Rob Demovsky's version of the 53
Everyone has their own version of the Packers' 53-man roster, so here's mine (with the caveat that I may revise it later in the day or again tomorrow before the final cuts at 5 p.m.): Quarterbacks (2) Brett Favre Aaron Rodgers Running backs (6) Brandon Jackson Vernand Morency Noah Herron Korey Hall Corey White A RB to be named later, either via trade or waivers Receivers (5) Donald Driver Greg Jennings James Jones Ruvell Martin Carlyle Holiday Tight ends (3) Donald Lee Bubba Franks A TE to be named later, either via trade or waivers Offensive line (9) Chad Clifton Mark Tauscher Scott Wells Jason Spitz Daryn Colledge Allen Barbre Tony Moll Junius Coston Tyson Walter Defensive line (10) Aaron Kampman Cullen Jenkins Ryan Pickett Corey Williams KGB Colin Cole Johnny Jolly Michael Montgomery Justin Harrell Larry Birdine Linebackers (6) A.J. Hawk Nick Barnett Brady Poppinga Desmond Bishop Tracy White Spencer Havner Defensive backs (9) Al Harris Charles Woodson Atari Bigby Nick Collins Aaron Rouse Charlie Peprah Will Blackmon Jarrett Bush Frank Walker Specialits (3) Rob Davis, Jon Ryan, Mason Crosby Notes: The openings for another RB and TE are based on the fact that the 53-man roster for Week 1 rarely includes 53 players who were in camp with the Packers. Last year, Ted Thompson kept only 50 of his own players and added from waivers (Bush, Peprah and Tony Palmer). ... The Packers could keep only five running backs and choose to add a third quarterback or a fourth tight end. ... Birdine may have edged out Jason Hunter in the final week. ... Patrick Dendy goes from being the nickel guy at the start of camp to being cut. ... There's no chance they keep two kickers and probably only keep Dave Rayner if they get a trade offer for Crosby that they can't refuse. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Jerry Kramer, Hall of Famer!
Jerry Kramer, the right guard on the Packers' Glory Years teams of the 1960s, is finally going into the Hall of Fame. But not the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rather, he's one of 100 charter members of the Vandal Athletics Hall of Fame at his alma mater, the University of Idaho. He'll be inducted on Sept. 7. -- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com
Joe Johnson, Hall of Famer?
Joe Johnson isn't remembered fondly in Green Bay, but they love him in New Orleans. The defensive end, who was New Orleans' top pick in the 1994 draft and starred for the Saints for seven seasons, is going into the Saints Hall of Fame. Johnson had 50.5 sacks, was twice voted to the Pro Bowl and was named the NFL's comeback player of the year in 2000. But in Green Bay, where he signed a six-year, $33 million deal as a free agent in March 2002, he played in just 11 games over two seasons because of triceps and knee injuries. He managed only 25 tackles and two sacks. The Packers released him in June 2004 after paying him $9.65 million. "I've always said New Orleans is like a second home to me," Johnson told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "Even though the nature of the business took me to Green Bay for my last two seasons, New Orleans always had a piece of my heart. This is truly an honor." Johnson, 35, retired after his release from the Packers. He lives in Atlanta, where he runs an entertainment company. The induction ceremony will be Nov. 2 in Kenner, La. The hall's exhibits are moving to the Louisiana Superdome this fall. -- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com
Good night, folks
As the clock ticks down on the Packers' 2-2 preseason -- Rob Bironas' third field goal made it 30-14 Titans late -- the clock starts ticking until the 53-man cutdown deadline, which is in about 43 hours. The Packers probably will announce a few cuts Friday -- nice knowing you, Alvin Nnabuife -- and the rest will hit waivers Saturday morning. Without reviewing the tape, I can't say for certain which guys broke through tonight. But as it stands (and making some assumptions about injury-related moves), here's my best guess at the 53 -- at least until they pluck a back or tight end off waivers and deal one of those kickers: Quarterbacks (2): Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers. Running backs/fullbacks (5): Vernand Morency, Brandon Jackson, Noah Herron, Korey Hall, Corey White*. Wide receivers (5): Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin, Carlyle Holiday. Tight ends (3): Donald Lee, Bubba Franks, Zac Alcorn*. Offensive line (9): Chad Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, Mark Tauscher, Allen Barbre, Junius Coston, Tony Moll, Tyson Walter. Defensive line (10): Cullen Jenkins, Corey Williams, Ryan Pickett, Aaron Kampman, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Johnny Jolly, Colin Cole, Justin Harrell, Jason Hunter, Larry Birdine*. Linebackers (6): A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brady Poppinga, Desmond Bishop, Tracy White, Spencer Havner*. Defensive backs (9): Charles Woodson, Al Harris, Atari Bigby, Nick Collins, Will Blackmon, Jarrett Bush, Aaron Rouse, Charlie Peprah, Frank Walker*. Specialists (4): Jon Ryan, Rob Davis, Dave Rayner, Mason Crosby. *Last five in That'll do it for us tonight. Keep tuned to the Blog for the latest on cuts, waiver claims and more all weekend. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Back to the mailbag
