The Green Bay Packers started training camp for rookies today. Veteran players are to report by July 26. The team, however, will be starting camp without nine key players, including Christian Watson and Mason Crosby. Watson finally signed his rookie contract yesterday and Crosby did not participate in on-field activities during OTAs.
The placements of Robert Tonyan and Elgton Jenkins on the PUP (physically unable to play) list is not surprising. Both players are coming off of torn ACL’s from last season. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky provided a list of all nine players:
This means that David Bakhtiari, who missed last season with a torn ACL, is currently expected to be able to participate in training camp. Latest reports were that the team was 50-50 on whether or not he’d be ready for camp.
Players Place on the PUP Before Training Camp Can Return Anytime
Whereas players placed on the PUP list during the season must miss multiple weeks, players who are placed on the PUP list before camp can return anytime. This means that Crosby, Watson, and Lowry may still return before the season. However, Tonyan and Jenkins are not expected to return until mid-season at the earliest.
Do Not Worry About Christian Watson
According to Ross Uglem, the injury to Watson is not to be considered a serious one. He will not be out for long.
Watson, of course, is the Packers’ highest-drafted wide receiver since Javon Walker in 2002. According to those present at mandatory mini camp, he impressed in the snaps he took with Aaron Rodgers. His return to the field will be much anticipated for several reasons. As a kick returner in college, he averaged 25.4 yards per return. This is a position that has been a glaring weakness on the Packers’ special teams since 1997.
Running Back Three Will Be Interesting
Going into training camp, Patrick Taylor was widely predicted to earn the Packers’ third running back position on the roster. However, as he will start camp on the PUP, that position is now open. Kylin Hill will start the season on the PUP as he too recovers from a torn ACL. This opens the door for undrafted rookies B.J. Baylor and Tyler Goodson to earn a spot on the roster.
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