The Green Bay Packers started mandatory minicamp this week as the team continues to prepare for the 2026 season. While the team was still practicing without pads, there are some things we can learn from what’s going on at minicamp that give us an idea what the coaching staff is thinking about specific players and the overall situation on the team. Here are three key takeaways from day one of the Packers mandatory minicamp.
Three Key Takeaways from Packers Mandatory Minicamp, Number One: Finishing
The Packers saw too many late game leads slip away last season, and it cost them dearly. How often did we see the team take a lead into the fourth quarter only to allow the opposition to stage a comeback and win the game. That included the playoff loss in Chicago last January.
The good news for Packers fans is that head coach Matt LaFleur has emphasized “finishing” during mandatory minicamp and told the media he will continue to reinforce that message throughout training camp and beyond.
“It all starts with a mindset and being conscious of that,” LaFleur told reporters. “That’s one thing we’ve definitely emphasized. Finishing every rep. Finishing every drill. Certainly, reinforcing that in those team meetings. As we get into camp and into more competitive periods, it’ll be another area of emphasis as we move forward.”
The coaching staff needs to reinforce the need to finish without putting the team’s past failures to do so in the minds of the players.
LaFleur also needs to work on his own performance later in games. He has a tendency to get conservative when the Packers have a lead and often gives opposing teams a chance to get back into games when they are trailing.
Number Two: Offense vs Defense
The Packers offense appears to be ahead of the defense at mandatory minicamp. This should hardly be surprising considering the Packers have the same play caller on offense in LaFleur while the team has a new defensive coordinator in Jonathan Gannon.
“I think the offense is a little bit further ahead of the defense, in regards to just understanding the why behind what we’re doing – which is to be expected, a lot of these guys have been around for a minute,” LaFleur said. “It’s a good opportunity to build on what we’ve done.”
Gannon has installed a new 3-4 base defense this season. The now departed Jeff Hafley had a 4-3 base defense. The defensive linemen and linebackers in particular, will need to adjust to the new front. In addition, edge rushers like Lukas Van Ness and Micah Parsons (once healthy) will now be outside linebackers as opposed to lining up as defensive ends with their hands on the ground.
There is no reason for concern that the defense is a little behind the offense at this stage of the offseason. The key will be making sure the defense is ready for the Minnesota Vikings in week 1.
Three Key Takeaways from Packers Mandatory Minicamp, Number Three: Injury Updates
Tight end Luke Musgrave left practice early on Tuesday due to an apparent injury. The team has yet to update his status. When he left practice, Messiah Swinson and Josh Whyle took reps with the starting offense. Whyle enjoyed a strong day at practice. Starting tight end Tucker Kraft continues to rehab on his own.
At edge, Barryn Sorrell was playing with the starters opposite Van Ness. He is in competition with several other players for the starting job until Parsons returns.
Darian Kinnard started at right tackle due to the continued absence of Zach Tom who is also working to return from a season-ending injury late last season.
There were two rookies practicing with the starters, one on offense and one on defense. On offense, Jager Burton saw time at left guard. On defense, defensive tackle Chris McClellan was seeing time with the starters.
The Packers will continue mandatory minicamp on Wednesday.
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