GREEN BAY, Wis. — The penultimate practice of training camp is here. Can you believe it?
After Monday’s padded session, the Packers will return to the field on Wednesday for a joint practice with Mike LaFleur’s Arizona Cardinals ahead of their Aug. 28 preseason game. Two days later, the Packers will trim their roster down to 53 players.
This final week of work—and most importantly, the joint practice—is going to go a long way in determining who makes the cut.
Running back Josh Jacobs won’t have to worry about whether or not he makes the Packers’ 53-man roster. Just as head coach Matt LaFleur forecasted in his press conference, Jacobs participated in 11-on-11 drills on Monday, albeit in a limited capacity. It’s still another step in the right direction for Jacobs, who has missed a chunk of training camp with a groin injury.
J. Michael Sturdivant is also practicing for the Packers. The undrafted rookie wideout appeared woozy after a rough collision followed an eight-yard reception in the second quarter of Friday’s game against the Denver Broncos. The fact that he’s practicing—even on a limited basis—so soon is a good indication that the concussion wasn’t severe.
Fellow receiver Jayden Reed is also back at practice after missing the game in Denver with what LaFleur described as a personal matter. He was a surprise addition to the team’s pre-game scratches list. Otherwise, he would’ve started the contest along with the rest of the Packers’ No. 1 offense.
Offensive lineman Darian Kinnard is back at practice for the first time since exiting the Aug. 13 opener versus the Pittsburgh Steelers with an ankle injury, which is more important than some will realize. He filled in at right tackle at various points last season and even functioned as their No. 3 tight end. The Packers have been experimenting with Kinnard at right guard as they attempt to get former second-round pick Anthony Belton as much cross-training work at right tackle as possible. Kinnard was replaced by Josh Gesky after his injury.
Three players sat out of practice to begin the week.
CB Benjamin St-Juste (Hamstring)
It’s unclear when Benjamin St-Juste’s injury occurred, but it’s always concerning when it’s a soft-tissue ailment. After Brandon Cisse exited the game in Denver with a knee injury, St-Juste replaced him opposite Keisean Nixon. He’s spent much of training camp rotating with the Packers’ Nos. 1 and 2 defensive units after signing a multi-year deal with the team over the offseason.
EDGE Collin Oliver (Calf)
The Packers had an extensive look at Collin Oliver in the preseason opener against the Steelers, and likely would’ve had a front-row seat for more of the same in Denver. However, he dropped out of the game with a calf injury after playing just six defensive snaps. He played a whopping 38 snaps against the Steelers, totaling one pressure, a pair of tackles, and one “stop,” which is defined by Pro Football Focus as “a tackle that constitutes a failure for the offense.”
DT Warren Brinson (Calf)
Warren Brinson, a former sixth-round pick, tweaked his calf during warm-ups Friday night. LaFleur said that he’s going to miss some time, which is never a good sign less than a week away from when the Packers have to trim their roster. He likely won’t participate in Wednesday’s joint practice against the Cardinals, and he’d be hard-pressed to play in the preseason finale.
WR Savion Williams (Ankle)
This is something to monitor considering Savion Williams’ injury-plagued rookie season. He dealt with lower-body injuries for the duration of the year, and it’s appearing that his sophomore campaign is going to begin similarly. Williams played just two snaps against the Broncos—both with the Packers’ No. 1 offense—before exiting the game.
TE Thomas Yassmin (Knee)
The Australian-born tight end played 17 snaps for the Packers’ No. 3 offense in Denver. Thomas Yassmin was on the receiving end of a six-yard reception before evidently picking up a knee issue. Hopefully, it’s a minor injury that he’ll be able to overcome—the Packers have spent much of training camp drastically thin at the position.
EDGE Arron Mosby (Undisclosed)
It’s unclear what is keeping Arron Mosby from participating in practice to begin the week, but more information will be here when it becomes available. He’s on the heels of playing 52 defensive snaps in the Packers’ two preseason games, as well as 25 on special teams. Much like has been the case throughout his time in Green Bay, Mosby is expected to be a valued member of Cam Achord’s special teams unit.
S Javon Bullard (Foot)
The third-year versatile safety was seen at practice with a walking boot on his right foot. There was no cause for alarm, though; the boot was a precaution as he dealt with a bone bruise. He’s not expected to miss significant time. When asked about how crucial Bullard is to the Packers’ defense last Monday, LaFleur said, “Bull is a dog, man. Talk about a guy that can play with the mentality, the play style, what we want to be about. It’s been cool to see his evolution.”