Partial
08-28-2007, 11:05 PM
THUMBS UP
For two seasons, the Packers used a roster spot for offensive lineman Junius Coston, knowing full well that he wasn't ready to play in the NFL. His only two plays last season came when center Scott Wells lost his shoe against Detroit on Dec. 17 and had to leave the game. Their patience, however, has paid off. Coston was 21 years old when the Packers drafted him in the fifth round of the 2005 draft and by his own admission wasn't close to being ready for the NFL. But he was versatile, athletic and a hard worker and the Packers figured he'd be a player someday. Coston, who is still the second-youngest lineman on the team behind rookie Allen Barbre, has taken tremendous strides and stands to be the first lineman off the bench this season. He can play all five positions and showed this week with Jason Spitz out with a calf injury that he would be a competent starter at right guard. The one thing that has really held him back is that he hasn't been able to settle into one position. If the Packers ever left him in one spot, he might take off. At 6 feet 3 inches and 313 pounds, Coston is the prototype for a lineman in the zone run system. "I think he has a chance to be a starter someday on this team," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He has starter ability."
THUMBS DOWN
You have to wonder how much damage third-string quarterback Paul Thompson is doing to himself when he throws interception after interception in practice. Though some of those come while he's on the scout team, there is never a good time to throw interceptions. Pretty soon they become habits. Thompson threw three interceptions during practice Tuesday, three during practice Monday and two during practice Sunday. That was on the heels of throwing two interceptions in the Seattle game. It's true, Thompson isn't running the Packers' offense when he's on the scout team, but not all of his interceptions have been on the scout team. "I don't look at it as a positive," McCarthy said. "I've never encouraged the quarterback to throw an interception whether it's on the opponent or game plan stuff. That's something that he needs to improve on." Thompson will get a chance to clean the slate against the Titans when he takes over for Aaron Rodgers in the second half.
INJURY REPORT
Tight end Donald Lee (knee) returned to practice.
ODDS AND ENDS
Running back DeShawn Wynn has gotten stronger as the week has progressed and will get every opportunity to show what he can do Thursday night. Wynn won't start but he'll receive the majority of the carries in his first exhibition performance.
Noah Herron actually looked like the best back on the field. He looked to have his timing down with the offensive line and ran through some big holes. Wynn looks a lot faster in the open field, however.
Rookie running back Brandon Jackson was in attendance but did not practice because of the concussion he suffered in practice Sunday. He stood around in his jersey and shorts. After practice he was able to do interviews at his locker. There's no way the Packers are going to let him play Thursday, so his goal will be to get ready for the opener.
With Charles Woodson and Al Harris playing on the scout team, the Packers lined up with Will Blackmon at left cornerback and Jarrett Bush at right cornerback. Patrick Dendy was the nickel back. Jason Hunter and Larry Birdine, two guys who are probably competing for one spot, manned the starting end positions.
Nose tackle Ryan Pickett intercepted a middle screen pass from Rodgers. Pickett insisted he didn't know what play was coming and just reacted to the ball.
There was only a light turnout for the Packers' final open training camp practice. Starting today, the fence around the Oneida St. field will be covered with a tarp so the team can practice in privacy. The Packers will begin their preparation for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Receiver Donald Driver hasn't been at practice all week after suffering a foot injury.
For two seasons, the Packers used a roster spot for offensive lineman Junius Coston, knowing full well that he wasn't ready to play in the NFL. His only two plays last season came when center Scott Wells lost his shoe against Detroit on Dec. 17 and had to leave the game. Their patience, however, has paid off. Coston was 21 years old when the Packers drafted him in the fifth round of the 2005 draft and by his own admission wasn't close to being ready for the NFL. But he was versatile, athletic and a hard worker and the Packers figured he'd be a player someday. Coston, who is still the second-youngest lineman on the team behind rookie Allen Barbre, has taken tremendous strides and stands to be the first lineman off the bench this season. He can play all five positions and showed this week with Jason Spitz out with a calf injury that he would be a competent starter at right guard. The one thing that has really held him back is that he hasn't been able to settle into one position. If the Packers ever left him in one spot, he might take off. At 6 feet 3 inches and 313 pounds, Coston is the prototype for a lineman in the zone run system. "I think he has a chance to be a starter someday on this team," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He has starter ability."
THUMBS DOWN
You have to wonder how much damage third-string quarterback Paul Thompson is doing to himself when he throws interception after interception in practice. Though some of those come while he's on the scout team, there is never a good time to throw interceptions. Pretty soon they become habits. Thompson threw three interceptions during practice Tuesday, three during practice Monday and two during practice Sunday. That was on the heels of throwing two interceptions in the Seattle game. It's true, Thompson isn't running the Packers' offense when he's on the scout team, but not all of his interceptions have been on the scout team. "I don't look at it as a positive," McCarthy said. "I've never encouraged the quarterback to throw an interception whether it's on the opponent or game plan stuff. That's something that he needs to improve on." Thompson will get a chance to clean the slate against the Titans when he takes over for Aaron Rodgers in the second half.
INJURY REPORT
Tight end Donald Lee (knee) returned to practice.
ODDS AND ENDS
Running back DeShawn Wynn has gotten stronger as the week has progressed and will get every opportunity to show what he can do Thursday night. Wynn won't start but he'll receive the majority of the carries in his first exhibition performance.
Noah Herron actually looked like the best back on the field. He looked to have his timing down with the offensive line and ran through some big holes. Wynn looks a lot faster in the open field, however.
Rookie running back Brandon Jackson was in attendance but did not practice because of the concussion he suffered in practice Sunday. He stood around in his jersey and shorts. After practice he was able to do interviews at his locker. There's no way the Packers are going to let him play Thursday, so his goal will be to get ready for the opener.
With Charles Woodson and Al Harris playing on the scout team, the Packers lined up with Will Blackmon at left cornerback and Jarrett Bush at right cornerback. Patrick Dendy was the nickel back. Jason Hunter and Larry Birdine, two guys who are probably competing for one spot, manned the starting end positions.
Nose tackle Ryan Pickett intercepted a middle screen pass from Rodgers. Pickett insisted he didn't know what play was coming and just reacted to the ball.
There was only a light turnout for the Packers' final open training camp practice. Starting today, the fence around the Oneida St. field will be covered with a tarp so the team can practice in privacy. The Packers will begin their preparation for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Receiver Donald Driver hasn't been at practice all week after suffering a foot injury.