Packers' training camp: Just 17 open practices
The Green Bay Packers continue to cut back on the number of training camp practices, and in turn, the number that are open to the public.
On Friday, the Packers announced this year's schedule, which includes 16 public practices and four closed sessions to accompany their annual "Family Night" event Aug. 2.
The Packers open training camp Saturday, July 26 and will hold six 8:20 a.m. practices from July 27-28 and July 30-Aug. 1 leading up to Family Night, which turns to a practice format this year instead of a scrimmage.
The Packers will conduct their only evening practice at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 4. They'll then hold noon practices on Aug. 5, 12 and 18, and 11:45 a.m. practices on Aug. 6, 13, 19 and 25.
They'll switch to 10:15 a.m. practices on Aug. 21 and 27, the day before their respective home preseason games against Oakland and Kansas City. All dates and times are still subject to change and weather.
It's the fewest practices the Packers have opened to the public during coach Mike McCarthy's tenure. There were 27 open practices during his first season in 2006.
The offseason restrictions in the newest collective bargaining agreement play a large role in that, but it's still down from 20 in both 2011 and 2012 and 19 last year on top of the annual Family Night event.
"I think you notice the reps this time of year are down than in prior years and just the way you practice team drills," McCarthy said during organized team activities. "You get to training camp, I think we're 21, 22 practices (this coming summer) down from 35, 36 from three years ago. The team reps, how you utilize them, you look into that a lot more."
After scheduling two private practices last year, the Packers are planning four this summer on Aug. 8, 11, 15 and 24 with the first three coming before and after road preseason games against Tennessee and St. Louis.
2014 Packers training camp schedule
Saturday, July 26: 8:20 a.m.
Sunday, July 27: 8:20 a.m.
Monday, July 28: 8:20 a.m.
Wednesday, July 30: 8:20 a.m.
Thursday, July 31: 8:20 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 1: 8:20 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 2: 6:25 p.m. (Family Night)
Monday, Aug. 4: 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 5: 12 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 6: 11:45 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 8: No public practice.
Monday, Aug. 11: No public practice.
Tuesday, Aug. 12: 12 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 13: 11:45 a.m.
Friday, Aug. 15: No public practice.
Monday, Aug. 18: 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 19: 11:45 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 21: 10:15 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 24: No public practice.
Monday, Aug. 25: 11:45 a.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 27: 10:15 a.m.