Packers kick off training camp

Jordan Love won’t practice until his deal is done

Jordan Love isn't holding out, but he is holding in.

This past Saturday night, Love’s representatives informed the Packers that Love won’t practice until his pending contract extension is finalized – something general manager Brian Gutekunst said he completely understands. Love is in the building and participating in meetings. When asked if he thought a deal could be done in the next couple of days, Gutekunst responded "Yeah, I think so."

The first three practices of camp are essentially an extension of minicamp with the team not allowed to put pads on until this upcoming weekend, so this isn't a huge deal. But the need to get something done is certainly escalated with each day that passes.

Training Camp Battles to Watch

Earlier this week, Matt LaFleur emphasized the strong foundation the Packers built during mandatory minicamp. “I think we've laid a good foundation,” he said. “The things we stressed—communication and connection—are a good start. But it really doesn't matter. Once we come back to training camp, it's about what we do moving forward.”

With training camp underway, crucial position battles will shape the Packers' 53-man roster. Although some starters for 2024 are already set, other positions will be decided through camp and preseason. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the more interesting position battles.

A productive - and healthy - Jaire Alexander will be key to 2024 defense

Throughout head coach Matt LaFleur’s tenure with the Green Bay Packers, the play on the defensive side of the ball has been inconsistent. Sure, it has exhibited bend-but-not-break tendencies in key spots, but the unit has never been a dominant force. Will the arrival of Jeff Hafley and his new scheme turn the tide? That remains to be seen, but one player in particular who can greatly aid the defense in taking the next step is cornerback Jaire Alexander.

Alexander only appeared in seven games last year, which should have been eight if he wasn’t suspended for the Week 17 contest against the Minnesota Vikings after he inexplicably made himself team captain the prior week against the Carolina Panthers, his hometown team.

Even when he did play, he was a shell of his former self by and large. He set career lows in completion percentage allowed (66.7%), passer rating allowed when targeted (113.4), and missed tackle percentage (15.6%). When it mattered most, though, in the playoffs, Alexander delivered, recording a key interception and seven total tackles (zero missed tackles) in the team’s Wild Card victory against the Dallas Cowboys.

So, what is in store for Alexander in 2024?

No analysis, just vibes: Kenny Clark gets paid 

Aaron went live with Packers fans worldwide after the Packers and Kenny Clark agreed to a 3-year, $64M extension just before the start of training camp earlier this week.

Jayden Reed activated off non-football injury list

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur indicated Wednesday morning that second year wide receiver Jayden Reed would be taken off the non-football injury list. Reed was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. 

“We’ll work him back into individual…and then we’ll get him back in a limited role in the team reps on Friday.” said LaFleur. 

Reed, the team's leading receiver in 2023, suffered a toe injury while running a local football camp a few weekends ago. Reed will end up missing only two practices.

Bullard and Williams Gunning for Starting Safety Spot

There's a Green Bay Packers Training camp tradition that's lasted a long time. We’re not talking about the bike rides with the kids, or spending each camp on Ray Nitschke Field. We’re talking about something that's a little more football X's and O's related. That would be the tradition that nothing is given. Everything is earned.

On Monday, when Javon Bullard had his shot with the top defense, he didn't have many eye-popping plays, which honestly can be a good thing for a defender. If you're running tight coverage and in the right spot on every play, a quarterback isn't going to throw in your direction, so the lack of highlights could work in Bullard's favor on day 1. But what did stand out, was his attitude in his post-practice interview. Bullard was asked how comfortable he was being the starting safety on day 1 of camp. He responded, “I ain’t gonna lie, I don’t even like the word ‘comfortable.’ No disrespect, but I don’t really like that word, especially in this profession because the second you get comfortable, somebody’s got your job. And I don’t even have a job yet.” Even though his response is music to a fan like mine's ears, he also earned a positive response from his coach. Matt LaFleur was told about his comments later on and said he didn't hear about it initially and that his comments fire him up and that he wants guys to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. So, some positive points for Bullard right out of the gate.

Evan Williams then took the helm with the starting defense on day 2 of practice and instead of sticking out with comments, he stood out on the field. To start one of the team periods of practice, Evan Williams picked off Sean Clifford with a takeaway which in a game could have turned into a pick-six. This was the first of two interceptions in what turned out to be a tough day for Sean Clifford in team drills, but it can't be discounted that as a rookie in his second day of camp, Evan Williams had himself in the right place at the right time to come away with the turnover.

Matt LaFleur indicated there will be plenty of competition for the starting spot opposite Xavier Mckinney throughout camp. May the best safety win.

Get 20% off exclusive Cheesehead TV merch!

Now through Friday you can get 20% off everything in our store with promo code HEATWAVE20. You can find the CHTV Shop right here.

The Lass Word: Roster Numbers Tell a Story

Ken Lass writes on how it’s interesting and instructive to examine the team roster, as listed on the Packers own website, to perhaps gain a few insights as to what the coaches and front office may be thinking as training camp begins.

One thing is clear: The Packers recognize the key to their surprising renaissance of a year ago was the product of giving young players the opportunity to compete, and win, playing time on this team. They are hoping the same formula takes them to the next level in 2024.

Carry The G Radio: Sweeping conclusions

Aaron and Billy discuss the training camp practices so far and, of course, the contract situation with Jordan Love on the latest installment of Carry The G Radio The Podcast.

Get your official 2024 Packers Yearbook!

We’re proud to be partnering with the official Packers yearbook again this season. Use code "CHTV" for 10% off when you order yours right here!

Join us for our annual Training Camp Meet Up!

Come on out to Anduzzi’s in Green Bay on Saturday evening for our annual Training Camp Meet Up! We’ll start at 7:30pm, drinking beers and talking Packers with CHTV co-founders Corey Behnke and Aaron Nagler. Hope to see you there!

Heading Into Year 17 At Cheesehead TV!

Cheesehead TV is heading into Year 17 devoted to Green Bay Packers fans worldwide! Subscribe to the CHTV YouTube channel for all the latest on the Packers.