Packers not expecting Cole Madison to report in near future, but eventual return not ruled out

In one of the stranger developments to come out of the Green Bay Packers’ offseason, fifth-round rookie Cole Madison never reported to training camp. The team cited a “personal matter” for his absence, though little additional information about Madison’s status has surfaced over the past month. That changed Monday when general manager Brian Gutekunst addressed the media.

“There’s not a whole lot of update on [Madison’s] situation,” Gutekunst said. “He’s still dealing with a personal matter. We don’t expect him anytime soon, we’re still supportive of him and in constant communication with him.

Though the Packers might not have Madison available for the foreseeable future, their GM did not rule out an eventual return.

“I wouldn’t put those limits on that,” Gutekunst said in response to a reporter asking if Madison will not play in 2018. “He’s dealing with an issue and when that issue is resolved, we’ll get back to the football part of it.”

Gutekunst further said that he believes Madison will play football again, underscoring the team’s expectations that the offensive lineman will eventually return to the fold. When that occurs remains unclear with no answer seemingly on the horizon.