Christopher Kuhagen,Ryan Wood,Tom Silverstein,Pete DoughertyMilwaukee Journal Sentinel
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After a day off, the Green Bay Packers returned to the field on Friday for their fourth practice of their 2024 training camp schedule.
Jordan Love again did not practice as he and the team continue to negotiate a new contract. His absence meant the backup quarterback battle between Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt continued to be in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, kicker Anders Carlson continued to impress during the early part of training camp as he looks to rebound from a disastrous rookie season, while new acquisitions Xavier McKinney (safety) and Josh Jacobs (running back) stood out.
Check out below all the highlights below from Friday's training camp at Ray Nitschke Field.
Packers practice wraps up, final one before players put on pads on Saturday
Practice concluded around 12:10 p.m., going for just under 1 hour, 40 minutes.
The Packers don't get the weekend off. They return to the field again on Saturday for what is expected to be the team's first padded practice. Green Bay also practices on Sunday.
All practices begin at 10:30 a.m.
Packers safety Xavier McKinney has first interception
Xavier McKinney has his first interception of training camp.
The 24-year-old safety, signed by the Packers in the offseason as a free agent, undercut Sean Clifford’s throw to Ben Sims in the right flat at the goal line. If it were a live game it would have been a pick 6 the other way. McKinney will lead a revamped safety position.
The former Alabama star played the first four years of his career with the New York Giants.
-- Ryan Wood
Anders Carlson has first miss of training camp; Greg Joseph perfect today
Anders Carlson’s perfect streak to open camp comes to an end.
Carlson hit two more kicks from 45 and 47 yards in this block of kicks but his third from 50 yards hit the left upright and was no good.
There was plenty of leg to get there, but it was just a couple inches wide.
Carlson is an impressive 11-of-12 to open camp. We’ll see how he responds to the miss. Carlson had a great start to the 2023 season but after his first miss in a Week 7 game against Denver, it was mostly all downhill for the former sixth-round pick. He had the most missed kicks of any kicker (13 in the regular season and playoffs) in 2023.
Veteran kicker Greg Joseph, who the Packers signed in the offseason to provide competition for Carlson, has hit all six of his attempts today after an uneven start to his training camp.
-- Ryan Wood, Tom Silverstein and Chris Kuhagen
Packers backup quarterback battle: Sean Clifford gets stepped on but stays in
Sean Clifford is having a rough training camp so far.
And it looks like the Packers' backup quarterback was just stepped on during a Rashan Gary sack.
Clifford, who is getting a lot of snaps with Jordan Love not practicing, hobbled around a bit, but it’s gonna take more than that for him to come out, especially when taking first-team reps. The backup battle between him and rookie Michael Pratt (Tulsa) is gonna be fierce.
Speaking of Pratt:
-- Ryan Wood
Anders Carlson continues to stay hot with his kicks
Anders Carlson has made his first nine field goals to open Packers training camp.
It's a rather promising development for the young, maligned kicker, who struggled during his rookie season and took the brunt of fans' frustrations after he missed a key field goal in the Packers' divisional playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers in January.
The second-year kicker split the uprights from 40 yards, 44 yards and 49 yards.
The Packers brought in competition for Carlson this offseason, but the 2023 draft pick clearly has an early lead in the kicking battle.
-- Ryan Wood
Christian Watson at Packers training camp
Christian Watson will be closely watched — specifically his hamstrings.
The wide receiver missed eight games last year due to a hamstring injury and three his rookie year with the same ailment. Watson saw a specalist in the offseason to find the cause of the recurring issue.
After a series of tests at theBadger Athletic Performance in Madison, doctors determined Watson's right leg was significantly weaker than his left. Since then, Watson has been working to even his strength distribution.
Watson, as well as Jayden Reed, who missed the first two days of training camp with a toe injury, looked good on their routes.
-- Chris Kuhagen and Ryan Wood
Luke Musgrave uses height to pull down incredible catch
If you needed to be reminded, Luke Musgrave is really, really tall.
The second-year tight end skied to catch a pass down the left seam from rookie quarterback Michael Pratt, towering over safety Javon Bullard.
