Is Ted Thompson still running the show?
The Green Bay Packers had a devastating practice on Monday, with safety Kentrell Brice and linebacker Jake Ryan going down with what appeared to be serious injuries. It appears Ryan will be lost for the season, while Brice’s status remains unknown.
There isn’t a lot of depth at either position. Rookie Oren Burks is the top candidate to step in for Ryan. Second-year player Josh Jones is likely to step in for Brice.
So could, should the Packers add some depth?
They could and they probably should, but it appears they won’t.
#AsExpected, Oren Burks gets Jake Ryan’s reps at inside linebacker and Josh Jones on the field at safety where Kentrell Brice had been. #Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said this morning they were going to be patient with young guys and not go after vets at those spots.
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) July 31, 2018
The potential veteran acquisitions are pretty clear.
Eric Reid is the top safety on the market. He’s a former Pro Bowler and first-round pick. He also kneels for the national anthem, which is likely an issue for the Packers.
At inside linebacker, there are two former Pro Bowlers available. NaVorro Bowman and Brian Cushing.
Will the Packers sign any of them? It appears not.
And that seems stupid.
Coach Mike McCarthy has talked up the competition that is happening at pretty much every position during training camp. And all of a sudden there isn’t competition at inside linebacker and safety.
We’re just going to go with the next guys on the depth chart…
Starters by default.
Didn’t earn the job. Just got thrust into it.
Seems like a fantastic idea, doesn’t it?