From Brad, via e-mail: "Yep, that was rash throwing Ingle Martin off the nearest cliff based on Thompson having looked ok for a couple of games. Personally I'd like to see the Pack lose Paul Thompson and get Martin back." Ingle Martin will be back, albeit on the practice squad, by Sunday morning. He knows the system, and he's as close to Brett Favre as anyone on the roster. Coaches wanted to get more tape on Thompson, and now they've got it. The verdict: He ain't ready. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Bad break for Culver
Tyrone Culver faced an uphill battle to make the roster entering tonight's game. The apparent right shoulder injury he suffered in his futile attempt to stop Chris Davis' 70-yard punt return for a touchdown, which extended the Titans lead to 27-14, could be the final blow. If Culver's cut, he'd be the fourth member of the 12-man 2006 draft class to hit the street. WR/KR Cory Rodgers and DE Dave Tollefson didn't make the team, and the Packers released QB Ingle Martin on Friday. The future of third-round pick Abdul Hodge, hobbled in training camp by patellar tendinitis in his knees, also is uncertain. The 11-man class of 2005 was down to six before camp. Then the team released S Marviel Underwood, and Michael Montgomery is a candidate for injured reserve because of a knee injury. All said, only 11 of Ted Thompson's first 23 draft picks seem certain to be on the roster. Six are starters. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Ted might have a better shot to lead a TD drive
Paul Thompson has replaced Aaron Rodgers, who threw only seven passes before exiting. It took Thompson exactly three plays to hit a defensive back in the hands, but the pass fell incomplete. I can't think of another quarterback who has gone from an intriguing prospect to a no-chance kid in only three practices, but Thompson's eight picks this week did it for me. That the Packers are only down 20-14, after two Rob Bironas field goals, is a miracle with the guys they're putting out there. But you can't just chalk up that defensive touchdown as a fluke -- it shows again the Packers have playmakers on that side of the ball, even beyond the first line. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Birdine keeps shining
Top draft pick Justin Harrell will get the highlight tape and the slaps on the back from his family and friends tonight in his native Tennessee for his 18-yard fumble return for a game-tying touchdown. But Larry Birdine, the undrafted rookie end out of Oklahoma, is the one who made that play -- something he's done a lot in the second half all preseason. It looked like left tackle Michael Roos gave up on the play when QB Vince Young held the ball in the pocket. That allowed Birdine to get around the end and strip Young. Depending what the Packers do with Michael Montgomery, Birdine's consistent production may have won him a spot on this football team. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
First-half thoughts
Once the Packers starters departed, this one became a mismatch, although it makes it interesting to judge guys like Frank Walker, Charlie Peprah and Tyrone Culver, knowing they're taking on the big guns. The bad part is the second-team line -- minus Tony Moll (neck/shoulder) and Tony Palmer (hamstring) -- is so short-handed they've got no prayer. Aaron Rodgers is running for his life on every play, and DeShawn Wynn had 2 yards on his first nine carries. This might get ugly. A few roster thoughts ... * I've said all week Patrick Dendy might be the odd man out, and I'm buying it more than ever. Will Blackmon has been playing great and Walker simply has more physical ability, so if the Packers can get by without Dendy's special-teams contributions, I think he's toast. * Tim Goodwell has been quite active with this second unit, but I still get the feeling coaches like the injured Spencer Havner (back strain) enough to keep him as the sixth linebacker. In case coaches needed a reminder, Tracy White had a couple nice special-teams plays in the first half. And Desmond Bishop is locked in as the No. 2 mike linebacker. There's no way the Packers keep a seventh. * What a bad half for draft picks on the bubble. David Clowney shows a total lack of awareness on kick returns, Mason Crosby pulls a field-goal attempt and Wynn drops a pair of passes. If Clark Harris misses a block in the second half, we'll be 4-for-4. * It's Peprah vs. Culver at safety (sorry, Marquand), and without reviewing the tape, it's tough to tell who's performing better. That one probably comes down to special teams, on which Peprah has the edge. * If Dave Rayner doesn't get a long-range field-goal attempt in the second half, I'll be stunned. The Packers keep saying they're trying to keep the place-kicker competition even; Crosby's had two long attempts this preseason, and Rayner deserves at least one. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
