Packers Battle Through Heavy Rain During Practice at Ray Nitschke Field
ICARO Media Group
The Green Bay Packers faced unexpected challenges as they practiced amidst a steady downpour at Ray Nitschke Field. What was initially expected to be a brief rain shower turned into a deluge, testing the skills and adaptability of the team's offense.
Despite the heavy rainfall, the Packers decided to proceed with the practice session as there was no threat of lightning. This necessitated extra focus and attention from the quarterbacks, centers, and pass-catchers to ensure that the ball did not slip from their hands. While there were a few dropped balls and missed exchanges between the quarterback and centers, players like Dontayvion Wicks and Grant DuBose managed to make impressive catches amidst the challenging conditions.
Packers quarterback Sean Clifford expressed his surprise at the intensity of the rain, stating that it was one of the heaviest rainfalls he had ever witnessed. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the valuable learning experience it provided and emphasized the need to focus on the fundamentals during such extreme weather conditions.
Interestingly, several players, including defensive linemen Rashan Gary and Karl Brooks, and running back AJ Dillon, found enjoyment in playing football in the rain, as it reminded them of their childhood backyard games. Veteran safety Xavier McKinney humorously recalled even more challenging rainy practices during his time with the New York team.
Fortunately, the rain subsided just in time for the kicking competition to resume at Ray Nitschke Field. Anders Carlson exhibited remarkable accuracy, making all six of his attempts from various distances. Greg Joseph followed closely behind, going 5-for-6 with only a miss from one distance.
Carlson, who had initially anticipated the rain to pass before practice, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to practice in adverse weather conditions. He acknowledged that kicking in heavy rain involved some adjustments, such as the weight of the ball and the soaked conditions affecting his foot.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that the team plans to continue daily kicking exercises during training camp as long as they have three kickers on their roster. Rookie James Turner impressed during the previous day's practice, going 4-of-6 with his attempts.
Rain or shine, Rashan Gary continued to make his presence felt on the field. Diminishing weather conditions did not hinder the 6-foot-5, 277-pound pass rusher, who registered three "sacks" in a span of four plays during the final team period of practice. Gary expressed his excitement about playing in Jeff Hafley's 4-3 defense, citing the advantage of being explosive when coming out of a three-point stance.
Gary's disruptive performance contributed to a standout day for the defense, resulting in the offense concluding practice with a series of pushups.
In other news, the Packers recently welcomed former Indianapolis quarterback Jacob Eason to their 90-man roster. Eason, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, attended the Packers' rookie minicamp as a tryout participant earlier this year. Eason expressed his readiness to join the team and mentioned his focus on finishing his undergraduate degree while staying prepared for unexpected opportunities.
To make room for Eason, the Packers released former Wisconsin long snapper Peter Bowden, leaving Matt Orzech as the only long snapper on the roster at the moment.
However, the Packers received concerning news about rookie third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd, who is expected to miss a few practice days due to a hip injury. While head coach Matt LaFleur expressed optimism about Lloyd's return, he indicated that the young running back would likely sit out Tuesday and Wednesday's practices. In Lloyd's absence, second-year running back Emanuel Wilson and practice-squad player Ellis Merriweather have seen increased snaps behind veterans Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon.
On a positive note, cornerback Jaire Alexander returned to practice after dropping out on Monday due to precautionary measures taken for overheating.
The Packers are determined to make the most of their practice sessions, regardless of the weather conditions. As they continue to prepare for the upcoming season, the team utilizes every opportunity to refine their skills, adapt to challenges, and build team chemistry.