Green Bay Packers training camp begins Wednesday, July 27, and with that, several roster changes have been made.
According to Rob Demosky of ESPNthe Packers placed nine players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, including rookie Christian Watson.
Robert Tonyan, Elgton Jenkins, Mason Crosby, Dean Lowry, Kylin Hill, Hauati Pututau, Randy Ramsey and Patrick Taylor join Watson on the PUP list.
What you need to know about the Nine Packers from the PUP list.
Once placed on the PUP list, the player can return at any time during training camp as long as they pass their physical exam. If a player starts the regular season on the PUP roster, they will have to miss the first four games in 2022 before they can return. If they still cannot return at that time, then they are placed in IR.
We don’t know why Watson is on this list, but Ross Uglem from Packer’s report would report that it should be short-lived.
These training camp reps are incredibly valuable to the rookie, who is still learning the playbook and will need to build his relationship with Aaron Rodgers. Many expect him to play an important role this season. With his speed, he can give the Packers some needed deep threat and could also fulfill that gimmicky role by getting the ball to him quickly in space. Becoming a consistent target on third downs and in the red zone will also go a long way, although it won’t happen immediately.
Meanwhile, Jenkins, Tonyan and Hill starting on the PUP roster shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as all three continue to recover from their ACL injuries. The same can be said for Randy Ramsey, who missed all of last season with an ankle injury.
Andy Hermann of Packer Report would also mention that Lowry and Crosby were on the sidelines during minicamp, so while we don’t know the extent of their injuries, it’s not that surprising that they’re listed.
With Taylor and Pututau, like Watson, it’s unclear why they’re currently on the PUP list.
As important as it is to discuss who is on the PUP list, it is also important to note that David Bakhtiari is not on the list, although veterans do not have to appear until next week and that additions can still be made. Bakhtiari was with the rehab group during the offseason programs, again raising concerns about his status for training camp.
Bakhtiari’s return will not only strengthen the left tackle position, but provide additional flexibility to the rest of the offensive line. A healthy offensive line and improved play will be the catalyst for the Packers’ offensive success this season with a solid running game and giving Rodgers time in the pocket.
In addition to those nine players who ended up on the PUP list, the Packers also placed Rasheed Walker, Caleb Jones and Caliph Brice on the non-football injury list.
Players placed on the NFI list suffered injuries from non-football activities, as the name suggests. They are able to return to action once they pass their physical exams.
Those players still count in the Packers’ 90-man roster heading into training camp.
