Notes 8/27/2007
Training Camp Report:
Favre Sees Value In Playing Thursday
By Mike Spofford / Packers.com
Posted 08/27/2007
As much as training camps can get to be dull after 17 years in the NFL, quarterback Brett Favre does see some benefits to him playing at least a little bit in Thursday's preseason finale at Tennessee. Favre said during his press conference on Monday that he would prefer to play, because it would provide a few more game snaps with some of the young skill players in this offense like receiver James Jones, fullback Korey Hall and any number of running backs. "It gives me a chance to play with these younger guys, because we're going to have to play together," Favre said. "I see each week in practice improving from a chemistry standpoint, feeling more comfortable. There's still some things we have to work out, and the only way you work them out is to play together."
Jones more than likely will start at receiver in place of Donald Driver, who sprained his foot in last week's game. Favre was visibly displeased at a couple of mistakes by Jones early in that game. On one play, he misread a Jacksonville blitz and ran the wrong route, leading to a Favre sack. On another, he stopped short on a crossing route and Favre's third-down throw whizzed past him. Favre's on-field gestures at the time showed some impatience with the promising rookie, and while Favre admitted as a 17-year veteran that his patience with young players has worn a little thin, Favre knows those mistakes are easily correctible in time. "How long does it take? I think it comes down to the player, the system, there's no secret to any of those things," Favre said. "There's only so much you can coach. I think we have some very talented guys and if we clean up some of the inconsistencies, I think we'll be fine."
Jackson has mild concussion
Rookie running back Brandon Jackson sustained a mild concussion during Sunday's practice, when he was hit on a red-zone running play. Jackson got up under his own power and continued to practice, but not in team drills. He missed Monday's workout, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he is day-to-day and is questionable for Thursday's game. If Jackson is unable to play, McCarthy said Noah Herron would start at running back, and rookie seventh-round pick DeShawn Wynn, who just returned to practice this week from a quad strain, would get extensive work. Combo back Corey White, whom the coaching staff would like to get more snaps at fullback, may have to work at halfback again this week.
A second opinion
Second-year linebacker Abdul Hodge, who is out again this week with tendonitis in his knees, said he will be getting a second medical opinion on Wednesday from New York Giants team physician, Dr. Russell Warren, as far as any potential treatment or surgical options for his condition. Hodge, a third-round draft pick in 2006 out of Iowa, showed tremendous promise during training camp as a rookie but has been plagued by knee problems since last season. "It's been very frustrating because I'm not able to play like I know I can play," Hodge said. "Some days are good and I'm able to do some good things, but some days it's nagging and it's painful and I'll play through it, but I'll watch the film and see I'm not myself." Hodge's injury problems have hurt in his attempt to battle rookie Desmond Bishop for the backup middle linebacker spot behind Nick Barnett. McCarthy said one of the options might be to place Hodge on injured reserve and give him a full year to rehabilitate his knees and get healthy, though presumably the second opinion will play into any potential decisions.
Kickers still swinging
In the two field-goal sessions during practice the past two days, rookie Mason Crosby has bested incumbent Dave Rayner by one kick each time. On Sunday, on a series of six kicks ranging from 27 to 50 yards, Crosby was 6-for-6 while Rayner was 5-for-6, missing wide left from 44 yards. On Monday, the two each hit an extra point before trying a series of seven field goals, beginning at 23 yards and going back to 51. Crosby was 6-for-7, missing only his final attempt, wide right from 51 yards. Rayner was 5-for-7, missing wide left from 47 and 51.
Injury update
Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) has not returned to practice yet this week, and McCarthy said the team is simply being cautious with his bruised knee.
Backup offensive lineman Orrin Thompson (knee) did return to practice and is one of many players fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster in the preseason finale.
Story Link >>
Favre Sees Value In Playing Thursday
By Mike Spofford / Packers.com
Posted 08/27/2007
As much as training camps can get to be dull after 17 years in the NFL, quarterback Brett Favre does see some benefits to him playing at least a little bit in Thursday's preseason finale at Tennessee. Favre said during his press conference on Monday that he would prefer to play, because it would provide a few more game snaps with some of the young skill players in this offense like receiver James Jones, fullback Korey Hall and any number of running backs. "It gives me a chance to play with these younger guys, because we're going to have to play together," Favre said. "I see each week in practice improving from a chemistry standpoint, feeling more comfortable. There's still some things we have to work out, and the only way you work them out is to play together."
Jones more than likely will start at receiver in place of Donald Driver, who sprained his foot in last week's game. Favre was visibly displeased at a couple of mistakes by Jones early in that game. On one play, he misread a Jacksonville blitz and ran the wrong route, leading to a Favre sack. On another, he stopped short on a crossing route and Favre's third-down throw whizzed past him. Favre's on-field gestures at the time showed some impatience with the promising rookie, and while Favre admitted as a 17-year veteran that his patience with young players has worn a little thin, Favre knows those mistakes are easily correctible in time. "How long does it take? I think it comes down to the player, the system, there's no secret to any of those things," Favre said. "There's only so much you can coach. I think we have some very talented guys and if we clean up some of the inconsistencies, I think we'll be fine."
Jackson has mild concussion
Rookie running back Brandon Jackson sustained a mild concussion during Sunday's practice, when he was hit on a red-zone running play. Jackson got up under his own power and continued to practice, but not in team drills. He missed Monday's workout, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he is day-to-day and is questionable for Thursday's game. If Jackson is unable to play, McCarthy said Noah Herron would start at running back, and rookie seventh-round pick DeShawn Wynn, who just returned to practice this week from a quad strain, would get extensive work. Combo back Corey White, whom the coaching staff would like to get more snaps at fullback, may have to work at halfback again this week.
A second opinion
Second-year linebacker Abdul Hodge, who is out again this week with tendonitis in his knees, said he will be getting a second medical opinion on Wednesday from New York Giants team physician, Dr. Russell Warren, as far as any potential treatment or surgical options for his condition. Hodge, a third-round draft pick in 2006 out of Iowa, showed tremendous promise during training camp as a rookie but has been plagued by knee problems since last season. "It's been very frustrating because I'm not able to play like I know I can play," Hodge said. "Some days are good and I'm able to do some good things, but some days it's nagging and it's painful and I'll play through it, but I'll watch the film and see I'm not myself." Hodge's injury problems have hurt in his attempt to battle rookie Desmond Bishop for the backup middle linebacker spot behind Nick Barnett. McCarthy said one of the options might be to place Hodge on injured reserve and give him a full year to rehabilitate his knees and get healthy, though presumably the second opinion will play into any potential decisions.
Kickers still swinging
In the two field-goal sessions during practice the past two days, rookie Mason Crosby has bested incumbent Dave Rayner by one kick each time. On Sunday, on a series of six kicks ranging from 27 to 50 yards, Crosby was 6-for-6 while Rayner was 5-for-6, missing wide left from 44 yards. On Monday, the two each hit an extra point before trying a series of seven field goals, beginning at 23 yards and going back to 51. Crosby was 6-for-7, missing only his final attempt, wide right from 51 yards. Rayner was 5-for-7, missing wide left from 47 and 51.
Injury update
Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) has not returned to practice yet this week, and McCarthy said the team is simply being cautious with his bruised knee.
Backup offensive lineman Orrin Thompson (knee) did return to practice and is one of many players fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster in the preseason finale.
Story Link >>
Published by PackerPundit On Monday, August 27, 2007 at 10:04 PM.
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