Packers: Practice Squad & Reactions

Jclombardi reviews practice squad & news reactions.

Guest senior writer jclombardi @ https://lombardiave.com

Practice Squad: They include QB Harrell, LB Francois, S Levine, WR West, LB Simpkins, OT Campbell, and OT Giacomini.  The Packers lost decent backups to waiver claims. Predictably, RB Lumpkin was claimed by Buccaneers, LB Obiozor by Cardinals, NT Toribio by Chiefs, LB Havner by Lions, and C Smith by Seahawks.  Packers hoped to bring Lumpkin, Toribio and Obiozor back as part of their eight-man practice squad.  Packers hoped to bring RB Lumpkin back on the practice squad to be their quasi-No. 3 tailback. Last year, the Packers lost tailback  Sutton to the Panthers in the same way.

GM TT Press Conference Highlights:

1. Blackmon--Packers may interested in the return of CB/KR/S Blackmon after the injury settlement and specific time period.  We shall see.

2. On returners–Thompson decides to look within roster for return game.

3. Waivers claims--If the Packers plan to make significant player moves before resuming practice this week, it won’t be through the initial waiver process.  Packers did not put in waiver claims on any players.  

4. Current roster–Potential sticking points: Thompson defends Packers’ choices. TT felt very good about the 53 men on current roster.

5. FBs & TEs-–Thompson acknowledged that some of his decisions led to imbalances on the 53-man roster. When questioned about carrying the predictable 3 fullbacks and 4 tight ends, TT said the players earned spots. FB Johnson is “very valuable player” and “dynamic lead blocker” to have for the situational tough yard games. Contrary to dissenters, we agree noting that he has improved his reception skills too.  FB Kuhn is a viable option at running back  for certain schemes.  

6. TE Havner cut–he was released due to the better skills that the other tight ends had to offer for the team.

7. Undrafted OLB rookie Zombo–very impressive young player.

8. Current LBs corps–pretty good group.

9. Practice squad–Monday, the announcement of the practice squad players.

10. Rookie draft choices–Packers kept their seven draft picks.  RB Starks is on the physically unable to perform list for six weeks.

Commentaries: List just stinks of not wanting to claim or sign any other team’s rejects without a workout first. In the case of each player who was claimed, Thompson decided to keep a player who is green as grass but arguably has more potential. 

Out-of-Bounds Sports News: Joke-of-the-day headline from fluff local Packers press–Packers win battle for Giacomini. 

Fans reactions:  Fan Kate wrote–“I’m kind of disappointed we kept Harrell and Bush…neither was beneficial to the team.” Fan Jeff wrote–”Havner was a team player…he should have been kept on the team.” Fans are just excited for the start of the regular season expecting big things from the green and gold this season. “There’s no way the Packers don’t win the division,” said fan Satriano.