In the midst of a stretch of playing three games over 11 days, the Green Bay Packers weren’t about to pad up for some lively popping before the Dallas Cowboys arrive on Sunday. Wednesday’s practice was just a jog through, or maybe a limp through as 17 players including a dozen starters were on the injury report, many of the front liners didn’t even participate at all. Thursday brought the team out in just helmets and shoulder pads but the numbers optimistically increase.
On offense, Aaron Rodgers returned, as did Sammy Watkins out wide, David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins up front. Aaron Jones, Allen Lazard and Christian Watson were back out on a limited basis for the second straight day. On the other side of the ball, still no sign of De’Vondre Campbell or Shemar Jean-Charles. We already know Rashan Gary (IR) and Eric Stokes (likely headed there) won’t be available for a while.
The Packers also welcomed their newest addition.
Jonathan Abram(44) passed his physical and joined the team on Clarke Hinkle Field. Released earlier this week by the Las Vegas Raiders, Abram was a first round pick of the club in 2019 out of Mississippi State. He had three interceptions in his first three seasons in Oakland and Vegas but his playing time had dwindled and he became the latest in a series of recent high picks let go by the Raiders.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur sounded happy to get him.
A little to early to say if he’ll pick it up enough to be in uniform on Sunday.
Because of the crippled nature of the team, here’s who is definitely out against the Cowboys and who is next in line.
On offense – Randall Cobb remains out although he’s moving much better. Watched him do some footwork and cutting drills on the side Thursday. Romeo Doubs is also going miss a lot of time. That will mean more snaps for Samori Toure and Amari Rodgers to team with Allen Lazard and Sammy Watkins. If Christian Watson is feeling well after practicing this week, he’ll jump to the front of that line and be counted on to make some plays. Aaron Jones appears to be running OK but if there any limitations, Kylin Hill, one one carry last week, showed he might be a serviceable pinch hitter. Up front, it’s been anyone’s guess how the line will shake out each week but Bakhtiari, Jenkins and Runyan were all working so it appears the preferred five will be available. If one can’t go, Zach Tom is next, having already filled in at three different positions in the last three weeks.
On defense – No Rashan Gary for the year, Eric Stokes for who knows how long? Next up on the edge are Jonathan Garvin and rookie Kingsley Enagbare who in my opinion, shown more with his pressure of late. Tipa Galeai is close to coming off injured reserve. They have LaDarius Hamilton in reserve. If Campbell can’t go again, Krys Barnes (if he clears the concussion protocol) and Isaiah McDuffie will rotate in with Quay Walker again. Barnes led the team in tackles against the Lions in his first game back. On the back end, Rasul Douglas will be back at what I think is his preferred position at corner with Keisean Nixon working in the slot.
The Packers have one more day to get it sorted out.
