Training Camp: Thursday, August 4th

#87 brought a lot of noise to camp today! And yes, I am talking about Jordy Nelson. Former Packers receiver Jordy Nelson was present for today's practice. He was seen on the sidelines watching practice from afar. Although he was not his coach during his time in Green Bay, at one point in the practice Coach LaFleur called over to Jordy asking him to break it down in the huddle — Jordy respectfully declined. After practice, Jordy posed for a picture with Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb. During their time together, particularly in the 2014 season, they were a force to be reckoned with. In the regular season, both Cobb and Nelson each had over 1,000 receiving yards and combined for 25 touchdowns. Fun fact: that is the only season in his career when Cobb has had more than 1,000 receiving yards.

The "other #87" continued to shine at today's practice. With Jordy present, it felt somewhat like a proverbial torch was being passed to Romeo Doubs. Against CB Eric Stokes in one-one coverage, Doubs showcased his ability to high-point the ball and use his strong hands to secure the catch. This is not the first time that Doubs has beaten Stokes in recent days using a combination of speed and strength. Like everybody, I hope this does not point to Stokes' development as much as it does to Doubs potential stardom.

There seems to be a trend in recent days with Doubs making contested catches when the ball is being thrown into the tightest of windows.

Although this pass was from quarterback Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers has taken notice of what Romeo Doubs has done in training camp.

Doubs has also gotten involved on special teams, particularly as a punt returner. After a bad showing for the punt return unit on Tuesday, Coach LaFleur shared on Wednesday that the JUGS machine was to blame. Evidently, it was not flipping the football in the way it was designed to, thus making it incredibly difficult to field the simulated punts. Wednesday and Thursday's sessions went much better once this problem was addressed. Missed in the fiasco of the JUGS machine is the fact that Doubs is solidly in the running to be the primary punt returner.

At this point in time, the competition to be the punt returner is likely between Doubs and Amari Rodgers. Rodgers, a 2021 third-round pick, is the incumbent for the position. In his first season, he had a tendency to almost always call for a fair catch and when he did not, he ran horizontally toward the sideline. Doubs, on the other hand, has displayed his speed and ability to cut vertically up field.

RB

Squarely in the battle for RB3 with Kylin Hill on the PUP list, third-year player Patrick Taylor went onto the injury list prior to Wednesday's practice. With Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon not expected to play many snaps (if at all) during the upcoming preseason games, undrafted rookies BJ Baylor and Tyler Goodson have received increased snap counts through the last two practices.

Goodson made some nice plays during today's practice. It is easy to see why the Packers paid him more than any other UDFA that they brought in. He is also in the competition for the RB3 role, but more than likely would be a great stash for the practice squad. Goodson's intangibles have been heavily compared to Aaron Jones'. With Aaron Jones' cap hit being unmanageable next season ($20.013 million in 2023), it would not be surprising to see him stick around. Meanwhile, Baylor made some nice plays as a runner and as a blocker.

WR

When the receivers were not catching the ball, they were being selfless in fulfilling their role as a blocker.

Defense

The defense was out there defending today. A couple of players made some spectacular plays and stifled the offense's momentum.

Players of the Day

At the conclusion of today's practice, writer Andy Herman identified two players who he felt were the day's standouts. It is difficult not to agree with his take when each of these respective players made several notable plays in today's practice.

Next practice, tomorrow — Packers Family Night

Tomorrow's practice will not be in the morning as it has been up to this point in training camp. Rather, the Packers will be hosting their annual Family Night beginning at 7:30pm. It will include individual drills, team drills, and a scrimmage session. Traditionally, the Packers have used this event to simulate a game-like atmosphere, while preparing the players for the first preseason game. Tickets start out at $10. If you are unable to attend, the event will be televised. Per the Packers website "...a statewide telecast will be available on various local and Packers TV Network stations. The stations broadcasting the event include WGBA-TV in Green Bay and WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee, as well as WAOW-TV in Wausau, WKOW-TV in Madison, WXOW-TV in La Crosse, WQOW-TV in Eau Claire, KQDS-TV in Duluth-Superior and WLUC-TV in Escanaba-Marquette. The event will also be televised on KWWL-TV and WHBF-TV in Iowa; KATN-TV, KYUR-TV and KJUD-TV in Alaska; and KDLT in Sioux Falls, SD."

More information can be found here.