The Green Bay Packers opened training camp earlier this week and already there are big stories coming out of camp. Thus far, the team has not practiced in pads but that will take place later this week. Here are three key takeaways from the first few days of Green Bay Packers training camp and their impact on the team:

Key Takeaways from the First Few Days of Packers Training Camp, Number Three: Rashan Gary Is Off to a Great Start

Throughout practice, defensive end Rashan Gary has been turning heads. The former Michigan star has been getting consistent pressure on quarterbacks in practice. One of the players he’s been beating is offensive tackle Andre Dillard who has struggled in camp thus far.

The strong showing shouldn’t come as a surprise. Gary is now almost two years removed from his season-ending knee injury suffered in Week 9 of 2022.

Gary is also used to lining up at defensive end with his hand on the ground since he played that position in college. He has been quick off the ball and able to make plays.

Obviously, all of this has to be taken with a grain of salt until pads come on, but overall, Gary is off to a fast start in Jeff Hafley’s defense.

The Packers are hoping Gary can record double-digit sacks this season and earn Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his NFL career.

Number Two: One Rookie Has Been Named First String

Rookie safety Javon Bullard has been playing with the first team defense, supplanting Anthony Johnson, Jr. in the starting lineup.

The Packers coaching staff indicated they didn’t want to hand rookies a spot in the starting lineup. Still, when you select a player in the second round, you expect them to start sooner rather than later.

Bullard has looked good in camp so far and has looked good starting opposite Xavier McKinney. The Georgia alum has a reputation as a smart player who reads plays well and puts himself in the right position to make tackles and to break up passes.

There is still a long way to go between now and Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, but Bullard is off to a good start in his first NFL training camp.

Key Takeaways from the First Few Days of Packers Training Camp, Number One: Jordan Love Continues to Watch

Quarterback Jordan Love continues to be at training camp, but he is not participating in any practices. He will not take part in any on the field activities until he signs the contract extension his agent is currently negotiating with the Packers.

Love has participated in team meetings and is getting mental reps but is not participating in drills or throwing passes to his teammates. Second-year man, Sean Clifford has been working with the first-string offense in Love’s absence.

Thus far, nobody seems to be overly concerned. The key is getting Love back on the field by the time the team starts practicing in pads.

“I think it’s really important for us,” GM Brian Gutekunst said. “At the same time, the thing that I have confidence in is we both want the same thing. We want Jordan here for a long time, give him that stability for him, and it gives us some stability for our group, as well.”

His teammates still have his back. “Jordan has the whole locker room bought in,” tackle Zach Tom said. “We’re all happy for him. I knew he was the guy last year, so this doesn’t really come as any surprise, but it’s obviously good that now he’s getting that recognition and he’s going to reap the rewards for it.”

When Love signs the deal, he could become the highest-paid player in NFL history. Both the Packers and Love clearly want him with the team for the long-term. Still, the deal has yet to get done. Love’s decision not to practice puts more pressure on the team.

 

 

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