GREENBAYPRESSGAZETTE.COM GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE WEDNESDAY, 3C SPORTS teams availability to increase his effectiveness as a pass rusher. The same principle could also apply to Jay- rone Elliott, another outside linebacker whose snaps from scrimmage could double compared to last season. Elliott has been a core special team- er his entire career, and he played the eighth- most snaps in 2016. Running back Ty Montgomery falls into the same category. As the starting running back, Montgomery is likely to be protected from significant playing time on special teams to avoid injury.
He played 144 snaps on special teams last season and offered Zook a reliable option to return kicks. There were significant departures from the special teams units as well. Micah Hyde (229 snaps, fifth); Datone Jones (158 snaps, 10th); and Julius Peppers (140 snaps, 12th) all exited during free agency to leave sizable holes in rotation. This core will include Fackrell, Elliott, wide receiver Jeff Janis, inside linebacker Joe Thomas, safety Kentrell Brice, fullback Aaron Ripkowski and safety Marwin Evans. thing I talk to those guys about is, need to talk to these young because they see down the Zook said.
see the halfway through the season, when tired and got to know defense or got to know offense and got to know going on with special teams. hard for them until you go through that to really see The Packers ranked 29th in the Dallas Morning annual review of special teams performance last season. It was asignificant drop from 2015 when the Packers finished 17th. Special Continued from Page 3C SPECIALISTS Kicker (1) Mason Crosby (Ht. 6-1 Wt.
200 Age: 31 Acquired: D6-'07 College: Colorado) Crosby had two opportunities for game-winning field goals last season and made them both. He drilled a 32-yarder at Soldier Field as time expired to beat the Chicago Bears on a frigid December afternoon and laced a 51-yard attempt as time expired in Dallas to send the Packers to the NFC championship game. Crosby missed four kicks during the regular season, but two of them were largely beyond his control. He finished 11th in field goal percentage at .867, which was his highest mark since 2013. He proved his cold-weather worth by making all three extra points on a snowy day at Lambeau Field against the Houston Texans in December.
The Packers won that game, 21-13, and counterpart Nick Novak missed an extra point under the same conditions. Punter (1) Justin Vogel (Ht. 6-4 1 2 Wt. 219 Age: 23 Acquired: FA-'17 College: Miami) General manager Ted Thompson shook up his punting situation by releasing Jacob Schum in June. Schum, who was battling a minor injury at the time of his release, ranked 27th in the league in gross average (43.2) and 24th in net (39.1) last season.
He ranked 19th in punts inside the 20-yard line and 18th in touchback rate. With Schum gone, the job is to lose. Vogel signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in May. He was considered by some to be the top punter in this class and chose the Packers over Tennessee, Miami, Philadelphia and Kansas City. If Vogel performs well in training camp, the job is his.
If he struggles, Thompson will be forced to make a last-minute move to shore up the position, just as he did in 2016 by releasing Tim Masthay a little more than a week before the regular season opener. think progressing Zook said. done some things going in (toward the end zone), which trying to place the ball in certain places, certain depths, and he handled that well. feeling comfortable in the situation that Long snapper (1) Derek Hart (Ht. 6-4 Wt.
245 Age: 24 Acquired: FA-'17 College: James Madison) There were two long snappers on the roster when the Packers began their organized team activities earlier this spring. Within a week, Hart was the only long snapper remaining. Thompson and the coaching staff had seen enough of Taybor Pepper and released him May 8, clearing the way for Hart to have an opportunity similar to If Hart snaps well in training camp, the job is his. If he struggles, Thompson is likely to call Brett Goode, the long snapper for the last decade whose contract expired in March. Goode remains unsigned.
think getting Zook said of Hart. one thing about Derek, a smart guy. an engineer, so he understands what trying to get accomplished. The thing probably anytime looking at a young snapper is they blocked, particularly in the punting game. something that until you get the pads on and you see happening, be something that we have to wait until we see it.
a good kid, a smart guy, working Those circ*mstances were reflected in this projection of the Packers' 53-man roster. How closely it reflects what the true roster will resemble this September depends on performance and injuries. Ted Thompson has kept at least one undrafted rookie in each of his previous 12 seasons as general manager, but 10 draft picks with an influx of free-agent activity means there are fewer spots available than usual. The best candidate this year might be punter Justin Vogel. Quarterbacks (3): Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley, Joe Callahan The Packers are likely a year from losing Hundley in a trade, and the thinking here is groom Callahan who has a believer in Mike McCarthy to be eventual backup.
They could try to sneak him onto the practice squad, but were burned last year when the New Orleans Saints claimed him on waivers. Callahan was a surprise addition to the initial 53-man roster last year, and his chances might be even better this summer. Running backs (4): Ty Montgomery, Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones, Aaron Ripkowski If the Packers try to sneak one of their drafted rookie tailbacks onto the practice squad, seventh-rounder Devante Mays figures to be the best bet. He has limited college film with just one full season at Utah State, and his size and speed warrant further development. A strong preseason from all three rookies might force the Packers' hand, enticing them to keep each on the 53 and compensate at another position.
