Packers: Training camp competition continues at inside linebacker

One of the Packers’ biggest training camp competitions is at inside linebacker.

A week into training camp, there are a number of positional battles underway for the Green Bay Packers.

With only three weeks to go until the start of the regular season, there are battles for roster spots, and starting jobs, including on the right side of the offensive line, wide receiver, and tight end. Another position to watch closely is at inside linebacker.

New addition Christian Kirksey will be a starter in the Packers defense, but who will start alongside him when two inside linebackers are on the field? Who will be the number two or three on the depth chart?

Oren Burks, Ty Summers, and rookie Kamal Martin are among the inside linebackers competing for playing time. Curtis Bolton will also eventually be in the mix, but he’s still out with an injury.

Speaking to reporters after Thursday’s practice, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about Summers and Martin.

“We’re going to need both those guys at that position,” LaFleur said. “Another great competition going on at the inside linebacker role to find who starts opposite Christian Kirksey.”

Burks is perhaps the most likely of the three to start next to Kirksey in Week 1, but LaFleur seemed to make it clear that the competition is far from being decided. With no preseason games to impress, each player will need to be consistent throughout practice over the next few weeks.

Bolton will be another player to watch once he returns from injury. But he’s coming off a torn ACL, which cost him the entire 2019 season, so he may need a little extra time to get back to 100 percent.

Outside of Kirksey, the Packers have a young but inexperienced group at inside linebacker. They will need all of them to make an impact this season.