Acme Packing Company - Packers Training Camp 2013 CoverageWhere "Draft and Develop" isn't just a philosophy...it's a way of life.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46645/acmepackingco_fave.png2013-08-29T11:51:00-05:00http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/rss/stream/43197252013-08-29T11:51:00-05:002013-08-29T11:51:00-05:00Packers and Mason Crosby Agree to Pay Cut
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Mere days after winning the Packers' kicking competition, Mason Crosby has accepted a steep pay cut.</p> <p>It's been an eventful week for Packers kicker <span>Mason Crosby</span>. Sunday, he came out on top in one of the strangest three-way kicking competitions that you'll ever see. Two days later, Crosby went a perfect 14-for-14 while his newly signed competitor implodes for 6-of-16. By Tuesday, there was no other kicker on the roster.</p>
<p>Normally when a player wins a position battle, he gains leverage in future negotiations. However, according to Brian McIntyre of Yahoo! Sports, <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/packers-kicker-mason-crosby-restructures-contract-150648116--nfl.html" target="_blank">Crosby's efforts have instead netted him a sizable pay cut</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Crosby had been scheduled to earn $2.4 million in base salary during the 2013 season. Under the restructured contract, Crosby will earn $800,000 in base salary, which will be fully guaranteed if he's on the team's roster on Saturday, Sept. 7. Crosby can make up the $1.6 million difference via roster bonuses throughout the season and through performance incentives.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>On the surface, this contract alteration appears to buy Crosby some security. However, the base salary only becomes guaranteed if he's still on the team the day before the Packers' first game. Should Crosby struggle in tonight's preseason game or in practice prior to the game against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a>, he could still be let go with negligible consequences.</p>
<p>Even if Crosby is on the roster on September 7th, Crosby's $800,000 base salary is not so cost-inhibitive to prevent the team from making a move later on. In that sense, Crosby will be on probation the entire season.</p>
<p>Hopefully, Crosby has put his 2012 struggles behind him. If he hasn't, the Packers will still have an out.</p>
<p><i>Jason Hirschhorn covers the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> for Acme Packing Co. He has previously written for Lombardi Ave, College Hoops Net, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is also currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter: </i><a href="http://twitter.com/JBHirschhorn"><i>@JBHirschhorn</i><img width="20" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1230953/twitter-bird-blue-on-white.png"></a></p>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/29/4672262/packers-and-mason-crosby-agree-to-pay-cutJason B. Hirschhorn2013-08-27T12:30:05-05:002013-08-27T12:30:05-05:00Practice Notebook 8/27: Crosby Kicks Ramirez Out
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<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
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<p>Just when you thought things might be getting interesting in the Packers' battle at kicker, Mason Crosby went and blew the doors off his new competition in the last training camp practice of the year.</p> <p>With today being the final practice of training camp and no decision having been made at kicker, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> coaching staff put <span>Mason Crosby</span> and newcomer <span>Zach Ramirez</span> to the test. Unfortunately for the youngster, it wasn't a pretty sight.</p>
<p>Here are today's notes:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>It seems that the team is waiting until after practice to decide on their cuts (or else they plan to get down to 75 players primarily by placing players on the PUP list or injured reserve). All roster players appeared to be accounted for (PD).</span></li>
<li><span><span>Jarrett Bush</span> and <span>Dezman Moses</span> returned to the practice field today, though Bush did not participate fully (WH). In addition, both <span>Randall Cobb</span> and <span>Jordy Nelson</span> were in full pads (RD).</span></li>
<li><span><span>Kevin Dorsey</span> remained out of practice with a toe injury (RD). The other key players continuing to sit out were <span>DuJuan Harris</span>, <span>Casey Hayward</span>, <span>Morgan Burnett</span>, and Brad Jones (PD).</span></li>
<li><span>Practice began with <span>B.J. Coleman</span> leading the two-minute offense. <span>Tyrone Walker</span> caught two balls on the drive, a 20-yard pass early on and a 22-yard fade route to bring the offense inside the 5-yard line (MV). Coleman then found Bostick for the score on the run (TS).</span></li>
<li><span>The field goal competition started with both kickers hitting into the wind today. Both hit from 33. 37, and 40 yards before Ramirez missed wide left from 42. Both hit from 45, but Ramirez missed his 48-yard attempt wide left again. Crosby hit from 58 yards, while Ramirez missed short. That's a perfect 7-for-7 day by Crosby, and a rather disappointing 4-of-7 by Ramirez.</span></li>
<li><span>There was a second round of kicking, however, this time with the wind. Ramirez continued his rough day, shanking a 35-yard attempt because of a timing issue, and then missing from 44, 47, 54, and 64. All the while, Crosby kept nailing from all distances (even the 64-yarder). </span></li>
