As much as I was interested to see who was practicing this week after a snippy social media burst granted Dre’Vondre Campbell a holiday wish, I wanted to see how the Green Bay Packers went about their work after humiliating losses to the Giants and Buccaneers spoiled a robust November and possibly Christmas as well.
With limited time to watch practices during the regular season outside of stretching inside the Don Hutson Center and observing some drill work outside, it was a very business like atmosphere on Clarke Hinkle Field. Still some lighthearted let’s get busy banter but then it was coaches barking instructions and players quietly and diligently carrying them out. The team has to get down to business on Christmas Eve in Charlotte, dispatch the 2-12 Carolina Panthers and live to see another week with a chance.
Campbell’s post earlier this week which declared disdain for playing and practicing through injury had the media in wait after practice Wednesday. By then we learned Head Coach Matt LaFleur had a sit down with a linebacker that was with the coach back in their Atlanta days together. They aired it out, decided a week’s worth of rest would be welcome and they’ll determine availability by Sunday. The post didn’t come up according to the coach but you knew it would with reporters. Campbell blunted that by opening his brief chat with “I ain’t answering no questions about nothing on the internet.” He did express appreciation to “My guy”, LaFleur for giving him a few days to get through a sore neck hurt back on Thanksgiving in Detroit. Isiah McDuffie is at the ready.
Safety Darnell Savage hasn’t worked all week, it’s unlikely his shoulder injury will allow him back in time for Sunday.
On offense, wide receivers Christian Watson and Jayden Reed sat out Wednesday, took part in stretching on Thursday but stayed inside with the rehab group. Watson is trying to get past a second, significant hamstring injury while Reed is dealing with a toe injury. Reed has been able to play through chest and ankle mishaps the last couple of weeks. After getting Wednesday off, Elgton Jenkins returned on Thursday.
A host of limited players offered encouragement for the first of what are essentially three elimination games for the Packers. Jaire Alexander continues to practice some, he’s tried an assortment of braces and wraps for his shoulder but he’s still an unknown. A.J. Dillon couldn’t go with his broken thumb against Tampa Bay but he’s again practicing with a Mickey Mouse sized glove on his right hand. LaFleur said he’ll get more drill work this week to see how he fares carrying and catching the ball and even locking up in pass protection.
AJ Dillon puts right thumb to the test.
Two players have been designated to return from injured reserve. Offensive tackle Luke Tenuta and running back Emmanuel Wilson. Tenuta had a strong training camp until a serious ankle injury. Wilson hurt his shoulder just snaps after Jones went down with his MCL sprain in the Chargers game. By having them practice, the team has 21 days to bring them back onto the active roster.
Rookie tight end Luke Musgrave is also on the comeback trail. He stretched with the team but didn’t take part in drills, indicating he’s close to a similar designation. Musgrave went on injured reserve with a lacerated kidney earlier in the season.
