GREEN BAY, Wis. — Coach Matt LaFleur cut veterans loose from the offseason program a week early, giving them 47 days before reporting for training camp. LaFleur said the extra time is intended for rest but stressed players must “maximize these next 47 days” and that the staff will be “checking in on them quite a bit this summer” to ensure progress.
Training camp opens July 27 for rookies and July 28 for veterans, and some of the issues that lingered at the end of mandatory minicamp could be resolved once pads are on. LaFleur acknowledged the team has “a really solid foundation right now,” but said results will depend on how players prepare mentally and physically during the break.
Health is a primary concern. On the final day of mandatory minicamp, 17 players were in the rehab group — nearly 20% of the offseason roster. Eleven of those were listed as projected starters or expected contributors, including Micah Parsons, Benjamin St-Juste, Isaiah McDuffie, Warren Brinson, Devonte Wyatt and Javon Hargrave on defense; Aaron Banks, Zach Tom, Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave on offense; and returner Skyy Moore on special teams.
Parsons will begin camp on the physically unable to perform list and is expected to miss at least the first four games, according to the team. LaFleur would not specify timelines for others and said when asked if anyone else might not be ready for camp: “Potentially.” On the offensive line, guard Aaron Banks left minicamp for an undisclosed reason, while right tackle Zach Tom is recovering from a partial patella tendon procedure. Tom said he hopes to be “full go by the start of camp” but will need medical clearance.
Pass rush production is another open question after Parsons’ expected absence, the trade of Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys and the signing of Kingsley Enagbare by the New York Jets. Those three combined for 22 of Green Bay’s 36 sacks and 56 of 106 quarterback hits last season. Lukas Van Ness and Barryn Sorrell handled most first-team edge reps at minicamp; rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton showed pass-rushing flashes in non-padded work, and Brenton Cox Jr. and Arron Mosby received opportunities. LaFleur and teammates also expect interior pressure from Wyatt, Hargrave and Karl Brooks.
There has also been notable discussion around running back MarShawn Lloyd, who has logged only 10 snaps — all in one game — across two seasons, according to the team. Whether that situation changes in camp or the regular season remains to be seen.