<li><span>Final tally: Crosby 14-14, Ramirez 6-16. Expect to see the name Ramirez again later today, and not in a positive way.</span></li>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>That was one of most impressive kicking displays I have ever seen, by Crosby or any kicker.</p>
— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeVandermause/statuses/372406989420105728">August 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><li><span>You can assume that rookie wide receiver Tyrone Walker is safe based on this tweet from Tom Silverstein:</span></li>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Young underneath to Tyrone Walker, who has caught everything but a cold this week.</p>
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSilverstein/statuses/372400292425244673">August 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><li><span>Two young players who have not lived up to their hype scored touchdowns in practice today, as <span>Johnathan Franklin</span> pulled in a score from <span>Vince Young</span> (MV) and Charles Johnson did the same (TD).</span></li>
</ul>
<p>With training camp wrapping up, the first round of cuts are sure to come relatively quickly after practice today, since the deadline to make it to 75 players is at 3:00 PM central. Keep it locked here and we'll get news of any cuts out ASAP.</p>
<h4>More from Acme Packing Company:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/27/4663820/ted-thompson-packers-press-conference-roster-cuts?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Ted Thompson Press Conference: Discussing the Packers' Roster Cut Process</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/27/4662998/packers-rb-dujuan-harris-getting-second-opinion-on-injured-knee?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Packers' RB DuJuan Harris Getting Second Opinion on Injured Knee</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/27/4663282/packers-news-cheese-curds-matthews-vince-young-lacy?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Cheese Curds: Green Bay Packers News and Links for August 27, 2013</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/26/4660302/packers-training-camp-practice-notebook-8-26-nelson-cobb-tramon?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Packers Training Camp Practice Notebook 8/26: Nelson, Cobb, Williams at Full Strength</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/26/4659070/saving-space-on-the-packers-53-part-2-defense?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Saving Space on the Packers' 53, Part 2: Defense</a></li>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/27/4664106/packers-training-camp-practice-notebook-8-27-crosby-ramirez-kicker-competitionEvan "Tex" Western2013-08-27T10:23:55-05:002013-08-27T10:23:55-05:00Thompson Presser: Looking at the Cut-Down Process
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Packers' GM spoke to the media today and talked about the process that the front office will go through later this week to trim the roster to 53 players.</p> <p>Ted Thompson spoke to the media on Tuesday to discuss the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a>' roster cuts and the process by which the team trims the roster down to 53 players on Saturday. While being broadcast on <a href="http://www.packers.com" target="_blank">packers.com</a>, Ted was his usual blah self, mainly speaking in cliches, but he did provide a little bit of insight into the process by which the organization will cut the roster down at the end of training camp.</p>
<p>On the process of trimming the roster after Thursday's game:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We'll do the evaluations of the game (on Friday), we'll have several meetings, talk about different scenarios, at some point begin notifying players if we're gonna be making any moves, probably on Saturday.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Ted also indicated that practice squad decisions would be made on Sunday.</p>
<p>On how he feels about cutting players:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It's awful...most of the time I get physically sick...this is a hard thing to do to come in and compete against grown men...sometime there's almost this flippant way of reporting, like 'this guy got axed'...I'm a little sensitive to it because one time I got axed.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>On the kicking situation:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Like every position on our team, it's ongoing. But we literally do that with every spot." On Tavecchio: "(Giorgio) wouldn't have been forgotten, he was here yesterday.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>On Chris Banjo:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>He's doing fine, like all the young fellas you've asked me about. Seems like a nice kid.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>On the role of the practice squad:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We try to decide things based on who the best players are, but there are some considerations for numbers...what you need to practice efficiently and that sort of thing. But all of our practice squad guys are told at the beginning and continuously told through the season that their job is to get ready to play and help us win games.