It’s been a hot political topic of late (among many) but the Green Bay Packers are going to experience real climate change this weekend.
The team practiced outside on another cool, gusty afternoon. Temperatures barely got through the mid-40’s during the first padded workout since the Atlanta Falcons game ten days ago. In just a couple more days, the team will get off a plane in Tampa, Florida and step into temperatures in the high 80’s with plenty of humidity.
That’s the forecast for Sunday’s big showdown in the NFC at Raymond James Stadium. For all the talk about Green Bay’s “tundra” home field advantage in frigid December, it’s just as much of a disadvantage to have your blood thinned quickly by a warmer 40 degrees to play the Buccaneers who live in those conditions.
It’s hydration time in Titletown. Matt LaFleur said his training staff is pushing fluids hard because in cooler weather, it’s natural to think you don’t need to keep drinking. LaFleur said the addendum to that message is the matchup with the 3-2 Bucs, coming off a road loss to the Bears a week ago, will require all four quarters.
Never thought you’d have to tell ‘Sconnies to drink up.
More medical news and it’s not encouraging for cornerback Kevin King. He missed another practice with a quadricep injury and he might not be available to defend the likes of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine wouldn’t say who would take his place in the secondary but Josh Jackson and Ka’Dar Hollman took turns at practice. Chandon Sullivan, recovered from his concussion could be another possibility with Raven Greene or Will Redmond moving into the nickel slot.
Tyler Ervin also missed a second straight workout with a wrist injury and Marcedes Lewis (knee) and Montravius Adams (neck) were also DNP on the Thursday injury report. Adams wasn’t even listed with an injury on Wednesday.
Better reports on the likes of Davante Adams, Kenny Clark, Equinemous St. Brown and Kamal Martin. They all worked in pads and the two veterans should return against the Bucs and the two young players may be good enough to officially come off the injured reserve list and join the active 53 man roster.