Tight ends (3): Martellus Bennett, Lance Kendricks, Richard Rodgers Once a position that held no fewer than four players at one time, it seems clear the Packers will keep three on their initial roster for the second straight year. McCarthy wants to play more sets with multiple tight ends, so everyone here will get snaps. Receivers (7): Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams, Jeff Janis, Trevor Davis, DeAngelo Yancey, Malachi Dupre The Packers will have to tinker with their receiver depth chart once Allison returns from his one-game suspension to assume a role as No. 4 wideout. Special teams will determine the final receiver jobs, which should be music to ears.
Expect the Packers to keep seven receivers, and the final two spots to be up for grabs between Davis, Yancey and Dupre once Allison returns. Offensive linemen (9): David Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga, Jahri Evans, Lane Taylor, Corey Linsley, Jason Spriggs, Don Barclay, Kyle Murphy, Kofi Ami- chia Behind the starters, backup jobs are up for grabs. guess in July who will take those jobs over the next month, but experience, versatility and athleticism could earn roster spots. Defensive linemen (6): Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Ricky Jean Francois, Montravius Adams, Brian Price The Packers have kept five defensive linemen each of the past two years. They could consider themselves short on the depth chart with Guion starting the season on a four-game suspension, though it seems unlikely Guion will have a job when he returns.
be surprised if Price makes a run at a job. Inside linebackers (3): Jake Ryan, Blake Martinez, Joe Thomas This number is deceiving. In reality, Josh Jones likely figures more as an inside linebacker than a safety in his rookie season, and Morgan Burnett might be the same. The Packers' inside linebacker position should be in its best shape in years. Outside linebackers (5): Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Kyler Fackrell, Jay- rone Elliott, Vince Biegel The Packers probably prefer to keep six players at a position so thin on experience, but difficult decisions have to be made.
hope Matthews and Perry stay healthy, Fackrell and Elliott take a jump and Biegel contributes on defense as a rookie, even if all three things happening might be far-fetched. Cornerbacks (5): Davon House, Kevin King, Damarious Randall, LaDarius Gunter, Quinten Rollins For all its 2016 tumult, the Packers' cornerback depth chart enters camp in decent shape thanks to free agency and the draft. Now a matter of players performing up to their capability. The Packers are high on Herb Waters, who could be kept as a sixth corner if they want to pad their secondary. Safeties (5): Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Morgan Burnett, Kentrell Brice, Josh Jones, Marwin Evans Brice replaces Micah Hyde as the third safety.
Most of snaps will come in the box as a subpackage linebacker, but he can play either safety spot. Specialists (3): Mason Crosby, Justin Vogel, Derek Hart The punting job is to lose. Ditto for Hart at long snapper. Both enter camp as the lone player at their position, but both can be easily replaced if they meet expectations. Packers Continued from Page 1C BASICS Players report to training camp today.
The first practice will be 8:15 a.m. Thursday. The final practice open to the public will be 11:45 a.m. Aug. 29.
Players again will be housed on the St. Norbert College campus in De Pere for about four weeks. Players generally will eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the team dining room at Lambeau Field, but select meals and snacks also will be served at St. Norbert. WHERE TO WATCH In good weather, the Packers will practice on Ray Nitschke Field, which was dedicated in 2009.
Admission to practice is free. Spectators are allowed to bring in small bags and coolers (no alcohol). Small stadium seats are permitted. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited, as are video recording devices and still cameras with lenses longer than 12 inches. Amini-stadium with a brick fa- Nitschke Field contains two north-south fields: one is a regulation 100 yards and the other, which measures 70 yards, has an underground heating system identical to Lambeau Field.
The Packers use the heated field late in the year to practice outside. Five rows of permanent metal bleachers raised 6 feet off the field can accommodate about 1,500 fans. There also are standing-room areas at the north and south ends. The seats have been virtually filled at the start of many practices each of the last six summers, but after the first hour or so the crowd dissipated, leaving plenty of opportunities for fans to sit. Gates will open 90 minutes before the start of practice and close 30 minutes after it ends.
In case of rain or wet grounds, the Packers will practice in the adjacent Don Hutson Center. Because of limited space, fans able to attend. Tuesday, Aug. 29, is the last day for fans to attend practice. Canvas then will be drawn around the fields so the Packers can practice in privacy to prepare for the regular season.
The NFL allows scouts from other teams to attend training-camp practices if admission is charged. Free practices are off- limits to opposing scouts. Parking for practice is available in the Lambeau Field lot, where tailgating is welcomed. Food and beverages will be available for purchase near the practice field. Food also will be available in the Lambeau Field Atrium, including 1919 Kitchen Tap.
The restaurant-bar opens at 11 a.m. and closes late night. FAMILY NIGHT SCRIMMAGE The padded practice will be held Aug. 5. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with warmups beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Practice starts at 7:30. Tickets priced at $10 for this practice at the stadium went on sale June 28. Some single seats are still available. Parking in the Lambeau Field lot is $5, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The Pick Save Family Night Picnic will be 1:30 p.m.
to 6 p.m. in the Lambeau east-side parking lot. The American Family DreamZone will provide activities for fans beginning at 1:30 p.m. Ajersey giveaway and show will conclude the evening. No refunds will be given unless all stadium activities from 5:30 through the fireworks are canceled.
