The Good, Bad And Ugly From The Packers’ 13th Training Camp Practice

THE GOOD

LONGER LOOK: Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur said quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers’ starters would play at Denver on Friday.

Love played just one series last week, but LaFleur indicated it could be more this week.

“That’s the plan right now,” LaFleur said.

LaFleur referenced data recently that shows when players get at least 30 snaps in the preseason, they’re less likely to be injured once the regular season begins.

Green Bay, which ended last season on a five-game losing streak, and was routed in its preseason opener, can’t afford a slow start. The Packers face just one playoff team from 2025 in their first seven games, and need to take full advantage of their soft early season schedule.

Critics will scream there’s too much risk playing your frontliners in August games. But everything in life has risk and nothing readies you more for “real” football than actually playing in a football game.

“I’ve said it many times now,” LaFleur said of playing his frontliners. “I do think there’s a lot of value whether you’re getting ready to play one play or a complete football game to getting your mind right to go into battle.”

SIGHT FOR SORE EYES: Running back Josh Jacobs (groin) and edge Lukas Van Ness (shoulder) returned to practice.

Jacobs had been out nearly two weeks and missed Green Bay’s preseason opener at Pittsburgh. Van Ness missed Sunday’s practice after a healthy and productive summer.

On Tuesday, Van Ness beat Anthony Belton for a sack and stuffed running back MarShawn Lloyd for a loss.

“It was just a little something that I had irritated last and had it irritated again earlier this week,” Van Ness said of his shoulder injury. “Just working through it day to day but it was good to get back on the field again.

MORE GOOD NEWS: Guard Aaron Banks (knee), defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, cornerbacks Carrington Valentine (hamstring) and Domani Jackson (core muscle), and safety Murvin Kenion III all advanced from individual work to team drills.

Banks had been operating with a day on, day off schedule as he recovers from a knee injury and took part in team drills for the first time this summer.

“The whole thing has just been getting healthy enough to get out there and practice and get team reps,” Banks said. “Team reps lead to game reps, and just getting ready for Week 1 right now. Preseason is a preseason. Like, [you can] worry about that however much you see fit, but I just want to get to Week 1 and go out there and be ready to go.”

Hargrave, who the Packers signed to a two-year, $23 million free agent contract in March, also did team drills for the first time all summer. Hargrave with Green Bay’s No. 1 defense at times, and knocked rookie guard Jager Burton back during 1-on-1 drills.

“I’m just trying not to rush the process,” Hargrave said. “They set out a plan for me at the beginning of camp, and I was just being patient.”

Valentine left practice Aug. 2 with a hamstring injury, returned to individual drills last week, but didn’t take part in team drills until Tuesday.

And Jackson worked with the No. 2 defense in team drills for the first time this summer.

“It’s exactly how I dreamt it,” Jackson said. “It’s been the longest wait of my life so far. Again, I’m happy to get back out there. I’m here to prove a point.”

KRAFT SHINES: Tight end Tucker Kraft, in just his second practice doing team drills, had one of the best catches of camp. Kraft made a one-handed grab over Keisean Nixon about 15 yards downfield, then kept rumbling for a 46-yard touchdown.

“It’s not a surprise to me because I’ve seen how hard this guy works at it … what he puts into it,” LaFleur said before practice. “So naturally, I expect a lot from him.”

THIS AND THAT: The Packers rotated cornerbacks Keisean Nixon and Benjamin St-Juste with the No. 1 defense throughout practice. During the 2-minute drill, though, it was St-Juste lined up opposite of starter Brandon Cisse. … Savion Williams made a terrific, 35-yard catch over Murvin Kenion III on a pass from Tyrod Taylor. … Keisean Nixon broke up a slant to Matthew Golden. … Linebacker Zaire Franklin had an interception after Edgerrin Cooper tipped a Jordan Love pass.

THE UGLY

COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN?: Packers corner Keisean Nixon said Sunday he was being “punished” as he battled Benjamin St-Juste to keep his starting job.

Nixon also said there hadn’t been any communication with coaches about his role.

“They ain’t really told me nothing,” Nixon said. “Every day I find out a different thing, and I just attack it. I don’t care what it is, whether it’s me taking reps on special teams, whatever it is. I attack it, though. I’m here. Can’t really run me off, so I’m ready to play ball.”

LaFleur’s reaction on Tuesday?

“He loves making a headline doesn’t he?” LaFleur said.

LaFleur later elaborated.

“Then I guess our whole team is being punished because everybody’s in competition,” he said. “So, I’m a big believer that competition will bring the best out of people. I want everybody to play the chip on their shoulder. If they feel like they have something to prove, you’re probably going to get more out of them.”

LaFleur’s point is certainly valid. The bigger issue, though, centers around communication.

LaFleur’s grades in the annual NFLPA survey plummeted after last season.

LaFleur ranked second-to-last in the NFL in the category of “respect for players.” Players were also frustrated with a lack of communication regarding playing time and roles on the team.

LaFleur said this spring he’d try being better in those areas.

Right now, he’s not off to a stellar start.