Green Bay Packers Training Camp Day 11: Performance Review and Preseason Outlook

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur (left) said Tuesday that quarterback Jordan Love (#10) and the starters will play in Thursday’s preseason opener.

The Green Bay Packers conducted their 11th training camp session on Tuesday under ideal conditions, with a practice duration of 1 hour, 32 minutes in 77-degree weather. The team is now preparing for their first preseason game of 2026 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday at 6 p.m. CST, which will feature a matchup against former coach Mike McCarthy and ex-quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who led the franchise to a Super Bowl XLV victory.

THE POSITIVE ASPECTS

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STARTERS TO PLAY: Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers’ starting lineup will participate in Thursday’s preseason game. This decision aligns with LaFleur’s strategy of balancing player readiness and injury risk, as he believes 30+ preseason snaps reduce injury likelihood. The Packers aim to build momentum after ending the 2025 season with a five-game losing streak. With a relatively light early schedule, Green Bay hopes to leverage this opportunity to establish a strong start.

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LaFleur emphasized the mental preparation benefits of game action, stating, “There’s a ton of value in getting your process down,” whether players participate for one snap or the entire game.

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JORDAN LOVE’S LEADERSHIP: LaFleur praised Love’s pre-snap adjustments and communication, calling him “in tune with everything we’re doing.” He noted that Love even proposed ideas the coaching staff hadn’t considered, showcasing his growth since working under Aaron Rodgers (2019-2022). While respecting Rodgers’ legacy, LaFleur expressed confidence in Love’s command of the offense, though he avoided direct comparisons.

ROOKIE KICKER PROGRESS: Trey Smack improved to 4-of-5 field goals in practice, raising his season average to 71.4% (20-of-28). His successful attempts included kicks from 33, 41, 43, and 45 yards, demonstrating consistency.

KEY PLAYERS RETURN: Wide receivers Matthew Golden (toe) and Jayden Reed (foot), tight end Josh Whyle (neck), and cornerback Carrington Valentine (hamstring) rejoined practice. Reed, Golden, and Whyle participated in team drills, while Valentine focused on rehabilitation.

ROSTER MOVES: Green Bay added defensive backs Trey Dean (35) and Tra Fluellen (48) while releasing tight end Drew Biber and guard Karsen Barnhart.

Additionally, Love connected with Skyy Moore on a long pass for a significant gain, and Ty’Ron Hopper forced a fumble from Jaden Nixon. Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness pressured Zach Bako-Bewele, forcing Love into a sack by safety Kitan Oladapo.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

OFFENSIVE FRUSTRATIONS: The Packers’ offense struggled, particularly against the No. 2 defense in practice. With an unsettled line, the absence of Josh Jacobs (groin), and limited depth at tight end/receiving positions, concerns persist about scoring consistency. Green Bay averaged only 19.2 points during their five-game slump to end 2025.

DOMANI JACKSON’S REHAB: Rookie cornerback Domani Jackson, recovering from core muscle surgery, remains uncertain for immediate availability. LaFleur stated Jackson is “trying to work through some of the stuff” but did not provide a timeline for his return.

INJURY LIST UPDATE: Safety Javon Bullard (foot), running back Josh Jacobs (groin), edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton (illness), and guard Aaron Banks (knee rest day) missed practice. Bullard downplayed his injury, stating, “It’s nothing crazy. I’ll be back in no time.” Jacobs is expected to miss at least one more week.

Reserve list players include edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee), tight end Luke Musgrave (neck), and defensive tackle Jordon Reilly (Achilles).

Miscellaneous notes include Bo Melton dropping a pass from Love and the running backs facing limited gaps throughout practice.

COACHING CONSIDERATIONS

CHALLENGE FLAG STRATEGY: Coach LaFleur acknowledged his subpar challenge record (19-26, 42.2% success rate since 2023), with only 5 overturned calls in 18 challenges. While the NFL now allows assistant coaches to use challenges, LaFleur stated he will “probably hold the challenge flag” despite past criticism. He emphasized the urgency of communicating challenges during fast-paced game situations.

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