It's hard to stop that size downfield.
For the record, Musgrave is 6-feet-6-inches tall.
As a rookie, Musgrave had 34 receptions for 352 yards and one touchdown in 11 games.
Musgrave, a second-round pick out of Oregon State in 2023, missed several games late in the season after suffering a lacerated kidney against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11. Musgrave returned for the regular season finale against the Chicago Bears on Jan. 7 and then played in both of the Packers' playoff games.
Musgrave got engaged in the offseason.
-- Ryan Wood and Chris Kuhagen
Josh Jacobs impresses with a block
Running back Josh Jacobs is showing his skill set today.
He got some work in as a kick returner earlier today and now he's providing a great block on a tight end screen.
Jacobs was behind Ben Sims coming out of the backfield, but read the flip to Sims in the left flat. Jacobs sprinted with the ball in the air to get in position to throw a block down the sideline.
It's always good when the superstars hustle.
-- Ryan Wood
Jaire Alexander looks for bounce back season
Cornerback Jaire Alexander is working on his press technique early in practice on Friday.
Alexander had a forgettable 2023 season as he battled an injury and faced a team suspension. He played in just seven games.
The former all-pro wants to be the leader the team needs him to be in 2024.
-- Tom Silverstein
Packers injury report at training camp
Tackle Caleb Jones and cornerback Corey Ballantine were activated off the physically unable to perform list and are practicing.The only new absence is cornerback Robert Rochell, who has a calf injury.
Returned to practice today:CB Corey Ballentine (NFI, hamstring)OL Donovan Jennings (PUP, knee)T Caleb Jones (PUP, hamstring)New out:
CB Robert Rochell (calf)C Josh Myers (personal)Still out:QB Jordan Love (contract)S Kitan Oladapo (NFI, toe)RB MarShawn Lloyd (hip)TE Tucker Kraft (pec)
-- Tom Silverstein and Pete Dougherty
Packers offensive line update: Matt LaFleur will rotate players around today
With Josh Myers not in attendance due to a personal matter, left guard Elgton Jenkins is taking starter’s snaps at center. Sean Rhyan has taken Jenkins’ spot at left guard and rookie Jordan Morgan is at right guard. Kadeem Telfort started out at right tackle again.Tackle Caleb Jones has returned from the physically unable to perform list and may see some action today.Head coach Matt LaFleur said to expect lots of rotation on the line.
-- Tom Silverstein
Josh Jacobs returning kicks at training camp
Josh Jacobs, the team's new No. 1 running back, is taking some turns returning kicks.
It's not the first time he’s done that in camp. He won’t be the first or even second option with two-time all-pro Keisean Nixon and Jayden Reed, but the more you can do the better.
In addition to being one of the league's best running backs, Jacobs is also a solid receiver. He caught 197 passes for 1,448 yardsin five years with the Raiders.
Jacobs signed with the Packers in the offseason.
-- Ryan Wood
Jordan Love update
The Packers quarterback is not practicing again on Friday as contract negotiations continue.
Love is in attendance like he has been all week. He is in his Packers sweats as he made his way onto the field.
-- Chris Kuhagen
Matt LaFleur participates in Packers training camp bicycle tradition
The bike tradition isn't just for players.
Head coach Matt LaFleur has been participating all week as well.
He might just want to make sure to inform security if his son is with him this time or provide them with a family photo. On Tuesday, one of his sons was stopped by a guard while he was riding into the designated team section ahead of practice, prompting LaFleur to go into dad mode.
-- Chris Kuhagen
AJ Dillon arrives to Packers training camp in style
Is there anyone who loves the Packers bike tradition more than AJ Dillon?
Dillon, who arrived to training camp in the best shape of his career after changing his diet, was having a blast riding a fan's bicycle today.
Ever wonder what you have to do to have a Packers player ride your bike to training camp? Here's what you should know.
-- Chris Kuhagen
Watch Packers training camp bike tradition
Packers practice schedule look ahead
After going without pads for the first four practices (Monday-Wednesday, Friday), the Packers will put on the pads on Saturday.
Saturday's practice begins at 10:30 a.m.
