GREEN BAY, Wis. — After enjoying a scheduled day off, the Green Bay Packers returned to Ray Nitschke Field on Sunday for Day 4 of training camp, where quarterback Jordan Love and the first-team offense continued preparations for the 2026 season while the defense once again made its presence felt.
The practice also marked another encouraging step in the recovery of tight end Tucker Kraft, who was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on July 31. Although the Packers are easing him back into football activities, Kraft continued working with Love during individual drills and route-running sessions as he progresses toward returning for the regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13.
Head coach Matt LaFleur emphasized that the organization will continue taking a cautious approach with Kraft’s recovery. If his rehabilitation continues without setbacks, the tight end could participate in the Packers’ joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals later this month.
Love Continues to Impress
Jordan Love delivered several impressive throws throughout Sunday’s practice, including one of the day’s highlights during a goal-line drill.
Rolling to his left on a third-and-goal play from the 2-yard line, Love planted his feet and fired a strike through tight coverage to wide receiver Bo Melton in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. The throw showcased both his arm strength and accuracy while on the move.
Later in practice, Love connected with Tucker Kraft on a seam route during individual work, another positive sign as the tight end works his way back into the offense.
Creative Play Sparks Offense
Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor engineered one of the most entertaining plays of the afternoon when the Packers executed a perfectly timed hook-and-ladder.
Taylor completed a pass to Bo Melton, who immediately pitched the ball to running back Pierre Strong Jr. Strong raced down the sideline for a 20-yard touchdown, drawing cheers from teammates and fans watching practice.
Defense Continues to Set the Tone
While the offense produced several explosive plays, Green Bay’s defense once again stood out.
Defensive linemen Anthony Campbell and Lukas Van Ness repeatedly disrupted passing lanes by knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage. Campbell batted away two passes, including one during a goal-line period, while Van Ness added another pass breakup in the same session.
Van Ness has consistently been among the defense’s top performers throughout camp, using his size, length, and athleticism to create problems for opposing offenses on a daily basis.
Rookie Brandon Cisse Keeps Building Momentum
Second-round rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse continued to strengthen his case for significant playing time.
Working with the first-team defense, Cisse delivered another impressive coverage rep by staying locked onto Bo Melton during a third-and-five situation. Maintaining outside leverage before reacting to Melton’s cut inside, Cisse forced an incompletion from Love and continued an impressive stretch of practices.
Trey Smack Makes Camp Debut on Field Goals
Rookie kicker Trey Smack attempted field goals for the first time during training camp while battling challenging wind conditions.
Smack connected on attempts from 29, 34, and 42 yards but missed from 39 and 45 yards, giving coaches an early opportunity to evaluate his consistency under less-than-ideal conditions.
Offensive Line Experiences Growing Pains
Not every period went smoothly for the offense.
Offensive lineman Donovan Jennings struggled during center drills, sending consecutive shotgun snaps over Tyrod Taylor’s head before coaches shifted him to left guard and inserted John Williams at center.
Special Teams Taking Shape
Special teams coordinator Cam Achord continued evaluating personnel, with veterans handling the majority of first-team special teams responsibilities. Few rookies were featured on the top units, particularly on punt coverage, reflecting the coaching staff’s confidence in its experienced players.
Physical Practices Begin Monday
Sunday’s workout served as the final non-padded practice before the intensity ramps up.
The Packers are scheduled to hold their first padded practice of training camp on Monday, a significant milestone that will provide coaches with a better opportunity to evaluate physicality, line play, and position battles as Green Bay continues preparing for the 2026 NFL season.
