On one hand, the Green Bay Packers will love to see the intensity. It never hurts to add a bit of nastiness on defense.
But save it for the regular season.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur admitted that free-agent signing Nate Hobbs needed to tone down his physicality on the practice field after a hard hit on Dontayvion Wicks last week. It appears that the message needs further reinforcing.
Hobbs delivered another hit during Monday's padded practice, this time on second-year running back MarShawn Lloyd, who had to leave the field.
"Hobbs goes low on Lloyd on an outside pitch. Good stick but def not what you like to see in practice," writes Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV. "(Zach) Tom gets in Hobbs face a bit. Lloyd is limping as he gets up with the training staff."
Tom was right to let Hobbs know. There's no need for low hits like that on the practice field and risking unnecessary injuries. In this case, Lloyd got hurt.
LaFleur pulled Hobbs out of practice briefly.
The severity of his injury isn't clear, and the hope is that the Packers were simply being cautious. Green Bay's former third-rounder battled awful injury luck in his rookie season and is hoping to bounce back in Year 2.
Nate Hobbs' hit on MarShawn Lloyd serves as an important reminder at Packers camp
LaFleur made it clear that Hobbs' tackling wasn't "malicious," and he's absolutely right. Hobbs isn't trying to hurt anyone. He's a competitor and trying to make a play.
It's a great sign for the regular season. Various reports indicate that Hobbs has made an immediate impact, and there's no denying his potential to thrive in Jeff Hafley's defense.
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However, while it's important to get reps and rhythm during camp, avoiding injury is among the top priorities. Some injuries are unavoidable, especially when the pads come on, but it's especially important to take care.
Hopefully, Lloyd avoided a significant injury and can return to practice soon.
LaFleur has already made it clear that Hobbs needed to tone it down on the practice field. This is exactly why.