We’ve officially seen the Packers play something vaguely resembling football, and it’s all been overshadowed by legal proceedings off the field.
The Packers won’t talk about it, and Josh Jacobs is, of course, nowhere to be seen, but the running back’s arrest and subsequent release (as well as the DA’s statement about an ongoing search for additional evidence) at least partially overshadowed the team’s work on the field in Green Bay this week.
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The story will fade, in its way, over time, though whether or not it should (or should be allowed to) is another question. But Jacobs’ absence highlighted the precarious nature of the Packers’ running back position, and possibly pointed to a need to refocus the Packers’ offense, which has historically been more run-focused than might be prudent.
And that might be the biggest takeaway from OTAs. What you can actually learn from the team on the field is limited. This isn’t anything resembling actual football. But roster construction is a 365-day process, and the events of this week surfaced a significant weakness in the Packers’ roster, one that will have to be addressed if they want to be the best version of themselves this season.
5 things learned at Packers OTAs | Packers.com
How much can you really learn from OTAs? Here’s at least five things.
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Packers cut Brandon McManus to give Trey Smack bulk of kicking reps | Packers News
File this one under “no duh.”
Trey Smack, Fired-Up Coaches Highlight First Open Practice at Packers OTAs | Sports Illustrated
Speaking of Smack, he was one of the highlights of the first open practice, making all but one kick.
Matt LaFleur staying tight-lipped regarding Josh Jacobs’ arrest | Packers Wire
If you expected Matt LaFleur to weigh in on Josh Jacobs’ legal situation, I don’t know what to tell you.
2026 NFL offseason: NFC teams’ best and worst deals, picks | ESPN
Here’s a solid, analytical look at the highs and lows for every NFC team.
Wisconsin driver moves barrier, drives pickup into wet concrete | UPI
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more literal example of Chesterton’s Fence in action.
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