It has been a tradition for players either to walk or ride on bicycles to and from practice, and coach Mike McCarthy encourages the practice. Youngsters with bikes are encouraged to line up in at the American Family Insurance DreamDrive outside of the Oneida Nation Gate at least 20 minutes before practice and on the street just north of Nitschke Field after practice. Many players then pick a bike to ride, with the youngster hitching a ride on the back of the bike or running alongside. The biking tandems have about 100 yards more to cover with the move to Nitschke Field. DREAMZONE The American Family Insurance DreamZone, located at the Johnsonville Tailgate Village outside the Oneida Nation Gate, is an interactive area for fans of all ages and runs Thursday through Aug.
5. Askills challenge and a toddler station will be among the offerings, as well as Chalk Talks, an area where Packers alumni and special guests will speak about pursuing dreams. The schedule of speakers is available online. The Johnsonville Tailgate Village, new to Lambeau Field this summer, was intended as a spot for Packers fans to gather on game days and other events. Last summer, the Packers introduced the Future Lambeau Leapers Autographs program for fans ages 12 and younger.
The event took place at the Don Hutson Center for about 20-30 minutes and gave youngsters the opportunity to meet and greet players and potentially get autographs. The Packers offered the event in late July 2016 over four days. However, the team has not indicated whether the program will be available this summer, or when the events might be held. Other opportunities for autograph-seekers present themselves as players head to and from practice. PRO SHOP The Packers Pro Shop was expanded from 9,000 to 21,500 square feet before reopening in July 2014.
Hours may vary, but are typically 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9-8 Friday, 9-6 Saturday and 10-5 Sunday. It is located inside the Lambeau Field Atrium. HALL OF FAME The Packers Hall of Fame includes 15,000 square feet and spans two levels in the Lambeau Field Atrium.
Hall of Fame hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. Prices for the Hall of Fame are: adults (1861): $15; seniors (62-plus): $12; military: $12; youth (12-17): $12; student: $12; children (6-11): $9 and (5 and under): free. STADIUM TOURS Guided stadium tours are divided into four categories known as the Classic Stadium Tour, Champions Tour, Legendary Tour and Alumni Tour.
The tours vary in time from one hour to 90 minutes or two hours. Prices also vary by tour. A limited number of tickets are sold online. Tickets in the atrium are sold on a first-come, first-served basis for each tours. They often sell out.
For specific tour time information call (920) 569-7512 (press 1). Combined tickets for the Hall of Fame and stadium tours are available. TITLETOWN DISTRICT Titletown District is a 35-acre commercial, recreational and residential development immediately west of Lambeau Field. Hinterland Brewery, Lodge Kohler hotel and spa, and Bellin Health Sports Medicine Orthopedics clinic anchor the development and are now open. The district will also include a 10- acre park and plaza with an NFL- sized football field, a sledding hill and ice skating pond, promenades, game areas and playgrounds.
The sledding hill area will turn into a picnic spot in the warmer months. The park and plaza are scheduled to open in mid-September. ROSTER REDUCTIONS Training camp rostersmust be cut to 53 players by 3 p.m. Sept. 2.
After noon Sept. 3, clubs may establish a practice squad of up to 10 players. MORE INFORMATION Perhaps the best places are the websites, packers.com and lambeaufield.com. The latest alterations in the practice schedule will be available there. Fans also can obtain daily reports on times and attractions by calling (920) 569-7502.
There also is a fan assistance kiosk located near the practice field. The guest relations desk in the atrium generally will be staffed Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday. PACKERS GUIDE TO GREEN BAY PACKERS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE July 26 Players report July 27 8:15 a.m.
July 28 8:15 a.m. July 29 8:15 a.m. July 30 No practice July 31 8:15 a.m. Aug. 1 8:15 a.m.
Aug. 2 No practice Aug. 3 6:15 p.m. Aug. 4 6:15 p.m.
Aug. 5 Family Night, 6:25 p.m. Aug. 6 No practice Aug. 7 12:15 p.m.
Aug. 8 11:45 a.m. Aug. 9 No public practice Aug. 10 vs.
Eagles, 7 p.m. Aug. 11 No practice Aug. 12 No practice Aug. 13 No public practice Aug.
14 No practice Aug. 15 12:15 p.m. Aug. 16 11:45 a.m. Aug.
17 No practice Aug. 18 No public practice Aug. 19 at Redskins, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20 No practice Aug.
21 No practice Aug. 22 12:15 p.m. Aug. 23 11:45 a.m. Aug.
24 No practice Aug. 25 No public practice Aug. 26 at Broncos, 8 p.m. Aug. 27 No practice Aug.
28 No public practice Aug. 29 11:45 a.m. Aug. 30 No public practice Aug. 31 vs.
Rams, 6 p.m. JIM TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN Green Bay Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) smiles as he rides a child-sized bike to Green Bay Packers training camp last year..