Packers practice schedule
The Packers take the field at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Ray Nitschke Field. Fans don't need tickets to watch Packers training camp. It's free.
Packers training camp practice schedule
- July 26-28:Open practices, 10:30 a.m.
- July 30-31:Open practices, 10:30 a.m.
- Aug. 1:Open practice, 10:30 a.m.
- Aug. 3:Family Night, Doors open at 5:30 p.m., practice at 7:30 p.m., Lambeau Field
- Aug. 6-7:Open practices, 10:30 a.m.
- Aug. 13-14:Open practices, 10:30 a.m.
- Aug. 20:Open practice, 10:30 a.m.
- Aug. 22:Joint practice with Baltimore Ravens, 10:30 a.m.
Jordan Love contract news
As of early Friday morning, Jordan Love still doesn't have a contract extension.
That means he won't practice as negotiations continue. His agent informed Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on Sunday that the quarterback will hold out of practice until a deal is finalized.
Matt LaFleur told reporters before practice that there were "no updates."
Love has been in attendance at all the practices and is participating in meetings around the building.
The Packers signed Love last year to a one-year contract extension worth $22.5 million for 2024 instead of exercising his fifth-year option. After Love, 26, led the Packers to the playoffs in his first year as the starter and put up historic numbers down the stretch, it raised the stakes for a new contract and one that would pay him alongside the other top-paid QBs in the league, likely around $55 million annually.
A report by The Athletic's Dianna Russini on Thursday morning indicated that the Packers and Love are "making progress."
Love's backups have struggled in training camp so far.
-- Chris Kuhagen
Matt LaFleur press conference: Jordan Love update
Former Packers executive on Jordan Love contract situation hold up
What does a former Packers executive think about the ongoing contract negotiations between the team and Love and why it's taking so long?
Here's Andrew Brandt's take.
Brandt negotiated player contracts during his time with the Packers as vice president of player finance and general counsel in the early 2000s.
-- Chris Kuhagen
Packers Pro Shop
When you're in Green Bay for training camp over the next month a trip to the Packers pro shot is likely on your to-do list.
The pro shop is inside the Lambeau Field atrium, 1265 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54304.
The hours are:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can also shop online.
-- Chris Kuhagen
Packers depth chart
What is the depth chart of the Packers roster as we continue in the first week of training camp and ahead of the team's practice on Friday? Here's a look at Tom Silverstein's projections.
Green Bay Packers offense
Wide receiver:Christian Watson (9), Malik Heath (18), Grant DuBose (86), Jalen Wayne (2).
Left tackle:Rasheed Walker (63), Andre Dillard (73), Kadeem Telfort (76). Also: Caleb Jones (72), non-football injury list.
Left guard:Elgton Jenkins (74), Sean Rhyan (75), Royce Newman (70), Jacob Monk (62), Lecitus Smith (61).
Center: Josh Myers (71), Elgton Jenkins (74), Lecitus Smith (61), Jacob Monk (62).
Right guard: Sean Rhyan (75), Jordan Morgan (77), Royce Newman (70).
Right tackle: Zach Tom (50), Kadeem Telfort (76), Andre Dillard (73), Luke Tenuta (78), Travis Glover (79). Also: Donovan Jennings (67), non-football injury list.
Tight end: Luke Musgrave (88), Tyler Davis (84), Ben Sims (89), Joel Wilson (82), Messiah Swinson (43). Also: Tucker Kraft (85), non-football injury list.
Slot receiver: Jayden Reed (11), Bo Melton (80), Samori Toure (83), Dimitri Stanley (19), Rory Starkey (16).
Wide receiver: Romeo Doubs (87), Dontayvion Wicks (13), Julian Hicks (81).
Running back: Josh Jacobs (8), AJ Dillon (28), MarShawn Lloyd (32), Emanuel Wilson (31), Ellis Merriweather (38), Jarveon Howard (35).
Fullback: Henry Pearson (44).
Quarterback: Sean Clifford (6), Michael Pratt (17), Jacob Eason (7). Also: Jordan Love (10), not practicing due to contract holdout.