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>On Graham Harrell:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We just felt like it was time to move on.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When asked if roster decisions based more on practice vs. preseason games:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It's a combination of all those things.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When asked if he would or had ever kept a player to keep other teams away from claiming him?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>You have to try to do what you think is the very best for the Packers and for those guys in the locker room and the rest of that will take care of itself.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>When asked if he would be more likely to talk with former Packers execs like Schneider or Dorsey about players who had been cut?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I have a lot of relationships, as does my staff, with a lot of guys all around the league.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There you have the latest and greatest from the ever-vibrant Ted Thompson. Now that he's done talking to the media, look for cuts to start being announced fairly soon, as the deadline to reach the 75-man limit is at 3:00 PM Central.</p>
<h4>More from Acme Packing Company:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/27/4662998/packers-rb-dujuan-harris-getting-second-opinion-on-injured-knee?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Packers' RB DuJuan Harris Getting Second Opinion on Injured Knee</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/27/4663282/packers-news-cheese-curds-matthews-vince-young-lacy?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Cheese Curds: Green Bay Packers News and Links for August 27, 2013</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/26/4660302/packers-training-camp-practice-notebook-8-26-nelson-cobb-tramon?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Packers Training Camp Practice Notebook 8/26: Nelson, Cobb, Williams at Full Strength</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/26/4660452/packers-release-giorgio-tavecchio-kicker?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Packers Release Giorgio Tavecchio</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/26/4659070/saving-space-on-the-packers-53-part-2-defense?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Saving Space on the Packers' 53, Part 2: Defense</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/27/4663820/ted-thompson-packers-press-conference-roster-cutsEvan "Tex" Western2013-08-27T09:00:10-05:002013-08-27T09:00:10-05:00DuJuan Harris Getting Second Opinion on Knee
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After suffering an injury in last Friday's preseason matchup with the Seahawks, Packers' running back DuJuan Harris is seeking a second opinion on his right knee.</p> <p>While the recent injury news has been mostly positive with the returns of <span>Jordy Nelson</span> and <span>Randall Cobb</span>, there remains one troubling situation.</p>
<p>According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSilverstein/status/372069854469443584">DuJuan Harris is seeking a second opinion on his injured right knee</a>. Harris, who missed most of the training camp recovering from a different knee injury, went down in last Friday's preseason game coming off a screen pass.</p>
<p>Packers' head coach Mike McCarthy has mentioned several times that <a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/12/4615098/mike-mccarthy-presser-8-12-an-update-on-datone-jones">he views Harris as the team's starting running back</a>. However, with the emergence of second-round pick <span>Eddie Lacy</span> as the team's most effective runner, it was beginning to look as though Harris would be a nominal starter if a starter at all. This injury further entrenches Lacy as the team's lead rusher heading into the regular season.</p>
<p>Assuming Harris' injury isn't serious, he still projects to have an important role in the offense. While Lacy has caught a few passes so far this preseason, he's not on the same level as Harris as a pass catcher. <span>Johnathan Franklin</span> is also an adept receiver out of the backfield, but he's yet to establish himself as a viable running threat. As such, lining up with Franklin announces the offense's intentions in a way that playing Harris doesn't. Furthermore, should Lacy miss time, Harris is the only other back on the roster with any track record running the ball efficiently.</p>
<p>Harris' injury comes at a bad time for the Packers, who need to cut down their roster to 75 by 3:00 pm CST today. If he's healthy, the team would at least consider releasing running back James Starks (<a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/25/4657218/packers-sign-kicker-zach-ramirez-cut-two-more-rookies/in/4421245">they've already cut Angelo Pease</a>). With Harris potentially sidelined for an extended period of time, the Packers might need to lean on Starks to round out their tailbacks.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE:</b> <a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/27/4664438/mccarthy-dujuan-harris-to-go-on-injured-reserve" target="_blank">Mike McCarthy announced in his press conference on 8/27 that Harris will be placed on injured reserve and shut down for the season.</a></p>
