Pick-six rundown of the Green Bay Packers’ 16th training camp practice

DeShone Kizer and Tim Boyle have had inconsistent training camps, and undrafted rookie Manny Wilkins doesn’t appear ready for prime time. Still, it’s from that group that general manager Brian Gutekunst likely will find Aaron Rodgers’ backup.

“I think we’ve got some pretty good options and they’re competing right now,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said before Monday’s practice. “So, I think that’s probably likely that it would come from guys on our roster right now.”

In two starts, Kizer has led six possessions. He’s turned those into one touchdown, one field goal, 10 points and 11 first downs. Statistically, he’s 13-of-23 (56.5 percent) for 172 yards with one touchdown, zero interceptions and a 94.9 rating.

“Some of the times where he hasn’t been as accurate, I always look at his feet,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “When he’s nice and tempo’d at the top (of his drop), I think he’s spot on. It’s just when he starts getting more bouncy at the top of his drop is where he speeds his body up. I think that’s the tendency for most quarterbacks. If you get a little bit off-balance, you’re not going to be as consistent in terms of your accuracy, so that’s something we’re working with him on on a daily basis.”

In two relief appearances, Boyle has led nine possessions. He’s turned those into three touchdowns, one field goal, 24 points and 13 first downs. Statistically, he’s 15-of-26 (57.7 percent) for 147 yards with three touchdowns, zero interceptions and a rating of 112.2. That production has come against backups, though Gutekunst said he doesn’t need to see the depth chart shaken up to give Boyle reps against front-line defenders.

“The guys he was going against (vs. Baltimore) are guys that are going to be in the league,” Gutekunst said. “A lot of it is playing with the different guys on our roster, as well. I’m just not sure for me that’s something I need at this point.”

OFFENSE

LaFleur has taken it easy on veteran right tackle Bryan Bulaga, holding him out of two full training camp practices and the first preseason game and limiting him to individual drills on two other occasions – including Monday.

Alex Light got most of the first-team reps, providing yet another chance for last year’s undrafted free agent to be the team’s swing tackle.

“I’ve been able to elevate my game going against Za’Darius (Smith) and Preston (Smith) every day,” he said. “Those are two elite guys, who if I make the team and happen to be out there, then I’m going to have to go against those type of players every day. Going against them and working my technique that I’ve learned from the coaches and older guys here, just trying to get better every day and do it against that type of player, is really a blessing.”

DEFENSE

The defense went 10-2 during a third-down period, turning in yet another strong showing. Rodgers directed the first six plays against the No. 1 defense. He converted a third-and-2 with what appeared to be a no-look pass to tight end Marcedes Lewis and got a big play when he connected with rookie receiver Darrius Shepherd on third-and-5. Those plays sandwiched a “sack” by Kenny Clark on third-and-4. On the next three plays, Rodgers threw incomplete to receiver Geronimo Allison, cornerback Jaire Alexander stopped receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling short of the sticks on third-and-10 and cornerback Josh Jackson had excellent coverage to prevent a deep completion to Shepherd.

With the backups, rookie linebacker Ty Summers “sacked” Kizer, defensive back Will Redmond had excellent coverage on a deep pass to receiver Trevor Davis, defensive tackle Kingsley Keke’s pressure forced an errant pass from Kizer and linebacker Rashan Gary stopped tight end Pharoah McKever well short of the first down on third-and-9. Wilkins threw incomplete to running back Darrin Hall on his two opportunities.

SPECIAL TEAMS

During a punt-return period, receivers Davis and Shepherd were the returners. It’s possible those two will be battling for the last roster spot at receiver. Davis returned to practice on Sunday after missing about two weeks due to a stinger sustained during a joint practice with Houston.

“When he’s healthy, he has the ability to be a top-flight returner in the punt and in the kickoff game,” Rodgers said. “He has had a really nice offseason going back to when we put in the offense. He’s the type of ‘X’ vertical receiver that Matt and this offense really like. It’s the ability to use your speed and get on top and clear the top off or run some of those deep in-breaking and out-breaking routes that he’s done a nice job of all camp. He needs to get back in and make some plays and remind us of how important he’s been to this squad and the playmaking ability he has.”

INJURY REPORT

After dropping out of Sunday’s practice with a finger injury, Graham did not practice on Monday. Graham did not need surgery, LaFleur said.

“I think we might have escaped one there,” Gutekunst said.

Out: CB Kevin King (hamstring), S Josh Jones (illness), CB Ka’Dar Hollman (stinger), S Ibraheim Campbell (knee; PUP), LB Oren Burks (chest), FB Danny Vitale (calf), CB Kabion Ento (hamstring), OLB Greg Roberts (core muscle; PUP), TE Jace Sternberger (concussion), OLB Reggie Gilbert (knee).

New: None.

Returned: QB Aaron Rodgers (back), LT David Bakhtiari (personal). In case you missed it, Rodgers was back. Will he start vs. Oakland?

SCHEDULE

Monday’s practice was the last of 16 open to fans. The Packers will practice behind a tarp on Tuesday before departing for Winnipeg on Wednesday for Thursday’s preseason game against Winnipeg.

As is custom following the last practice of camp, the fans saluted the players with a standing ovation and the players responded with high-fives for the fans.

“It’s unlike anything I’ve been around,” LaFleur said. “It just speaks to how much this team means to this community and their loyalty. We’re very, very fortunate to have such a passionate fan base and we’re going to keep urging them to get real loud in Lambeau.”

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