Packers Training Camp 2018: Mike Daniels returns to practice on Thursday

After suffering an injury on Monday and sitting out practice on Tuesday, one of the Green Bay Packers’ most important defensive players returned to the field on Thursday for practice.

That player is defensive lineman Mike Daniels, who got a thigh bruise in Monday’s practice and was pulled off the field. Daniels returned to the sideline after treatment later that day, but did not rejoin his teammates on the field. Likewise he was held out of Tuesday’s practice, a move that now appears to have been precautionary.

Daniels finally made his first Pro Bowl in 2017 and he is the Packers’ longest-tenured defensive lineman on the roster. He played in 14 games last year (missing game action for the first time since 2012) but recorded five sacks and a forced fumble.

With Daniels back, the line is poised to be the strength of the Packers’ defense this season. Kenny Clark took a step forward in year two and should be even better on the nose in 2018, while free agent signing Muhammad Wilkerson is set up to be the ideal five-technique defensive end. Add in quality depth from Dean Lowry and flashes of talent from Montravius Adams and the excitement around this group is easy to see.

Thankfully, this injury for Daniels has proven to be minor, and he’ll continue to be the linchpin of the group moving forward.