<p><i>Jason Hirschhorn covers the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> for Acme Packing Co. He has previously written for Lombardi Ave, College Hoops Net, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is also currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter: </i><a href="http://twitter.com/JBHirschhorn"><i>@JBHirschhorn</i><img width="20" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1230953/twitter-bird-blue-on-white.png"></a></p>
<h4>More from Acme Packing Company:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/26/4660302/packers-training-camp-practice-notebook-8-26-nelson-cobb-tramon?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Packers Training Camp Practice Notebook 8/26: Nelson, Cobb, Williams at Full Strength</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/26/4659070/saving-space-on-the-packers-53-part-2-defense?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Saving Space on the Packers' 53, Part 2: Defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/22/4648106/saving-space-on-the-packers-53-part-1-offense?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Saving Space on the Packers' 53, Part 1: Offense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/26/4659356/packers-training-camp-practice-notebook-8-25-ramirez-impresses-early?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Packers Training Camp Practice Notebook 8/25: Ramirez Impresses Early</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/27/4662998/packers-rb-dujuan-harris-getting-second-opinion-on-injured-kneeJason B. Hirschhorn2013-08-26T13:40:06-05:002013-08-26T13:40:06-05:00Practice Notebook 8/26: Tramon Williams is Back
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Yj4prWb1eglMX1CqsHmxhIhEQbc=/0x0:599x399/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18459151/gyi0063060316.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kevin C. Cox</figcaption>
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<p>The Packers are slowly getting healthier, while the kicking competition continues to get a further shakeup.</p> <p>Today's training camp practice in Green Bay was not short on drama, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>' kicking competition and backup quarterbacks continue to be the biggest stories on the team. We're back down to two kickers, as you'll see in a moment, and <span>Vince Young</span> didn't exactly instill a ton of confidence in his reps today.</p>
<p>But bigger than those events was the fact that several injured starters were back today and appeared to be at full strength.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>The first, and arguably most notable, absence from practice was <span>Giorgio Tavecchio</span> (WH), who was not present despite <span>Mason Crosby</span> and Zach Ramirez both kicking. It was then announced during practice that<a target="_blank" href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/26/4660452/packers-release-giorgio-tavecchio-kicker"> Tavecchio had been released</a>.</span></li>
<li><span><span>Tramon Williams</span> returned to practice today, though both <span>Casey Hayward</span> and <span>Morgan Burnett</span> sat out (TD). </span></li>
<li><span>Also absent were <span>Kevin Dorsey</span>, <span>Jarrett Bush</span>, <span>James Nixon</span>, <span>DuJuan Harris</span>, <span>Jarvis Reed</span>, Brad Jones, and the usual suspects of Richardson, Tretter, Bulaga, Sherrod, and Worthy (WH). <span>Dezman Moses</span> dropped out of practice mid-way through (TS).</span></li>
<li><span><span>Aaron Rodgers</span> was primarily on his own during practice, leading Tom Silverstein to speculate that he won't play a single down against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> on Thursday.</span></li>
<li><span><span>Jeremy Ross</span> was back as the first player to get a crack at returning punts. <span>Alex Green</span>, on the other hand, took the first kick return (PD) with <span>Sam Shields</span> taking a few returns as well (WH).</span></li>
<li><span>Rookie WR Charles Johnson made what was probably the catch of the day:</span></li>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Charles Johnson more athletic than the other rookie receivers. Just made a one-handed catch in this drill, pinned ball to his helmet.</p>
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) <a href="https://twitter.com/TyDunne/statuses/372051033473568768">August 26, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><li><span>While working on the scout team offense, Vince Young overthrew <span>James Jones</span> into the waiting arms of <span>M.D. Jennings</span> (JW). He was later picked off by <span>Micah Hyde</span>, who jumped a <span>Myles White</span> curl route and took it back for a touchdown (TD, WH).</span></li>
<li><span>Yay Jordy! </span></li>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>On scout team, Rodgers hits Nelson deep over Means and Jennings. Nelson running full speed.</p>
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomSilverstein/statuses/372053238222032897">August 26, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><li> <span>Marshall Newhouse</span> got reps with the starters at both right tackle (TD) and left tackle (WH). But don't read too much into it.</li>
<li>Rookie OLB Nate Palmer broke up an Aaron Rodgers pass over the middle that was intended for <span>Jermichael Finley</span> (TS). With Dezman Moses banged up and little depth there, Palmer has quietly put together a nice week or so.</li>
