GREEN BAY – Before the Green Bay Packers’ penultimate open practice of training camp, coach Matt LaFleur met with the media. Here are some quick highlights:
Jordan Love had ‘good work’ in return to practice
For an unusual practice in which Jordan Love did not receive a conventional snap, LaFleur was still pleased with how his quarterback returned to the field.
Love practiced Aug. 18 for the first time since surgery to repair a ligament on his left thumb last week. The Packers scripted a pair of seven-on-seven periods, something LaFleur is loathe to do, because he does not feel like it mimics real football without offensive and defensive lines.
But LaFleur was happy his quarterback could compete less than one week after surgery.
“I thought it was good just to get him back out there, back in the mix,” LaFleur said, “into the rhythm of playing quarterback. We did some different things with him that we haven’t done in the past. I mean, we were primarily doing everything under center. So I thought it was good work.”
LaFleur said the Packers and Seattle Seahawks will have seven-on-seven drills in their joint practice Aug. 21, ensuring Love can get some snaps. Love took under-center snaps off a stool. He held the football on shotgun snaps, rather than catching it from a center. But, with a healthy right hand, he was able to throw just fine.
The seven-on-seven won’t come close to replicating a full practice workload. LaFleur cautioned his quarterback will be “very limited” against the Seahawks. He also expects Malik Willis to get “a good amount of reps” in the preseason finale, including with starters.
Brandon McManus might not want to quit his day job
The Packers kicker took a turn punting in practice Aug. 18, his first time doing so in camp. McManus has made 67 of 71 kicks in camp, a remarkable hot streak that has not yet cooled. In a driving rainstorm, he made all six field goals before his turn at punting.
McManus didn’t quite have the same power in his leg as regular punter Daniel Whelan, though that is hardly a surprise given Whelan’s production over the past couple of seasons, as well as this camp. Just don’t say that to McManus.
“He can do anything,” LaFleur joked. “Just ask him. No, I’m just kidding.”
LaFleur said Whelan had no limitations in practice. McManus’ chance to punt was merely reps for his role as emergency punter.
In that role, LaFleur was pleased with what he saw.
“I love Brandon,” LaFleur said. “He’s done a great job. He really does an outstanding job in everything we ask him to do.”
Omar Brown injury update: Safety remains in Indianapolis-area hospital
After exiting against the Indianapolis Colts with a chest injury, Packers safety Omar Brown Jr. has not returned to Green Bay.
LaFleur said Brown remains in an Indianapolis hospital, but the second-year safety is healing.
“He’s not back yet, unfortunately,” LaFleur said. “He’s getting better. It’s just they have not released him.”
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Packers coach Matt LaFleur says Jordan Love had ‘good work’ in practice despite limitations
Reporting by Ryan Wood, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Packers News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
