SÃO PAULO - The Green Bay Packers are in Brazil . On Thursday morning, the eve of the regular season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles , the Packers roster went to Joaquim Grava, a training center from Brazilian soccer club Corinthians, to have a light practice before the game. The activity had a 15-minute portion open to the media.
Right guard answer
The Packers haven't officially confirmed anything yet , but it's clear who the starting right guard to start the season will be. The team allowed the media to watch something around 15 minutes of practice, and Sean Rhyan was getting reps with the ones, while rookie first-round pick Jordan Morgan was with the twos. It was a light practice, just for players to recover after a long flight.
Morgan has surpassed Rhyan in the beginning of training camp, but a shoulder injury hindered his path. Now, the third-year player will have the first opportunity in 2024. The rest of the line was just like expected: Rasheed Walker, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, and Zach Tom.
They love their punter
The Packers had special teams competitions at kicker and long snapper, but not at punter. They are truly excited about what Irish man Daniel Whelan can do in his second season with the team.
"The guy's is dropping bombs out there, it is spectacular to see," head coach Matt LaFleur said during his press conference before practice in Brazil. "As I tell him all the time, although he's a great kicker, I hope to use him just as a holder. But knowing that, if we have to punt, he gives the opportunity for us to flip the field."
Whelan spent his training camp as a rookie with the New Orleans Saints in 2022, but didn't make the roster. He ended up going to the DC Defenders and was an All-XFL punter in 2023, prompting an opportunity with the Packers last year.
Brazil is doing just fine
Even though there has been a lot of talk about safety and risk in Brazil, the Packers don't seem overly concerned. Matt LaFleur said that, at least so far, the only negative factor was the 10-hour flight from Green Bay.
"It's been a great experience for us so far," LaFleur mentioned. "We're honored to be here and make history. We're all excited, and I hope our fans are excited for us too."
Injury updates
After practice, quarterback Jordan Love and some other players will speak with the media. The Packers also have to release the injury report, with designations for tomorrow's game. So we will have a better idea of who will be available.
But tight end Tucker Kraft practiced and looked fine after being added to the injury report on Wednesday because of a back injury. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs practiced without any hand protection, so he will most likely be good to go as well.
Related: How the Packers overcame logistics issues to play the first ever NFL game in Brazil
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