Alarming signs at Packers OTAs: Is the depth chart on life support?

Parsons’ PUP status looking likely for start of camp

Micah Parsons, Green Bay’s All-Pro edge rusher acquired from Dallas this offseason, was another notable absence. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Parsons is progressing well in his ACL recovery and is expected to begin training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Under the updated rules for this year, players who remain on the list into the season must sit out at least four games but can return to practice as early as Week 3. That left Lukas Van Ness and Barryn Sorrell running with the first-team defence, while Brenton Cox Jr. rotated in behind them.

Tucker Kraft and Zach Tom continued their rehab away from the main group. LaFleur said both are expected back by training camp or early into it, adding that Kraft “looks so good, you want to put him out there.” Before his Week 9 ACL injury against Carolina, Kraft was having a strong season, posting 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games.

Darian Kinnard filled in at right tackle with the first-team offence while Tom remains sidelined. At tight end, Luke Musgrave and Josh Whyle took most of the reps.

Absences Create Opportunities for New Faces to Step In

With Devonte Wyatt not available, the Packers got a look at their interior defensive line options. Javon Hargrave, who joined from Philadelphia along with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, took first-team reps alongside Karl Brooks and Warren Brinson, while rookie Chris McClellan also saw time in the rotation.

With Gannon putting in a new system, these snaps were valuable for everyone involved. In the secondary, Carrington Valentine worked opposite Keisean Nixon, and rookie Brandon Cisse got some time as the group adjusted to the new approach.

Evan Williams stood out with a strong defensive play, moving across the field to pick off a deep pass from Jordan Love meant for Christian Watson, who may have been affected by the wind. Meanwhile, Nixon defended well against Musgrave as Love dodged pressure from Xavier McKinney, while Watson later responded with an impressive catch on a deep crossing route.

Green Bay’s rehab group still controls the long-term ceiling, and the players taking the current reps can push the staff to keep evaluating the depth chart once the healthier names return.