GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers open training camp this week, with the first practice set for Wednesday. The Packers will open this camp believing they are one of the teams in the NFL with a realistic chance of winning the Super Bowl, something the Packers haven’t done since the 2010 season.
Here are three things to watch during this Packers training camp.
Offensive battles
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Wide receiver and offensive line are two position groups that will garner a lot of attention during camp.
Christian Watson is still recovering from an ACL injury, and the Packers spent two high draft picks on receivers. One of them is Matthew Golden, in the first round. On the offensive line, the Packers’ plan is to shift Elgton Jenkins to center so they can play free agent acquisition Aaron Banks at left guard. Left tackle and right guard could be spots for competition in camp.
Replacing Alexander
(AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
On defense, coordinator Jeff Hafley enters his second year in Green Bay. The Packers cut ties with cornerback Jaire Alexander, which is understandable given his injury history and high salary.
Keisean Nixon, who was on the field a lot at cornerback last season when Alexander couldn’t play, is expected to take over that starting role.
Joint practices
With fewer preseason games, joint practices have become more valuable. The Packers will hold a joint practice with the Colts in Indianapolis on Thursday, Aug. 14.
They will also hold a joint practice with the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, Aug. 21, in Green Bay.
Packers Family Night is Saturday, Aug. 2, with the first of three preseason games scheduled for Saturday night, Aug. 9, at Lambeau Field against the New York Jets.