Three Packers Fail the First Test of the Season

by PackApologist on Jul 30, 2010 10:24 PM CDT

Perhaps it is not the most important thing of note at the start of training camp, but three Packers have failed their physical at the beginning of camp. It is tough to tell what this means for our team this early, but some interesting story lines are starting to unfold already.

First there is no surprise that Al Harris didn't pass the physical. Good news is that there is still talk of him being ready early on. Personally I don't think that will happen. Harris will probably start the season on the pup list and really shouldn't be up to close to full strength by about mid-season. But hey, it's tough to count Harris out. The dude is out to prove all of us wrong and if he can the Packers are in much better shape.

Next there is Atari Bigby. Bigby isn't entirely surprising either since there were reports that he was trying to get his ankle right through the delays in signing his tender. Good news of all this is Burnett still getting time with the first team defense. That's a great thing for his development. Bad news is that Bigby has struggled to get his ankle right for a while now, and if it's still not right it could be a very bad thing. Burnett panning out or not, the Packers are in a bad spot if Bigby can't get on the field if only on a rotation basis.

The last one to fail the physical was a bit surprising, James Starks. Starks has gotten a fair bit of love around here and more than one have listed Starks as TT great steal this year. More than one have even hoped that Starks would push Jackson at the number 2 spot. These hopes will not come to be if Starks becomes injury prone. One failed physical doesn't earn him that label, but it should worry those Starks fans out there.

Overall the Packers are in great shape. Tomorrow things the pads come on and the hitting starts and we start our long road to Dallas!

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I guess...

Now we will find out how Burnett can play with the big boys…I’ve got faith…Great post by the way

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 30, 2010 10:34 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks much

What caught me off guard by the report was the Starks one. I know he’s got the love and hope of many, but I really want to see him get healthy before he becomes part of the long term Pack plan.

by PackApologist on Jul 30, 2010 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Not a big surprise

There are always a couple players who flunk the physical, I remember Driver didn’t pass it a couple seasons ago and it didn’t prevent him from having a typical 1000+ yard season.

Harris isn’t a surprise after his severe knee injury. I’d be shocked if he wasn’t on the PUP list to start the season. Bigby is the biggest surprise because his absence from the offseason activities hid the severity of his ankle injury. Starks doesn’t surprise me since he missed all of last season with injuries in college.

by Brandon on Jul 30, 2010 10:58 PM CDT reply actions

yeah the PUP list isn’t a huge deal. Welker was on it until just today and he’ll be fine. I think it just gives them more time with some extra guys until they have to cut them. I am not TOO worried about those guys…let them get healthy!

by TrevorR on Aug 2, 2010 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions

PUP

How is it that some guys like Sydnee Rice can go on the PUP and be removed at any time and Harris cant? Is the difference the active PUP or what?

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 30, 2010 11:44 PM CDT reply actions

PUP

During training camp the PUP means little. But after final roster cuts are made any player still on the PUP are down for the first 6 games. For now its nothing….

by Strohman on Jul 31, 2010 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions

There is an active PUP list that is different than the normal PUP list. The active one guys can go on and come off whenever they want.

by TrevorR on Aug 2, 2010 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions

I believe you have to be on the preseason PUP to be eligible for the regular season PUP as well. IIRC

"I agree but dont agree"

by juggernaut400 on Aug 2, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

I love Starks'

potential as a real receiving threat out of the backfield, which is something that I think could really make our offense lethal, but man, he’s gotta be able to GET and STAY on the field! I hope he’s able to rebound quickly.

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Jul 31, 2010 2:12 PM CDT reply actions

You know I get the Starks potential thing, but the real key of the training camp process is to see how a guy can take the hits and stay healthy. Right now he’s behind Lumpkin in my mind because the dude can’t stay healthy through the offseason. Hopefully this rights itself quick, otherwise I think he’s going to have an uphill climb to make the roster.

by PackApologist on Aug 1, 2010 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions

disapointing

He has already not played football in quite some time…

by SpaceGhost34 on Aug 1, 2010 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Comparison: I played tennis in high school last year

and I screwed up my elbow in practice. I missed the entire season, and the physician was concerned that I might need physical therapy. When I had the elbow checked out eight weeks later, the doctor said it was amazing that I had been able to keep so much of my strength in my right arm (racket hand).

I don’t know how Starks will recover from his injury, but if he’s been sitting out since last year, it could be a while before he gets up to speed.

My kingdom for a spellchecker. Or Devin Harris. Hopefully both.

by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Aug 2, 2010 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions

what were you doing...

to keep the strength in your right arm???? ;-)

by TrevorR on Aug 4, 2010 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Take a look around...

Its really kinda scary to hear about the CB out in Baltimore with a non contact ACL injury and of course Dez Bryant in Dallas…I hope that guys will stay healthy in our camp this year…At this point with getting everyone in to camp on time is a huge moving force going into the season..We dont need any wind taken out of our sails going into our first game in Philly…

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 31, 2010 4:44 PM CDT reply actions

Agreed

I agree with you but with the Baltimore situation now that training camp has started most players won’t be out doing the crazy things some do during the off season that gets them hurt. As with Dez Bryant I already see bits of T.O. in him and after watching him at OSU I see him being a bit of a drama queen so his injuries will be over exaggerated at best, lol. I am really expecting a great season this year and can’t wait to see what rookies produce!!!

DREB

by Packer-fan-atic77 on Aug 2, 2010 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions