Head Coach Matt LaFleur wasn't kidding when he said his team was a little beat up after just two, tough, NFC North victories to start the season. He conducted only a walk through on Wednesday but had the team back in pads today, working inside the Don Hutson Center because of rainy weather.
18 players found their name on Thursday's injury report and the most concerning of the three players who did not participate was tight end Jimmy Graham. He's dealing with a groin injury. LaFleur said he battled through it against the Vikings and isn't going to rule him out against Denver this weekend.
However, with an open roster spot after yesterday's surprising trade of wide receiver and kick returner Trevor Davis to Oakland, the Packers promoted tight end Evan Baylis off the practice squad. It's a pretty clear indication they want to cover themselves if Graham can't go leaving Mercedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan at the position.
The other two players sitting out were Montravius Adams with a shoulder injury and Oren Burks. The linebacker suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the pre-season and appeared ready to return to full time practice but that will have to wait.
Another six players were limited participants, Kyler Fackrell, Jake Kumerow and Blake Martinez are all dealing with shoulder issues. Lane Taylor has a biceps injury, Jamal Williams with an ankle and Darrius Shepherd is making progress after missing a month with a hamstring injury.
The Raiders, in need of a return man, sent the Packers a 2020 6th round pick for Davis who had a hard time cracking the receiver rotation but was the team's primary return man.
Special Teams coordinator Shawn Mennenga said Shepherd and newly acquired Tremon Smith will get first dibs for the job against the Broncos. Shepherd handled returns in the pre-season but did fumble away a kickoff return. If active Sunday, look for him to handle punts with Smith on kickoff returns. With the Chiefs last year Smith finished 4th in the league with a 26.8 yard average that included a 97 yard runback against New England.
The Packers filled the open practice squad spot by bringing back wide receiver Keon Hatcher. He spent a couple of weeks on the team's squad in 2018.
The election of Za'Darius Smith as the team's permanent, season long captain on defense did not come as a surprise. The former Baltimore Raven free agent immediately took on a leadership role with the unit with his practice habits and enthusiasm during training camp. His production in the first two games only confirmed the election results. Today, Smith said he's taking the responsibility to heart by treating the entire defensive unit to dinner at a Green Bay steakhouse. That should be some tab, but after signing for 66 million over four years, Smith should pick it up with ease and leave a hefty tip.
