Packers: Three biggest surprises from first week of training camp
3. Return of the fullback
Unsurprisingly, much of the talk this summer has been about the run game. And that only increased after the Packers signed running backs Corey Grant and Darrin Hall in the past week. Which running backs will make the 53-man roster, and who will miss out?
And while the questions at running back are to be expected, one position that’s slipped under the radar all offseason is the fullback. But Danny Vitale is quickly changing that.
John Kuhn and Aaron Ripkowski both played key roles in Mike McCarthy’s offense over the years, but the Packers didn’t keep a fullback on the roster in 2018. However, there’s a good chance that won’t be the case in 2019 under Matt LaFleur.
In various reports from camp, one name that keeps coming up is Vitale. He even caught the first pass at training camp. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett calls him “The Muscle Man”, and Vitale now has a great chance to make the roster.
Andy Herman of Cheesehead TV attended multiple practices last week, and was impressed with Vitale’s performances.
One thing that’s been abundantly clear to me through the first few days of camp... it’d be a massive upset if Danny Vitale isn’t on the 53. Not only that but he would seem to be in line for a major role within this offense.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) July 28, 2019
And it makes complete sense when you consider Vitale’s ability to block, catch passes, and carry the football. Just like in Kyle Shanahan’s offenses, LaFleur could use a fullback in multiple ways. And Vitale can be the player to do so.