Short Day for Banks, Others as Packers Prep for Denver
The Green Bay Packers held one of their shortest practices of training camp on Wednesday, wrapping up before noon ahead of the team's travel day and Friday's preseason game at Denver. Head coach Matt LaFleur kept the session brief with the trip to face the Broncos looming, as reported by the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Guard Aaron Banks was an early participant in team drills for the second consecutive day, per the Press-Gazette, but pulled himself out after the second play and spoke with trainers. Banks is working his way back from a knee injury that has kept him out of most of training camp. The veteran offensive lineman had been seen with tape on his left knee during the previous day's session.
The short practice didn't prevent several players from making an impression. Edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. continued his standout camp with a tackle for loss on running back MarShawn Lloyd, as noted by the Press-Gazette, which called Cox one of the breakout stars of training camp.
Quarterback Kyle McCord, competing for a backup role, had a solid third-down period, completing a deep ball to Michael J. Sturdivant and a short pass in front of Keisean Nixon. However, McCord's day was marred by an interception from defensive back Kamal Hadden, who showed good ball skills on the play. Hadden is working his way back from a leg injury, per the Press-Gazette.
Wide receiver Christian Watson also had a tough break, dropping a perfectly thrown deep ball from Jordan Love after beating Brandon Cisse, the Press-Gazette reported.
Injury Report, Schedule Notes
The Packers' injury report for Wednesday listed several players as inactive, including edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee) and long snapper Matt Orzech (calf) on the PUP list, along with tight end Luke Musgrave (neck) and defensive lineman Jordon Riley (Achilles), both with undisclosed designations. Tackle Javon Bullard (foot), linebacker Nyzalik Kelly (knee) and offensive lineman Darian Kinnard (ankle) were also listed as non-participants. Kelly and edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton, who was dealing with an illness, both returned to practice, per the report.
Elsewhere, the Packers' 2026 season opener is set for Sept. 13 at Minnesota, with a 3:25 m. kickoff on CBS, according to the Press-Gazette.
Roster Projections and Position Battles
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's story on the practice was published as the team's second preseason game at Denver approaches, with two more practices remaining after that, on Aug. 24 and a joint session with the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 26.
For a deeper look at the roster, Sports Illustrated's readers can find a 53-man projection that notes several key competitions. Kicker Trey Smack and defensive back Kamal Hadden have solidified their spots with strong preseason performances, according to the article. Jordan Love remains the starter at quarterback, with Tyrod Taylor as the backup, while Kyle McCord has also impressed in the preseason.
Running back MarShawn Lloyd is healthy, and Chris Brooks is the team's best blocking back and a core special-teamer, as per SI. Pierre Strong 's 68-yard kickoff return in Friday's game against Denver set up a Trey Smack field goal. The article also notes that Bo Melton was among 18 gunner candidates highlighted by special teams coordinator Cam Achord, and that Tucker Kraft is recovering from a torn ACL. At tight end, free agents Jonnu Smith and Zach Ertz are mentioned as options.
Defensively, the line is a mix of familiar names and newcomers. Anthony Campbell, Karl Brooks, and others are vying for roles. Edge rushers include Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox, and the PUP-listed Micah Parsons. Linebackers Zaire Franklin, Edgerrin Cooper, and special teamer Nick Niemann round out the depth. At cornerback, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Brandon Cisse, and Kamal Hadden are on the roster, with Valentine and Nixon mentioned as potential trade candidates. Safety Evan Williams, Xavier McKinney, and Javon Bullard form a trio many consider among the league's best.
Specialists Daniel Whelan, Trey Smack, and Matt Orzech (injured and missing camp) are listed. The article concludes that Trey Smack has answered questions through two preseason games, while Jacob Monk is the favorite to start at right guard in Week 1.
This article was reported from Green Bay and New York.