<li>B.J. Coleman put together a decent day with a series of good throws. He had a fade to Tyrone Walker (TS) and in the red zone drills towards the end of practice he hit Myles White for a score with Chris Banjo in coverage (TD).</li>
</ul>
<h4>More from Acme Packing Company:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/26/4660452/packers-release-giorgio-tavecchio-kicker?utm_source=acmepackingcompany&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Packers Release Giorgio Tavecchio</a></li>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/26/4660302/packers-training-camp-practice-notebook-8-26-nelson-cobb-tramonEvan "Tex" Western2013-08-26T11:43:40-05:002013-08-26T11:43:40-05:00Tavecchio Not at Monday's Practice...<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="/rss/stream/4319725">Tavecchio Not at Monday's&nbsp;Practice...</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>It's an ominous sign for Packers kicker Giorgio Tavecchio that he is not present at practice while Mason Crosby and Zach Ramirez are both there and kicking. We don't have any official word yet on whether he's bee released, but it's looking like that may be the case.</p></p></div>
https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/26/4660288/tavecchio-not-at-mondays-practiceEvan "Tex" Western2013-08-26T10:00:06-05:002013-08-26T10:00:06-05:00Saving Space on the Packers' 53, Part 2: Defense
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K-8OwVaRti-5zbylOfj_g1AABE8=/0x108:4000x2775/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18432317/20130823_krj_bs5_199.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Last week, we addressed the positions on offense where the Packers might keep fewer players than a year ago. Today, we finish this analysis with the defense.</p> <p><a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/22/4648106/saving-space-on-the-packers-53-part-1-offense">When I wrote about the areas on offense where the Packers could retain fewer players</a>, the team had yet to make any cuts towards Tuesday's 75-man restriction. One game and a few days later, <a href="http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/24/4655010/packers-roster-cut-tracker-75-man-deadline-tuesday">the Packers are already several bodies lighter</a> with more releases waiting on the horizon. In less than a week, the identity of the players making final roster will finally be known. Until then, we'll continue to speculate.</p>
<p>What is almost certain given the Packers' history is that several long shots will make the team. In previous years, they've been names like <span>Sam Shields</span>, <span>Vic So'oto</span>, and Don Barclay. This year, players like <span>Micah Hyde</span>, <span>Andy Mulumba</span>, and <span>Johnny Jolly</span> are expected to steal some spots away. For that to happen, either a rostered player at their position will be released, or the Packers will take a spot from somewhere else. Here are the areas on defense where some roster spots might be found:</p>
<h4>Outside Linebacker</h4>
<p>Outside linebacker is on the short list of shallowest positions on the Packers. Clay Matthews and <span>Nick Perry</span> form a solid tandem, but little is guaranteed beyond them. Last year's backups, <span>Erik Walden</span> and <span>Dezman Moses</span>, are either playing for another team or working through injuries. Undrafted rookie Andy Mulumba has been a bright spot, but it's a stretch to assume he's ready to be the primary backup at the position. Going down the depth chart, 6th round pick Nick Palmer has been maddeningly inconsistent, and neither <span>Jarvis Reed</span> nor <span>Donte Savage</span> is a rosterable player at this point.</p>
<p>But the Packers have a viable alternative to keeping five of those players. This offseason, Dom Capers and the defensive staff have tinkered with the slimmer, faster <span>Mike Neal</span> at outside linebacker. In 2012, Neal finished second on the team in sacks with 4.5. Now 20 pounds lighter, Neal has demonstrated the ability to rush the passer from a two-point stance and play in space. If he can double as an outside linebacker on passing downs, the Packers can afford to retain fewer players at the position than a year ago.</p>
<h4>Inside Linebacker</h4>
<p>Not counting <span>Desmond Bishop</span>, who tore his hamstring in the first preseason game of 2012, the Packers carried six inside linebackers on last year's opening day roster. Of those players, all but one (<span>D.J. Smith</span>) is still with the team heading into the Tuesday's cutdown to 75, while another was added late in this year's draft. <span>A.J. Hawk</span>, Brad Jones, and <span>Robert Francois</span> all received contract extensions or alterations this offseason and will stick around for the regular season. <span>Jamari Lattimore</span> and rookie <span>Sam Barrington</span> have each flashed during camp and the preseason, while <span>Terrell Manning</span> has been somewhat invisible.</p>
<p>The Packers could retain the status quo by keeping all six, or they could jettison one of them in favor of a more valuable player at another position. With Hawk and Jones starting and Francois capable of filling in at either spot, the Packers could keep the two linebackers who either fill a niche or possess the greatest upside. Lattimore's pass rushing skills outclass the others while Barrington's had a better camp than Manning. While Manning was the rare player that Ted Thompson has traded up to draft, his release could mean a spot for someone more valuable.</p>
<h4>Safety</h4>
