2016 Training Camp — Day 3

 

On Thursday, the Packers put on the pads for the first time in camp. The most recent labor agreement states that teams must have two non-pads practices before any of the hitting can start. Speaking as a spectator, the quality of practice-watching improves greatly once the hitting starts. There still is no tackling, but lots of incidental tackling. Above, first-round pick DT Kenny Clark (#97) works against offensive linemen. Hopefully, he can make up some of the space in the line vacated by B.J. Raji.

Some of the big boys up front — DT Kenny Clark (#97), DE Mike Daniels (#76), and LB Clay Matthews (#52).

RB Brandon Burks (#34) gets his turn to show what he can do out of the backfield.

RB Eddie Lacy (#27) rumblin’, bumblin’, stumblin’ around the left side.

Members of the offense watching their teammates out on the field. 

OT David Bakhtiari (#69) caught in mid-spit. 

All lined up and ready for kickoff practice. 

Training camp isn’t all work and no fun. Here, QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) cracks up with his coaches. 

Here’s some of that “incidental tackling” during scrimmaging. 

In the offseason, much was made of RB Eddie Lacy’s (#27) efforts to shed some weight. Does he look more svelte this year? You be the judge. 

QB Brett Hundley (#7) evades the rush of DE Julius Peppers (#56). 

RB Eddie Lacy (#27) again having lost his balance, or diving for more yards. 

QB Marquise Williams (#9) directing his grouping of the offense. 

For those trying to make the team, messing up an assignment, dropping a pass, or fumbling the ball are not things you want to do. And it’s best not to do it when GM Ted Thompson (and/or Head Coach Mike McCarthy) is watching your performance.

Two of the offensive linemen that are on the PUP list, OC Corey Linsley (#63) and  OG T.J. Lang, watch their position-mates go through their paces.

K Mason Crosby (#2) hits all four of his field goals in this day’s practice. 

A view of the offense from the Ray Nitschke Field stands.

Offensive Coordinator Edgar Bennett and Head Coach Mike McCarthy discussing the finer points of the Packers’ offense. 

QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) exhibits his coolness and gets a pass off under pressure. 

This is why we like watching Training Camp practices — lots of big guys beating on each other. 

WR Randall Cobb (#18) with position-mates WR Ty Montgomery (#88) and WR Jordy Nelson (#87). 

QB Brett Hundley (#7) tries to maintain his poise under heavy pressure from the starting defense. 

The video camera in the window above is all-seeing. 

QB Aaron Rodgers (#12) seen close-up at the line of scrimmage. 

A herd of defensive backs. 

More tackling of the donuts, this time on large pads.

TE Jared Cook seen by us on Thursday for the very first time.  

Somewhere in the middle of that group is U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives and Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan, who visited Packers practice with his family.