It’s really a step ladder to the regular season. The Green Bay Packers are a week and a half into training camp and the first significant rung will be cleared tomorrow night with the annual Family Night practice at Lambeau Field. After that, it’s up one step to joint practices with the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots and the final exams, the Pre-Season games themselves.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst took center stage today as the team got a practice reprieve. He wasn’t ready to pass definitive judgements for anyone on his 2023 roster at the moment, including his hand picked quarterback successor in Jordan Love.
When asked if he’s seen anything to reinforce a belief Love is ready for what lies ahead, Gutekunst said, “not really”. It’s been a process that will require patience with so many young players around the quarterback and there’s no reason for concern. Same for a rookie kicker who has been spotty. The GM figured a rookie kicker would need time to get comfortable and that’s what is happening with Anders Carlson. Across the board, young receivers, rookie tight ends and even the defense are all just getting into the preparation needed for when the games count.
The games that don’t are right around the corner but Gutekunst said a play time plan hasn’t been finalized. He said if Head Coach Matt LaFleur wants Love to get snaps, he’d like it to be with the first team offensive line.
Word broke Friday afternoon that veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis has found work. After spending six years in Green Bay, Lewis agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears on a one year deal, continuing his mentorship of Robert Tonyan who signed with the division rival in the spring. Gutekunst said he and his staff debated bringing Lewis back but after drafting Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, it was felt those two would need all the practice reps possible to get them ready to help the offense as rookies. Gutekunst said Lewis was a very good player and huge influence in the locker room and wished him well. By playing an 18th season in the NFL this fall, Lewis will surpass the league longevity record at the position held by Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten.
Finally, it’s been 15 years since the last starting quarterback transition at Lambeau. In 2008, Aaron Rodgers led the team out of the tunnel for Family Night for the first time as number one, and was booed. The unretired Brett Favre had just landed in Green Bay on a private jet and was actually in the stadium that night. Gutekunst was a scout for then General Manager Ted Thompson at the time. He was asked about that dramatic evening as Favre to Rodgers is about to become Rodgers to Love.
Looking forward to the football and the fireworks Saturday night.
