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One of the unpleasant surprises of the Green Bay Packers' 2015 training camp has been the disappointing play of offensive lineman Don Barclay. Though he is returning from a torn ACL suffered in camp a year ago, Barclay has not regained his form from 2013, and as such is finding himself on the bubble.
Gunning for his job is a surprising young player who has impressed greatly over the past few weeks. He was a unanimous pick to make the roster in this week's APC predictions, and one author even projected the Packers to cut Barclay next week when the team slims down to the 53-man active roster.
Both players will have a chance to start on Saturday night, as the Packers will be missing three offensive linemen from the regular starting lineup. Also in line for extended playing time is a pair of quarterbacks whose snaps have been somewhat limited in the first two games, and we're also hoping that a certain long-haired linebacker is able to take the field this weekend as well.
In keeping with the rest of training camp, the Packers are practicing in private today with a preseason game tomorrow. Here are some links to get you through a morning with no practice to monitor.
‘Real football’ on tap for Brett Hundley, Matt Blanchard | Packers.com
Don't expect Aaron Rodgers to play much if at all in the third preseason game, and with Scott Tolzien's concussion, that means the young reserve quarterbacks should have plenty of chances against the Eagles first-string defense.
Josh Walker emerging as go-to backup offensive lineman | JSOnline
It's all but assured that Walker will have a spot on the roster - if he keeps playing like he has in the first two preseason games, the Packers won't be able to let him get away.
Replacement value | ESPN Wisconsin
JC Tretter's career has been a strange one so far, missing most of his rookie year with a broken ankle and then getting a fractured knee right before he was slated to take over as the starting center. Now Tretter sees himself as a capable backup at all five positions and he has a great relationship with his teammates, including starting center Corey Linsley.
Who's the featured red zone target for each team? | ESPN.com
While Randall Cobb had ten touchdowns inside the red zone last year (which hearkens back to James Jones' 2012, when he had eleven), Richard Rodgers should be poised to take over some of those targets.
Whereas Rodgers should sit, Matthews needs the work | 247sports.com
You'll get no argument here - Clay hasn't taken live snaps since the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game. We agree that he needs to be out on the field for some real contact before the opener in Chicago.
Steelers WR Martavis Bryant suspended 4 games for violating substance abuse policy - SBNation.com
Oops. That opening-night game between the Steelers and Patriots is severely lacking star power, with Bryant, Le'Veon Bell, and that Tom Brady guy all slated to miss the game due to suspensions.