GREEN BAY, Wis. — Twelve days into training camp, the Green Bay Packers finally reached the point where tempers boiled over.
Sunday’s practice featured multiple confrontations, including two separate fights and a heated exchange that briefly brought players from both sides together. The intensity was a reminder that the competition for roster spots is beginning to reach another level as the Packers work toward the regular season.
The first incident involved running back Chris Brooks and linebacker Zaire Franklin. The second confrontation was considerably more heated after defensive lineman Chris McClellan brought running back Pierre Strong Jr. down hard.
The play triggered a confrontation between McClellan and offensive tackle Travis Glover, with punches and shoves exchanged before players from both sidelines moved toward the altercation.
Another incident occurred when edge rusher Barryn Sorrell drove offensive tackle Anthony Belton backward and into quarterback Jordan Love. Sorrell was immediately removed from the drill and received a strong message from head coach Matt LaFleur.
The physicality was undoubtedly noticeable, but Sunday’s practice also provided several important developments on both sides of the football.
Kraft Makes Long-Awaited Return
The biggest positive development on offense was the return of tight end Tucker Kraft to team drills.
Kraft worked with the first-team offense and looked much closer to his familiar form after working his way back from injury. He even caught a touchdown during a competitive period, prompting his teammates to celebrate with him.
His return could be significant for an offense that expects its tight end group to play an important role.
With Aaron Banks still being held out of team periods and Zach Bako-Bewele continuing to work his way back, the offensive line once again featured Jordan Morgan, Jager Burton, Sean Rhyan, Jacob Monk and Belton from left to right.
Morgan briefly left practice to be evaluated but eventually returned.
During his absence, Belton moved to left tackle while Bako-Bewele took over at right tackle. Once Morgan returned, Green Bay brought out a six-man offensive-line package similar to what the team used last season, with Belton lining up in the extra tight-end role.
The continued movement raises an interesting question about where Belton ultimately fits. He has shown better results at guard than tackle in the past, but the Packers continue to use him at multiple positions.
McCord Takes Advantage of Extra Opportunities
Quarterback Kyle McCord is receiving more opportunities following the release of Kyron Drones, and he made the most of them Sunday.
During a two-minute drill, McCord marched the offense down the field before connecting with tight end Messiah Swinson for a touchdown. He then completed the two-point conversion.
McCord also showed flashes during the preseason opener against Pittsburgh, particularly during a late first-half two-minute drive that resulted in a field goal.
His increased workload could give him an opportunity to strengthen his case for a roster spot.
Defense Continues to Take Shape
The Packers were without Lukas Van Ness, allowing Brenton Cox Jr. to work opposite Sorrell with the first-team defense.
Cox has continued to make a strong impression, while Collin Oliver remains another option in passing situations. Rookie fourth-round pick Dani Dennis-Sutton remains sidelined by illness.
Along the defensive line, the first group featured Devonte Wyatt, Jonathan Ford and Karl Brooks, with veteran Javon Hargrave still being eased into team work as he returns from a knee injury.
Brooks has increasingly looked like a player firmly entrenched in the Packers’ plans after receiving significant first-team work during the preseason opener.
Ford’s role is particularly interesting. He has established himself as a potential run-stuffing nose tackle, particularly when Green Bay uses an odd-front alignment.
The question is whether that specialized role will be enough to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster once Hargrave and the rest of the defensive line are healthy.
Cisse Continues to Generate Buzz
The battle for the second outside cornerback position remains one of the most intriguing competitions in Green Bay.
Keisean Nixon continues to receive the majority of first-team work, while rookie Brandon Cisse and Benjamin St-Juste are competing for opportunities opposite him.
Cisse intercepted a pass Sunday and continues to build momentum after a promising preseason debut.
Veteran Carrington Valentine has returned to practice but has yet to resume team drills, meaning the competition could become even more crowded once he is fully cleared.
At this point, Cisse appears to be making a legitimate push for a significant role.
Oladapo Makes His Case
Safety Kitan Oladapo had one of the more impressive defensive practices.
With Javon Bullard sidelined by a foot injury, Oladapo has been filling in at the slot. His performance against Pittsburgh wasn’t particularly impressive in that role, but he has played well at safety.
Sunday was a different story.
Oladapo intercepted two passes, including one thrown by Love during a two-minute drill.
His performance could create an interesting competition with cornerback Kamal Hadden, who also received first-team reps at the slot position and recorded an early pass breakup.
With Johnathan Baldwin no longer in the picture after being waived with an injury designation, Green Bay needs someone to emerge as a dependable option in the slot.
Smack Keeps Building Confidence
Rookie kicker Trey Smack continued his impressive turnaround.
After going a perfect 4-for-4 against Pittsburgh, including successful attempts from 58 and 57 yards, Smack again converted all four of his attempts during Sunday’s practice.
His longest make was from 43 yards.
Smack’s performance is particularly noteworthy because he struggled early in camp and appeared to be searching for consistency.
Now, however, the rookie is beginning to look increasingly comfortable.
His kickoff work has also been encouraging, with several kicks landing inside the 5-yard line during the preseason opener.
For a Packers team searching for a long-term replacement at kicker, Smack’s development is becoming one of the more interesting storylines of camp.
Strong Quietly Making His Case
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. also deserves attention.
Although he has primarily been a practice-squad player during his time in Green Bay, Strong’s contributions on special teams could help strengthen his roster case.
His versatility could become particularly valuable if the Packers want to manage the workload of their other backs while maintaining depth on special teams.
Sunday’s physical confrontation involving Strong was certainly memorable, but his work on the field could ultimately prove much more important.
The Bigger Picture
The fights may have provided the headline, but Sunday’s practice offered something more significant: several players are beginning to separate themselves in critical roster battles.
Kraft’s return gives the offense another important weapon. Cisse continues to make noise at cornerback. Oladapo appears to be taking advantage of Bullard’s absence. Smack is gaining confidence, and several offensive linemen continue to battle for starting jobs.
With the regular season approaching, the Packers are reaching the stage of camp where every rep carries more weight.
And judging by the temperature at Sunday’s practice, the competition is only getting hotter.