I stand corrected
I honestly cannot remember ever seeing a kick returner try to catch the ball along the sidelines only to lose it out of bounds. Congrats, David Clowney, for pinning your team at the 7-yard line. Combined with looking indecisive on a 23-yard return earlier, this hasn't been an inspiring performance for the fifth-round pick who entered squarely on the roster bubble. Where's Noah Herron when you need him? Knee injury? C'mon, get out there and tell the kid it's a penalty if that ball goes out of bounds. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Production concerns minimal from here on
The Titans came into this game planning to play their starters into second half -- a rarity in the final exhibition. Meanwhile, the Packers held out two defensive starters and already have most of the others out of the game. So Tennessee's eight-play, 58-yard touchdown drive that tied the score at 7 is neither surprising nor particularly concerning. The Titans don't have a lot of established weapons, but one would hope their starters could take the Packers' backups. The No. 2 offense is in there for the Packers now, too, so take anything that happens from here on with a grain or five of salt. If Aaron Rodgers doesn't get decapitated behind this injury-depleted, second-string line, it's a victory. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
More like David Crosby ...
Coach Mike McCarthy said this week he'd consider stalling a drive intentionally to get one of his place-kickers an attempt from a certain distance. That may have been the case on the Packers' third drive -- and Mason Crosby may have opened the door for Dave Rayner. It didn't appear to be a clean snap, but Crosby flat-out hooked a 52-yard field goal from the right hash. If Rayner converts a similar kick later in this game, it might be difficult for the Packers to say their sixth-round draft pick still deserves the job. I was convinced coming into this game that only a bad outing by Crosby could cost him the job. This was a start in that direction. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
The danger of the last preseason game
Tim Goodwell's hit on Vince Young near the Packers sideline raises the great question of these useless fourth exhibition games: Would you rather see your young players letting up when there's an injury risk or going all out? It's probably the latter, but going low on the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year a step out of bounds is a good way to get your own QB dragged down. On the other hand, there's the clean hits Atari Bigby already has put on -- once on an incompletion, once on a receiver with the ball in space. Marquand Manuel is packing as I type. BTW, DeShawn Wynn is as good as done. You can't drop passes like this and expect to make the team, and his idea of pass-blocking appears to be throwing a shoulder into a guy like it's a jammed door. Brutal. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
No-huddle gets offense in rhythm
Good on Mike McCarthy for trotting out the shotgun, no-huddle offense on the second series. Yes, at some point the Packers will need to run the football, but these guys needed to get in a rhythm and gain some yardage. The no-huddle got it done, with Brett Favre hitting four receivers -- Greg Jennings, Bubba Franks, James Jones and Noah Herron -- on the way to a touchdown (6 yards to Herron). That should be all for Favre tonight, especially after the hit Kyle Vanden Bosch put on him after the TD throw. Rookie RB DeShawn Wynn didn't help himself by dropping a swing pass in the red zone. Also, his first carry went for no gain. Welcome to Green Bay, kid. It's also worth noting Mason Crosby booted the first extra point tonight. I think he came in with a slight edge over incumbent Dave Rayner. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Once again, forget the run
The Packers offense came out throwing again with four straight passes. With Brandon Jackson sitting out this week, though, it's tough to blame them. None of Brett Favre's completions were too far down the field; James Jones' both were practically at the line of scrimmage, and at least one seemed to be a check out of a run play. On a side note, Pete Dougherty tells me starting MLB Nick Barnett went through warm-ups without issue but was held out as a coach's decision. That's why Desmond Bishop came out in the middle. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Let Clowney run!
