The first off-season program of new Head Coach Matt LaFleur is in it's final week as the team's mandatory mini-camp opened today. There was plenty to watch as the team returned to Clarke Hinkle Field for a nearly two hour practice that was closed to the public and open only to the media.
LaFleur said this is the first team he's been with that allowed fans to watch spring workouts, be it organized team activities or mini-camp and it took a little getting used to having the practice field fence lined with spectators once a week during OTA's.
Speaking of spectators, unhappy third year safety Josh Jones was one.
(Josh Jones attending mini-camp practice Tuesday)
At least he returned to Green Bay for the first time since the veteran- only introductory camp just after the draft. He skipped all three weeks of the volutnary OTA's and made rumblings about his role on the defense and a desire to be traded.
Jones made role call but won't practice this week because of a hamstring injury.
Jones met reporters after practice and said he passed on the OTA's to work with a personal trainer in Florida and be with his infant daughter. He disputes the notion that staying away will hurt his competitive chances with a rebuilt secondary and reminded reporters OTA's are voluntary.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst held a brief session with reporters after practice and said they'll discuss what's best for the Packers and Jones over the next coming weeks.
The only veteran not in attendance was tight end Mercedes Lewis. The 35 year old, 14 year vet is back at his alma mater, UCLA, finishing up his work for his degree, a worthy excuse granted by the team.
On the practice field, LaFleur conducted the team's first two minute drill from the now familiar golf cart.
(Matt LaFleur going for a ride on Hinkle Field)
The drill did not go well for the offense. Aaron Rodgers with the starters and DeShone Kizer with the second stringers went a combined 1 for 6 passing for three yards.
Only Tim Boyle moved the offense against the third team defense, hitting Dexter Williams in the flat, Allen Lazard over the middle and J'Mon Moore who made a leaping sideline catch inside the 10. But on fourth and goal, the defense stuffed a run call to convincingly win the period.
The team is being careful with a couple of veteran players. Center Corey Linsley and cornerback Kevin King got in work during individual drills but were withheld from team periods. Justin McCray and Lucas Patrick took reps at center with Billy Turner working again at right guard this week.
The offense had their fun during a red zone period as Aaron Rodgers found Jake Kumerow twice for touchdowns and made an incredible extended play toss to a leaping Jimmy Graham for another score.
Rodgers meanwhile, made news before camp opened by making a reported one million dollar donation to his alma mater, the University of California-Berkley. The money will go toward improving Cal's football facilities and the creation of an Aaron Rodgers Scholarship Foundation. The scholarships will go to junior college players only. Aaron said he was one, enrolling from Butte Community College and then starring for the Bears, one of nine JUCO players in his class that helped turn the Cal program around.
Ted Thompson was on the practice field for the first time since he announced he's being treated for an autonomic disorder. The former GM disclosed his diagnosis just after he was enshrined in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in early May.
At least one more practice is scheduled for the mini-camp on Wednesday, Thursday might be a team building affair but details haven't been announced.