Day one of Packers OTAs in the books: Rookie J.C. Tretter injured
Bryan Bulaga is ready …
One day into the Green Bay Packers Organized Team Activities – a session that was open to the public today – was successful head coach Mike McCarthy said, but like every season and every team, injury has already taken a toll.
McCarthy reported in a post-practice interview this afternoon that rookie J.C. Tretter, a rookie offensive linemen drafted this spring, was hurt yesterday and will miss all of the OTAs. However, as per the team’s policy, he said, that’s the only information he provided. He did say that Tretter was “going through the medical process,” but didn’t elaborate on his status or when he would be ready to play again or even if he would be ready at all to play this season.
In all, McCarthy spoke for about 10-15 minutes about topics ranging from the offensive line, defensive linemen, the situation at safety and even about the tragedy in Oklahoma.
But the focus was football.
“It was a whole different level of practice,” McCarthy said about the first time on the field with his team this spring. “It was a little disjointed … the energy level was great … feel real good on where we are,” he added.
In addition to talking about the flip-flop of players on the offensive line, McCarthy was also upbeat about OT Bryan Bulaga, saying, “Bryan Bulaga looks good. He would tell you that he felt he could have played sometime later in the season, but there was path of rehab that was the best for him.” That said, McCarthy also reiterated his reasons for making the personnel moves on the O-line – the biggest being that he wants to better protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
For the beat writers who attended the practices and press conference, here are some of their tweets they left along the way:
McCarthy: Today 2nd day of phase 3 of offseason program, 2nd practice. 1st day able to do team drills. Yesterday worked on fundamentals.
— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 21, 2013
J.C. Tretter was injured yesterday. Will not be available for OTAs at all. #Packers
— Paul (@Paulimig) May 21, 2013
MM on rookies: I thought today was typical of the first time the team takes the field. A little disjointed but tempo was great.
— Brian Carriveau (@BrianCarriveau) May 21, 2013
McCarthy: said the rookie orientation camp was one of the best. Switch with Bulaga and Sitton, they're excited about the challenge
— Lori Nickel (@LoriNickel) May 21, 2013
McCarthy: Bryan Bulaga has been here the whole offseason rehabbing his hip injury. He looks great. BB is our best tackle.
— Lori Nickel (@LoriNickel) May 21, 2013
MM: I'm going to expand Mike Neal's role.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) May 21, 2013
McCarthy: on finding the best RT, he would love to settle that now but not realistic. "But we have to get them all ready."
— Lori Nickel (@LoriNickel) May 21, 2013
MM: Bishop, Sherrod, House would like to see those guys out there. To rank them, Bishop, House, Sherrod in terms of when coming back.
— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 21, 2013
MM: Shields is young player. Wish Sam was here. He's not here, he can answer specific reasons. So it's about opp to compete.
— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 21, 2013
MM on safeties: You look at how much M.D. and McMillian played last year, you're looking for them to make a jump.
— Brian Carriveau (@BrianCarriveau) May 21, 2013
McCarthy on Johnny Jolly: When his process is completed, I will talk about him.
— Lori Nickel (@LoriNickel) May 21, 2013
MM: Oklahoma tornados hit home, having lived in KC. Living in that part of country, you have to be aware. My heart goes out to families.
— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 21, 2013