Closed-circuit to Noah Herron: David Clowney needs to show something if he's going to secure his spot on this football team, so why are you physically holding him in the end zone on the opening kickoff? Clowney told me last week he was dying to bring out the opening kickoff last week against Jacksonville. This couldn't have made him too happy. You don't want someone to get the Shaun Bodiford treatment and pop an MCL by getting upended on his first return. But who doesn't want to see Clowney flash that sub-4.4 speed? It's the preseason, Noah. Let the kid run. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
More from the mailbag
Mary Kay wrote in an e-mail: "Coach unsure about how to fill 3rd third quarterback spot? Let's put 50-yard spirals Punter Jon Ryan in there! Couldn't be worse than Thompson throwing 3 interceptions per practice." Ryan throwing the football in practice is flat-out impressive (even if you didn't watch campfire punter Ryan Dougherty's painful attempts to catch kicks in practice). It's not just that Jon Ryan can throw a spiral -- a lot of guys can -- but he throws it 50 or more yards with ease. No, they're not going to have Ryan doubling as a QB. There's a better chance for bringing back Ingle Martin and having him double as a backup punter. But considering how jacked Ryan is for a specialist, it's good to see those muscles aren't just for show. (You listening, Todd Sauerbrun?) Keep the questions coming, and I'll answer some during breaks in the action tonight. Use the 'Comments' link below, or e-mail if you don't have an account. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Running game issues
Alright, let's get to your questions ... Askrenes said: "Have the Packers' issues running the ball been more due to the inexperience of the backs themselves, or the lack of blocks by the offensive line (or somewhere in between)?" I think the offensive line's role is unrated, though certainly having rookie after rookie toting the rock behind them doesn't help. Neither does starting a rookie fullback. Everyone assumed Year 2 in the zone-blocking scheme would represent a breakthrough, but I've seen more than one starting lineman flat out whiff on a cut block in the preseason. Really, it's a combination of factors. Brandon Jackson occasionally has been tentative making his first cut, which throws off the timing of running plays, but the blockers need to do more, too. Barring a free-agent signing, this backfield is going to be young. The improvement needs to start up front. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
No surprises among Packers' scratches
As expected, cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson and safety Marquand Manuel are healthy scratches for tonight's preseason finale at Tennessee. Sitting out because of injuries are: WR Shaun Bodiford, RB Brandon Jackson, RB Vernand Morency, S Aaron Rouse, LB Spencer Havner, LB Abdul Hodge, G Tony Palmer, G Jason Spitz, T Tony Moll, WR Donald Driver, DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and DE Michael Montgomery. -- Pete Dougherty, pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com
No one likes the regular season anyway
The Packers' final exhibition game of the year is less than eight hours away -- I know, I'm crying, too -- so start posting your questions now. Think the offense will sputter again? Think Cullen Jenkins will behead Vince Young? Think DeShawn Wynn will somehow develop malaria during warm-ups? Let me know. Using the ' Comments' link below is best, but I'll accept questions via e-mail, too. Check back tonight for the answers, which I'll mix in with my live analysis throughout the game. UPDATE: I'll start replying to questions at 6:30 p.m. Keep 'em coming. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Your guide to Packers-Titans TV, radio
Packers preseason games always bring lots of questions about TV coverage. Here are the stations carrying tonight's Packers-Titans game from Nashville: WFRV, Green Bay; WTMJ, Milwaukee; WKOW, Madison; WAOW, Wausau; WXOW, La Crosse; WQOW, Eau Claire; WYOW, Eagle River; WJMN, Marquette, Mich.; and KQDS, Duluth, Minn. That's a network put together solely for the purpose of carrying three preseason games. If you can't get any of those stations, and you have a satellite dish, here are the broadcast coordinates: C-band, AMC-6, Transponder 23. Kickoff is at 7 p.m., with Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon on the call. If you get NFL Network via satellite, the game will be shown on tape delay at 6 p.m. Sunday. Radio: The game will be on the Packers Radio Network and on Channel 124 on Sirius Satellite Radio. -- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com
A fond farewell to open practice
