs badly, Green Bay could always bring in someone else.
Number Four – Packers Injuries
There are still several key Packers injuries to monitor as we trek through training camp. Tight end Luke Musgrave has a neck injury with which the Packers will be very careful. Because of his neck injury, Luke Musgrave found himself on PUP (phsyically unable to perform). Joining Musgrave on PUP: Javon Hargrave, Micah Parsons, Brant Banks, Matt Orzech (the long snapper), Kamal Hadden, and Jordan Riley.
Jager Burton has missed some time early on due to a minor hamstring injury, as well as Keisean Nixon. Nixon only missed one practice. Chris Brooks is also out due to injury but his is classified NFI (Non-football Injury) due to a hamstring injury sustained away from the team.
Some other players started camp on PUP but have since come back.
Number Three – Young Players Showing Up
The Green Bay Packers may have only had six players drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, but five of the six have already making a lot of headway with the starters. Corner back Brandon Cisse, defensive tackle Chris McClellan, edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton have all been rotating in with the starters. Jager Burton, the interior offensive linemen, was running with the starters prior to training camp and was likely going to play at left guard while Aaron Banks works through his minor injury woes. However, Burton sustained a hamstring injury that prevented that from happening.
And of course, you have the rookie kicker in Trey Smack. That means the only drafted rookie not to get starting looks is Domani Jackson.
Then, the second year players have been showing out too! Matthew Golden probably made the catch of training camp during Friday’s practice is showing that he is more than just a speed guy. And Barryn Sorrel has been impressive at edge while Micah Parsons continues to heal from his ACL injury.
Number Two – Tucker Kraft Already Back!
Tucker Kraft and Brian Gutekunst both made it known that it wouldn’t be long before Kraft would be off of the PUP and able to practice. I, of course, assumed that meant either next week or the following week, but nope! Kraft only missed two practices!
Kraft didn’t participate in team drills during his first practice back, but did do the individual stuff and honestly, he looked very explosive. If Kraft can stay healthy, this offense looks completely different. Tucker Kraft should have the letter C placed on his jersey and have it never taken off. Not only does Tucker Kraft perform well on the field, but seems to be a bonafide leader. It means a lot to have him back!
Packers Number One – Let Love Cook!
Finally, let Love cook! In one of Matt LaFleur’s press conferences, Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV jokingly asked LaFleur if they are going to run the ball more. LaFleur responded by asking Nagler if he wanted the Packers to run the ball more. Nagler said “no”, and then asked Matt if he is going to let Love cook?
Then came the moment! LaFleur responded (while laughing), “Yeah! We’re gonna let him cook!”
Now, all of this in context of the viral moment really doesn’t indicate too much. But later on, LaFleur did describe how they are working on improving the tempo in the offense, which in essence would allow Jordan Love to cook more. More tempo would give Love more opportunities.
Therefore…
LET LOVE COOK!
MVP season inbound!
Oh wait, maybe I’m gettin’ ahead of myself!
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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