The Packers got in their final workout before they board a disinfected charter and fly to Tampa Sunday for a big test against the Buccaneers.
The good news is Davante Adams and Kenny Clark will make their returns at Raymond James Stadium. Clark hasn’t played since the opener against the Vikings with a groin injury. He told reporters today he felt good enough to go against the Falcons on October 5 but the bye week got him completely right. Adams has missed the last two and a half games after pulling his hamstring against Detroit. We all know how he felt about sitting out one more game last week. I watched him at practice this week and he had plenty of burst off the line of scrimmage, was running routes hard and cutting sharply. Both players are keys in any game plan.
Kevin King finally got back on the practice field today but was limited with his quadricep injury that occurred against the Falcons. He’s one of four players listed as questionable on the week’s final injury report. Head Coach Matt LaFleur said it will likely be a game time decision for King. He has the length and tenacity best suited to match up with Tampa’s number one receiver Mike Evans. If King can’t play, look for Tom Brady to look for Kevin’s replacement.
The other questionable players are linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Rashan Gary, both dealing with sore ankles and defensive tackle Montravius Adams who developed a neck problem mid-week but practiced today.
Equanimeous St. Brown and Kamal Martin are still crossing their fingers. Both returned to practice this week after missing the first month on injured reserve. The Packers have two weeks before they must bring them active or keep them on IR but all indications are they’re ready. LaFleur said today they’ll review the practice video and check with the medical staff. “When we feel like they’re ready to play, we’ll let ’em go,” LaFleur added. With Allen Lazard and Christian Kirksey now on IR, the reinforcements would be welcome.
The news is not good for “Swerve”. Running back, receiver and most importantly return man Tyler Ervin has already been ruled out for the game with a wrist injury. LaFleur said the staff is still deliberating on who will handle punt and kickoff returns. Darius Shepherd and Josh Jackson are candidates with punts and Malik Taylor is being considered for kickoff returns.
Some other Friday notes:
Running back Aaron Jones has had a houseguest who just might become a teammate. It’s his brother Alvin. Alvin Jones, a linebacker, was released by the Baltimore Ravens recently. He came to Green Bay and while staying with Aaron, learned the Packers want to work him out. Alvin has to endure a six day covid quarantine first and the workout should take place next week. Aaron said it’d be awesome if the Packers brought him on board.
It won’t be a check mark on his bucket list but Za’Darius Smith would like to meet Tom Brady close up. In the only other game against Brady while with the Patriots, Smith was inactive with Baltimore. “A sack is a sack”, said Smith, “but I would like to get one against him.”
Matt LaFleur doesn’t really have any pre-game rituals. He resists making last minute changes to the game plan. Because it’s a late afternoon kickoff in Tampa Sunday, LaFleur said he’ll have time to get in a brief workout to release some of his pent-up energy. One thing he won’t go without however was revealed today. “I’ve got to have my banana pancakes for breakfast”, he announced. Must be a BreAnne LaFleur specialty. Hope the room service recipe matches up to it.