Twenty-five practices, three preseason games and 256 Insider Blog posts later (make that 257), our month of watching every snap of Green Bay Packers practices has come to an end. From here on out, all the media gets to see each session is about 30 minutes of warm-ups and stretching -- which is more than fans get, I suppose. The Blog will roll on, with the latest news, notes and analysis we've brought you throughout the camp and the entire offseason. For old time's sake, here's some minutiae from the last day: -- Your hands team entering the final preseason game consists of Donald Lee, Greg Jennings, Jarrett Bush, Bubba Franks, Charles Woodson, Noah Herron, A.J. Hawk, Atari Bigby, Nick Collins and Ruvell Martin. -- Punter Jon Ryan is a pretty big guy, and his arm might be as impressive as his leg -- at least for a punter. Simulating punts today, he threw some perfect spirals that traveled 50 yards or more in the air. -- Junius Coston, who will start in place of Jason Spitz (calf) at right guard Thursday at Tennessee, has come on strong after being nicked up early in training camp. Coach Mike McCarthy said the biggest knock against Coston -- his footwork -- is more a product of shuffling between all five line positions than a weakness in his game. -- Fullback Korey Hall had a bad drop on a swing pass during a goal-line drill. Still, McCarthy said after practice Hall "has established himself as the starter at that position." That's bad news for Brandon Miree, who missed two preseason games with a shoulder stinger and "hasn't returned to that form" he showed during ascension from the practice squad last season, according to McCarthy. -- Third-string QB Paul Thompson threw three more interceptions during scouting periods today. One of them came off a drop by faux-tight end Carl-Johan Bjork, but Thompson has struggled a lot since the team released Ingle Martin on Friday. It seems an extreme long shot Thompson would make the 53-man roster, and Martin looks like the safer bet for the practice squad right now. -- Tim Goodwell is practicing in place of Spencer Havner (back strain) at strong-side linebacker with the No. 2 defense. Havner has blended in a lot in camp, but his role on special teams -- and the Packers' lack of quality depth at the position -- has him in position to make the final 53. Goodwell almost certainly will be on the outside looking in after Saturday's cutdown. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice wraps up; McCarthy said S Manuel won't play Thursday
Safety Marquand Manuel will not play in Thursday's preseason finale at Tennessee, but coach Mike McCarthy declined to say after practice today whether that means Manuel's spot on the 53-man roster is safe. Manuel and rookie Aaron Rouse, who has a hamstring injury, will not see any action, allowing coaches to evaluate a number of backups, including Charlie Peprah and Tyrone Culver. Atari Bigby, who replaced Manuel as the starting strong safety last week, will play through the second quarter, McCarthy said. Also sitting out Thursday's game will be staring cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Quarterback Brett Favre will play two to three series, McCarthy said. Cornerback Will Blackmon will return the first punt despite a thumb injury that McCarthy today called a fracture, not a sprain. Blackmon has been wearing a cast during practice this week. McCarthy said the team will make some of its final cuts from 75 to 53 players sometime Friday, but wouldn't specify what time, and said the rest will come Saturday. Donald Driver, Shaun Bodiford and Michael Montgomery were not at practice today. Attending practice but not participating in any contact drills were Brandon Jackson, Tony Moll, Vernand Morency, Tony Palmer, Spencer Havner, Jason Spitz, Kabeer Gbaja Biamila, Rouse and Abdul Hodge. Morency did take part in some of the individual drills. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice under way at Clarke Hinkle Field
The last training camp practice open to the public is about to get under way today in shorts at Clarke Hinkle Field. Rookie running back Brandon Jackson, who suffered a mild concussion Sunday and sat out practice Monday, is on the field but does not have his helmet, indicating he won't practice today. Running back Noah Herron is expected to start in Thursday's preseason finale at Tennessee in Jackson’s absence. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Hodge leaning toward knee surgery
Abdul Hodge will get a second opinion on the patellar tendonitis in his knees Wednesday, and he's leaning toward having corrective surgery that likely would lead the Green Bay Packers to place him on injured reserve for the second consecutive season. "I definitely want to play, but I want to play to my potential, and I don't want to play in pain," Hodge said Monday afternoon. "When I play in pain, I'm not able to do the things I know I do. I don't look like myself, and I don't like that." Hodge is scheduled to fly Wednesday to New York, where he'll be examined by Dr. Russell Warren, the New York Giants' team physician. If he opts for surgery, Hodge almost certainly would be placed on I.R., freeing up a roster spot before Saturday's 53-man cutdown. Hodge sat out practice Monday for the 10th time in training camp. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Powdrell placed on injured reserve