Green Bay Packers defense
Left defensive end:Preston Smith (91), Kingsley Enagbare (55), Keshawn Banks (51).
Nose tackle:T.J. Slaton (93), Jonathan Ford (99), James Ester (65), Kenneth Odumegwu (98), Spencer Waege (65).
Defensive tackle:Kenny Clark (97), Devonte Wyatt (95), Karl Brooks (94), Colby Wooden (96).
Right defensive end:Lukas Van Ness (90), Brenton Cox Jr. (57), Aaron Mosby (53), Deslin Alexandre (49).
Inside linebacker: Quay Walker (7), Ty'Ron Hopper (56), Kristian Welch (54).
Inside linebacker: Isaiah McDuffie (58), Edgerrin Cooper (56), Christian Young (46).
Outside linebacker: Eric Wilson (45), Ralen Goforth (44).
Left cornerback: Eric Stokes (21), Carrington Valentine (37), Gemon Green (41).
Right cornerback: Jaire Alexander (23), Robert Rochell (22), Zyon Gilbert (30). Also: Corey Ballentine (35), non-football injury list.
Slot cornerback: Keisean Nixon (25), Kalen King (34).
Free safety: Xavier McKinney (29), Anthony Johnson (36), Zayne Anderson (39), Tyler Coyle (24).
Strong safety: Javon Bullard (20), Evan Williams (33), Anthony Johnson (36), Benny Sapp (48). Also: Kitan Oladapo (27), non-football injury list.
Green Bay Packers special teams
Kicker:Anders Carlson (17), Greg Joseph (2), James Turner (16).
Punter:Daniel Whelan (41).
Long snapper:Matt Orzech (42).
-- Tom Silverstein
Green Bay Packers news
- With career at crossroads, AJ Dillon hoping to show he's never been better in Packers training camp
- Wide receiver Jayden Reed is back from a toe injury and ready to take on leadership role
- Packers should have plenty of salary cap space after Jordan Love deal to add another big piece to roster
- What happened during the third day of Packers training on Wednesday? Recap of the highlights.
- Eric Stokes is a standout player during Packers' most recent practice
Packers tickets
Packers season tickets for home games at Lambeau Field have been sold out since 1960. Fans can fill out this form to get on the waiting list. Mail it back to Packers Ticket Office, P.O. Box 13564, Green Bay, WI 54307-3564.
If you don't have season tickets you can visit Ticketmaster as seats become available on the re-sale market for home and away games.
-- Chris Kuhagen
When is Packers Family Night 2024?
Packers Family Night, the annual practice inside Lambeau Field, is just eight days away. Family Night is set for Saturday, Aug. 3. The practice begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and only available via mobile on Ticketmaster.
Packers preseason schedule
- Aug. 10:at Cleveland Browns, 3:25 p.m.
- Aug. 18:at Denver Broncos, 7 p.m.
- Aug. 24:Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field, noon
Green Bay Packers schedule 2024
Home games in bold
- Sept. 6, 7:15 p.m., at Philadelphia Eagles, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Sept. 15, noon, vs. Indianapolis Colts
- Sept. 22, noon, at Tennessee Titans
- Sept. 29, noon, vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Oct. 6, 3:25 p.m., at. Los Angeles Rams
- Oct. 13, noon, vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Oct. 20, noon, vs. Houston Texans
- Oct. 27, noon, at Jacksonville Jaguars
- Nov. 3, 3:25 p.m., vs. Detroit Lions
- Nov. 10, Bye week
- Nov. 17, noon, at Chicago Bears
- Nov. 24, 3:25 p.m., vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Nov. 28, 7:20 p.m., vs. Miami Dolphins (Thanksgiving)
- Dec. 5, 7:15 p.m., at Detroit Lions, Detroit (Thursday Night Football)
- Dec. 15, 7:20 p.m., at Seattle Seahawks, Seattle (Sunday Night Football)
- Dec. 23, 7:15 p.m., vs. New Orleans Saints (Monday Night Football)
- Dec. 29, noon, at Minnesota Vikings
- Jan. 4-5, vs. Chicago Bears, Lambeau Field, date and time to be determined
