Prep for the Preseason Opener in San Diego

By Larry McCarren

CREATED Aug. 7, 2012

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The Packers took Ray Nitschke Field Tuesday in what qualifies as their only practice devoted to preparation for Thursday night's preseason opener in San Diego.  They don't practice on the day before games.  The workout was originally scheduled for "full pads", but considering his ever-expanding injury list, Mike McCarthy opted to go in "shells."  That accomplishes two things:  it keeps the healthy guys healthy and it takes the air out of the balloon as far as aggression goes.  (Normal reaction after spending 8 straight practices in full pads and with plenty of rough stuff.)

Noteworthy:

-For the first time this camp, there were team periods where the offense worked against opponent defensive sets and the defense operated against opponent offensive plays.  (As opposed to Packers offense vs. Packers defense.)  In a method that dates back to the beginning of football time, those sets and plays are drawn on cards which are shown in the huddle.  The scout team then executes them as drawn.

-Scout teams can be rather talented in the NFL.  Most everyone takes some reps and today even Donald Driver was serving as a Charger receiver and made a nice catch on the sideline.  And that's one of the things that makes Donald, Donald.

-Lawrence Guy sure didn't help himself.  The former 7th rounder who spent last season on IR had to be reminded that he was part of the punt return scout team.  He also had to be prompted at another point when the defensive scout team took the field.  Not the way to make the roster.

-Marshall Newhouse (concussion) has already been ruled out of Thursday's game and Herb Taylor will get the call at left tackle.  That may affect how much Mike McCarthy plays Aaron Rodgers, if at all.

-Others ruled out include RB Brandon Saine, CB Sam Shields, RB Du'ane Bennett, OG Ray Dominguez, WR Tori Gurley, FB Jon Hoese, WR Greg Jennings and TE Ryan Taylor.

-If today's practice means anything, Davon House will start at RC, M.D. Jennings will be the Nickel Back and Jarrett Bush the dime.  If the Packers choose to not play Charles Woodson, and it would come as no surprise if they did, forget what you just read.  That would a cause a change reaction and it would alter the aforementioned batting order.

-Tomorrow is a travel day, followed by the game Thursday night.  We'll have some thoughts on it Friday morning.