The Packers got to the 75-man roster limit this afternoon by placing fullback Ryan Powdrell on injured reserve. Powdrell, an undrafted rookie from Southern California, was expected to miss three to six weeks after spraining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee in an exhibition game Aug. 18 against Seattle. He was far from a lock to make the roster before the injury, so there's a good chance this is a temporary move until an injury settlement is reached. The Packers cut 11 players Friday and had until Tuesday to get down to 75. The 53-man cutdown is Saturday. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice wrap-up
Coach Mike McCarthy said his starting secondary won't change this week, confirming that Atari Bigby will make his second consecutive start at strong safety. The secondary is one of several positions that will be evaluated heavily this week, however, so Marquand Manuel could replace Bigby as early as the second series. "Some guys may play one series; some starters may play three series," McCarthy said. "It's really about position." Manuel got equal, if not more work alongside starting free safety Nick Collins in practice. Manuel, who started all 16 games a year ago, hasn't spoken with his reporters since his demotion last week. Elsewhere ... -- Junius Coston spent his second straight day at right guard with the first unit in place of Jason Spitz (calf). With Brandon Jackson sitting out, fellow rookie DeShawn Wynn and Noah Herron opened periods at running back. -- As speculated earlier, practice was in shells, not pads, this morning because of low numbers. "We've got a number of guys that are out that we're just being really cautious with," McCarthy said. -- McCarthy declined to specify how many spots on the 53-man roster remain undecided, saying only that Thursday's game will be important for evaluating many players. -- T Orrin Thompson (knee) participated in contact drills, which he's sat out often since suffering a medial collateral ligament injury against Seattle on Aug. 18. -- McCarthy said he called a running play instead of a pass in one situation last week against Jacksonville to set up a field-goal attempt, and he said he would consider doing the same this week. The play McCarthy referred to likely was a third-and-1 at the Jaguars' 20 midway through the fourth quarter. Noah Herron ran for no gain. Then, Mason Crosby converted a 38-yard field goal. -- QB Paul Thompson threw three interceptions. Charlie Peprah got the first and Patrick Dendy the next two, one of them off a tip by Frank Walker. All of them, however, came during opponent work. -- Walker, who it appears is fighting Dendy for the fifth and final cornerback spot, spent time alongside starters Charles Woodson and Al Harris in nickel situations. Jarrett Bush remains the No. 3 cornerback. -- In his second day subbing in at tight end, international practice squad player Carl-Johan Bjork had a touchdown during opponent work. -- Rookie LB Desmond Bishop intercepted Aaron Rodgers during opponent work. -- And in the only competitive 11-on-11 period, Brett Favre was 3-for-4 with a 7-yard touchdown strike to Greg Jennings. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
McCarthy: Jackson questionable with concussion
Rookie running back Brandon Jackson has a mild concussion and is questionable for Thursday's preseason finale at Tennessee. Jackson suffered the injury in practice on Sunday. It is his first concussion, coach Mike McCarthy said, but the team plans to address it cautiously. "It's something that we're going to be very cautious with," McCarthy said. "We'll see how he's doing later today and then in the morning." McCarthy said Noah Herron, the only non-rookie running back expected to play, would start Thursday if Jackson cannot. DeShawn Wynn also is expected to get a lot of carries, which coaches hope will free up Corey White to play some snaps at fullback. In other injury news, tight end Donald Lee did not finish practice today. He was “banged in (Thursday's) game,” McCarthy said, and his knee may be bothering him. Linebacker Abdul Hodge, who sat out the second straight day with patellar tendinitis in his knees, could be placed on injured reserve, McCarthy said. He is scheduled to get a second opinion this week. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Rookie Crosby again holds slight advantage over Rayner; Morency seen running on sidelines
Rookie Mason Crosby once again held a slight advantage over incumbent Dave Rayner during a field-goal drill. Crosby made both of his extra-point-attempts and five of six field goals. His successful kicks came 37, 42, 47, 47 and 52 yards. His only miss was wide right from 52 yards. Rayner made both of his extra-point-attempts and four of six field goals. His successful kicks came from 37, 42, 47 and 52 yards. He missed wide left from 47 and 52 yards. Jon Ryan was the holder for all of the kicks and longsnapper Rob Davis snapped on all of the attempts. *** Injured running back Vernand Morency was running along the sidelines in sweats while the team practiced today. Morency injured his knee in the first practice of training camp almost a month ago. *** Receivers James Jones and Ruvell Martin each caught long passes along the sidelines during a team drill. Safety Charlie Peprah picked off a Paul Thompson pass intended for Calvin Russell. Later, Peprah was victimized by a Brett Favre-to-Greg Jennings touchdown pass.