<p>Entering 2012, the Packers carried four or five safeties depending on how you classify former Packer Charles Woodson. Three of those players, <span>Morgan Burnett</span>, <span>M.D. Jennings</span>, and <span>Jerron McMillian</span>, are locks for this season's roster. <span>Sean Richardson</span> would likely have made it as well if not for the neck injury that has placed his career on hold. That leaves <span>David Fulton</span>, <span>Chaz Powell</span>, and <span>Chris Banjo</span> as the only remaining safeties on the roster. Neither Fulton nor Powell have done enough to warrant inclusion on the regular season roster, and while Banjo flashes from time to time, he's best suited for the practice squad.</p>
<p>Rather than keep one of the three fringe safeties, the Packers could instead elect to go with only Burnett, Jennings, and McMillian and use either <span>Jarrett Bush</span> or Micah Hyde as an emergency fourth safety. While neither is an ideal fit for the position, they each have some experience there. Given that the Packers may keep six corners included the aforementioned Bush and Hyde, this is an easy way to offset their roster spots.</p>
<p>So where on the Packers' defense do you believe there's some fat to trim? Cast your vote in the poll below.</p>
<p><i>Jason Hirschhorn covers the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> for Acme Packing Co. He has previously written for Lombardi Ave, College Hoops Net, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is also currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter: </i><a href="http://twitter.com/JBHirschhorn"><i>@JBHirschhorn</i><img width="20" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1230953/twitter-bird-blue-on-white.png"></a></p>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2013/8/26/4659070/saving-space-on-the-packers-53-part-2-defenseJason B. Hirschhorn2013-08-26T08:05:04-05:002013-08-26T08:05:04-05:00Practice Notebook 8/25: Ramirez Impresses Early
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gm2wh78weT1aKMjaOfMeMaM5Uig=/0x108:4000x2775/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18456051/20130817_lbm_ac1_129.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In a belated look at Sunday's practice, we find the Packers' new kicker looking good in his first action wearing green and gold.</p> <p>On Sunday afternoon, the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Green Bay Packers</a> took the field for the first practice of the last week of training camp. They did so after releasing six players and signing one more, bringing the roster to a total of 85. More cuts will likely be announced on Monday and Tuesday as the deadline to cut to 75 approaches on Tuesday afternoon.</p>
<p>The big story in practice, however, was the arrival of a third kicker, Zach Ramirez, and his first crack at the Packers' established competition between <span>Mason Crosby</span> and Giorgio Tavecchio. Let's just say that Ramirez is right in the thick of things already.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>A few injured Packers returned to practice - namely wide receivers <span>Randall Cobb</span> and <span>Jordy Nelson</span> and tight end <span>Matthew Mulligan</span> (JW).</span></li>
<li><span>The full list of players who sat out practice: <span>Jarrett Bush</span>, <span>James Nixon</span>, <span>DuJuan Harris</span>, <span>Sean Richardson</span>, <span>Casey Hayward</span>, <span>Tramon Williams</span>, <span>Morgan Burnett</span>, <span>Jarvis Reed</span>, Brad Jones, <span>JC Tretter</span>, <span>Bryan Bulaga</span>, <span>Derek Sherrod</span>, and <span>Jerel Worthy</span> (JW).</span></li>
<li><span>Brad Jones, however, was at least working in the walkthroughs with the inside linebackers despite not practicing in drills (JW).</span></li>
<li><span>Charles Johnson and <span>Kevin Dorsey</span> took a lot of repetitions in practice, as they need to get up to speed after their injuries kept them out much of training camp (TS).</span></li>
<li><span><span>Jake Stoneburner</span> followed up his fumble in Friday's game by dropping two passes at the jugs machine (TD). That's not a good start to earning the coaches' trust back.</span></li>
<li><span><span>Johnathan Franklin</span> and <span>Micah Hyde</span> were back deep receiving punts during a drill for the coverage team; however, Franklin dropped his first punt (PD). If the season opened today, it seems obvious that it would be either Hyde or <span>Jeremy Ross</span> returning.</span></li>
<li><span>With the wind at their backs, all three kickers took a lot of field goal attempts on Sunday, with increasing distance each time. All three were good from 35 and 41 yards, but Ramirez and Tavecchio both missed their 45-yard attempts. They then all hit from 48 and 50 before starting over at 34, 39, 47. Crosby then missed a 53-yarder, all three hit from 60, and only Tavecchio missed from 63 yards.</span></li>
<li><span>So if you're counting, Crosby hit 10 of 11 kicks, missing from 53; Tavecchio hit 9 of 11, missing from 45 and 63; and Ramirez hit 10 of 11 also, only missing a 45-yard attempt. </span></li>
</ul>
<p>There you have it - in one practice, Ramirez has worked his way right into the thick of the kicking competition. Hopefully Monday's practice will give us more of the same from the young kicker.</p>
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https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/packers-training-camp-2013/2013/8/26/4659356/packers-training-camp-practice-notebook-8-25-ramirez-impresses-earlyEvan "Tex" Western