The Packers and Houston Texans wrapped up their two days of joint practices with a steamy, one hour and fifty-six minute get together on Ray Nitschke Field Tuesday morning.
Sandwiched around some punting special teams work, the team periods focused on red zones and two minute drills.
Outside of DeShone Kizer touchdown throws to Jake Kumerow and Evan Bayliss during the 7 on 7 work, it was not a good day for Matt LaFleur's offense. Starters had trouble inside the 20 and never even picked up a first down in the two minute against the Houston defense.
At the other end of the field, Mike Pettine's unit fared well against the Texans offense with Adrian Amos snaring an interception at the back of the end zone to thwart Deshaun Watson's two minute drill.
Injuries may have played a role in the Packer offensive struggles as starting center Corey Linsley sat out practice again with a bicep injury. Aaron Jones and Jamal Williams, the top two running backs were joined by number three Tra Carson on the sideline who was dealing with neck spasms. The Packer backfield consisted of rookie Dexter Williams, free agents Darrin Hill and Corey Grant along with fullbacks Danny Vitale and Malcolm Johnson.
(A thinned out running back group runs a drill)
Two other new injuries were to Trevor Davis (stinger) and Jace Sternberger (jaw). The rookie tight end was blistered by Lonnie Johnson Jr during Monday's practice which riled up the Packers. He returned for a few snaps but developed concussion related symptoms later in the day and was being evaluated on Tuesday. Davis was also hit by Johnson during a kickoff cover period.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien held Johnson out of practice even though healthy, saying he will play in the game Thursday night. JJ Watt also didn't dress after complaining of groin tightness halfway through the opening practice.
J.K. Scott got in some punting work. His first four boots were poor but his last five got better with his final punt a solid 50 yarder with good hang time.
There were only a couple of minor skirmishes today, receiver Teo Redding and safety A. J. Hendy tangled after a pass route and Za'Darius Smith got heated up with a Texan lineman.
After practice, Head Coach Matt LaFleur summed up the two workouts and some offensive shortcomings that need cleaning up.
(Audio: Matt LaFleur)
When asked if he wanted to conduct a joint practice again, LaFleur emphatically replied "Yes". In fact he'd like to host a couple of teams in one camp down the road.
Aaron Rodgers wasn't quite as enthusiastic, saying he'd be fine waiting another 14 years (the last Packer joint practice was in 2005, his rookie season). Rodgers didn't think much of the past two practices:
(Audio: Aaron Rodgers)
All of the Houston Texans who spoke to reporters were delighted to take part in the camp traditions like the bike rides to practice, the enthusiasm and kindness of Packer fans.
Late in the day there was a surprising move announced by General Manager Brian Gutekunst. Short at running back as mentioned earlier, the Packers claim Keith Ford off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts. Originally signed from Texas A&M by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, Ford spent most of the year on Buffalo's practice squad, getting activated for three games. He was released and picked up by the Colts but released last week.
The noteworthy transaction was the release of offensive tackle Jason Spriggs. He was officially waived/injured. Spriggs was the Pack's second round pick in 2016 with then, General Manager Ted Thompson trading up 9 spots with the Colts (giving up a second and fourth round pick), to get the Indiana University lineman. Spriggs ws never able to seize the backup tackle job because of injuries and spotty play. Forced into duty when Bryan Bulaga was hurt, Spriggs played in 36 career games with nine starts.
His release opens the door for second year free agent Alex Light to secure the backup tackle job.
It was a lively couple of days at camp as a couple of teams huddled together after Green Bay's Texas two step at training camp.
(The Packers and Texans gather after final whistle of joint practices)