*** The large contingent of fans that watched the early part of practice was ushered out of the building about 45 minutes into the workout. -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Hodge at practice; Driver, Bodiford, Powdrell absent today
Linebacker Abdul Hodge arrived late to today's practice and is on the field. Hodge has been battling tendinitis in both his knees throughout training camp. Injured players wide receiver Donald Driver, return specialist Shaun Bodiford and fullback Ryan Powdrell are absent again. In addition, most of the same players who sat out Sunday's workout appear to be not practicing again. Players are working out in shorts, although the practice initially had been scheduled as a pads workout. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
RB Jackson not practicing today
Rookie running back Brandon Jackson is not on the field for this morning's practice. Jackson suffered an upper body injury during Sunday's practice on an inadvertent hit from linebacker Brady Poppinga and did not participate in contact drills after that. His status for Thursday's preseason finale at Tennessee is uncertain, but Coach Mike McCarthy has indicated that as a precaution, he will hold out a number of starters nursing injuries. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Rain moves Packers practice indoors
Practice is under way at the Don Hutson Center. It was raining steadily until about 10:40 a.m. and Clarke Hinkle Field appears soaked. The team is letting in some fans for the early portions of practice, but they probably will not be allowed to stay for the entire 2 ˝ hour session.
Today is the second-to-last practice open to the public.
-- Tom Pelissero, tpellise@greenbaypressgazette.com
Jackson takes a hit
Rookie running back Brandon Jackson left Sunday's practice after he was knocked to the ground during a 2-minute drill. The second-round draft pick stood up after a few seconds without assistance, but he did not participate in any other contact portions of practice. He rubbed his abdomen and grimaced on the sideline, then appeared to be in pain as he undressed in the locker room. "I don't know the extent of it," McCarthy said. "But anytime a guy lays down like that, that's not a positive sign. Hopefully, he'll be OK." It was the second time in training camp a running back has stayed down after being hit in a non-tackling portion of practice. On Aug. 9, safety Tyrone Culver accidentally clothes-lined Noah Herron, but Herron returned to drills a few minutes later. Linebacker Brady Poppinga made the most contact with Jackson, who was running right on a draw play from the 6-yard line. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice wrap-up
Taking all the reps today for the first time in weeks, punter Jon Ryan averaged 49.06 yards and 4.6 seconds of hang time on 16 punts. Two of Ryan's punts traveled 60 yards, while only two went less than 40. He also had one blocked. The Packers released punter Ryan Dougherty on Friday. Elsewhere ... -- With Jason Spitz (calf) sitting out, Junius Coston played right guard with the first unit. Rookie Allen Barbre and Tyson Walter each rotated in for a series at left guard, while regular left guard Daryn Colledge got some work at left tackle. -- Coaches shuffled players throughout the defense during opponent work. The most notable change was to the cornerback pairings. Starters Charles Woodson and Al Harris worked together as usual, but Will Blackmon -- not Patrick Dendy -- was paired with Jarrett Bush as the second pairing. Dendy, the No. 3 cornerback until Bush passed him last week, worked with Frank Walker. -- Recently demoted safety Marquand Manuel spent a few plays alongside starting free safety Nick Collins but played mostly alongside soon-to-be-released reserve Alvin Nnabuife. -- Rookie running back DeShawn Wynn, back at practice for the first time in nearly three weeks, had a simple swing pass go straight through his hands. He also struggled with the blocking sled because his pad level was too high. -- The No. 1 offense's 2-minute drill included a long completion down the right sideline to rookie receiver James Jones, who'd beaten Walker. But the drive stalled after that, with two draws, a badly thrown fade from Brett Favre to Greg Jennings, and a bullet intended for Zac Alcorn with Desmond Bishop in coverage. -- Rookie defensive end Larry Birdine left late in practice because of leg cramps. -- International player Carl-Johan Bjork, normally a linebacker, played tight end with the scout team and had a catch in double coverage down the right sideline. -- Carlyle Holiday dropped two passes, while rookie David Clowney had a series of nice catches. -- A bad drop by Chris Francies led to an easy interception for rookie linebacker Rory Johnson. Dendy also had an interception on a ball Paul Thompson threw to Francies. -- Alcorn had the catch of the day, a one-handed stab on a high throw into the left flat. Ruvell Martin came in a close second with his leaping grab over Blackmon and Tyrone Culver. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Favre could play at Tennessee
Going back on his hunch Brett Favre wouldn't play in the preseason finale, coach Mike McCarthy said today his starting quarterback could play one or two series Thursday at Tennessee, though no final decision has been reached. McCarthy said the starting offense likely would play a little more than the starting defense, though that will be dictated by practice. INJURY REPORTWR Donald Driver (foot) and RG Jason Spitz (calf), who left last week's game with injuries, will not play against Tennessee. But McCarthy said he's hopeful both will be ready for the season opener Sept. 9 against Philadelphia. McCarthy repeated he is hopeful RB Vernand Morency (knee) also will suit up for the opener. RB Brandon Jackson left practice and did not return after LB Brady Poppinga knocked him to the ground on a running play during the 2-minute drill. S Aaron Rouse sat out practice because of a tight hamstring and LB Spencer Havner a back strain. LB Abdul Hodge sat out because of knee tendonitis, which has plagued him throughout camp. McCarthy said the injury flared up again. CB Will Blackmon has a sprained thumb but practiced. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Crosby edges Rayner in field-goal drill
Rookie Mason Crosby held a slight edge over incumbent Dave Rayner as he has done for most of training camp. During a field-goal drill, Crosby booted 6 of 6 field goals, compared with Rayner's 5 of 6. Crosby made kicks from 27, 27, 34, 34, 44 and 50 yards. Rayner kicked from the same distances, and his one miss was wide left from 44 yards. He wasn't helped by a low snap from backup Clark Harris on the missed kick. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemov@greenbaypressgazette.com
Rouse, Havner miss practice
A couple of new faces were added to the injured list today. Safety Aaron Rouse and linebacker Spencer Havner did not practice at today's 10:45 a.m. workout on Clarke Hinkle Field. The nature of the injuries to Rouse and Havner was not immediately known. Also in shorts and not practicing were Abdul Hodge, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Tony Palmer, Orrin Thompson, Jason Spitz, Tony Moll and Vernand Morency. Not in attendance in practice today were Donald Driver, Shaun Bodiford, Ryan Powdrell and Mike Montgomery. All four of those players had suffered previous injuries in the last two weeks. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Thompson: Driver 'probably' ready for opener
Receiver Donald Driver "probably" will be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 9 against Philadelphia, General Manager Ted Thompson said this afternoon. "He was feeling better today, and the doctors are still fairly encouraged," Thompson said. Driver sprained his right foot in the second quarter Thursday night and was carted to the locker room. Thompson declined to provide further details about the injury and wouldn't commit to saying Driver would be ready in a little more than two weeks. Asked the same question a number of different ways, though, Thompson repeatedly expressed optimism. "We have don't have enough (information) to say that he won't (play Sept. 9)," Thompson said. "I just don't want to promise you something, then it doesn't happen. But we feel pretty good right now." He added: "Fortunately, we think we dodged something here." -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Ingle Martin pass intercepted, returned for TD
Ingle Martin hurt his chances of making the team as the Packers' No. 3 quarterback when Brian Iwuh intercepted his pass and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown to give the Jaguars a 21-13 lead with 48 seconds remaining. Martin needed to perform well to lock up a roster spot, but he didn't help himself by tossing the pass directly to Iwuh. The Packers decided to run out the clock following that possession, leaving the final score at 21-13. The Packers fell to 2-1. -- Mike Vandermause
White looks good in Packers' scoring drive
Corley White had some impressive runs during a 12-play, 62-yard Packers' scoring drive that culminated with a 38-yard Mason Crosby field goal. The Packers pulled within 14-13 with 6:01 remaining in the fourth quarter. White is battling for a spot on the roster. His ability to play both halfback and fullback could work in his favor. His performance against the Jaguars won't hurt his chances. -- Mike Vandermause
Shoddy Packers' defense lifts Jaguars into lead
The backups on the Packers' defense didn't do themselves any favors in the second half. Sloppy tackling and execution led to another Jacksonville touchdown, a 25-yard pass from David Ga |
