Packers Use Extra Days to Drill New Players Before Vikings Opener
Source: WBAY TV-2 Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The Green Bay Packers are taking an unconventional path to prepare for the NFL season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Instead of the usual grind of practice and meetings, the team is enjoying a long weekend, thanks to their stadium being loaned out for a college football clash between Notre Dame and Wisconsin on Sunday. For most players, this break is a welcome chance to rest and recover from the demands of training camp. But for three recent additions—running back Kaleb Johnson, tight end Mark Redman, and tight end Jonnu Smith—the pause is anything but a vacation. They are using every spare moment to learn the playbook and carve out a role in the offense.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the steep learning curve. "It’s like drinking water out of a fire hose," he said. "There’s a lot of information that they’ve got to be able to digest and then go out there and we’ll see where they’re at." The urgency is real: the Packers open the season in Minnesota, and the new players need to be ready to contribute, especially with injuries and roster battles still unsettled.
Among the trio, Jonnu Smith stands out as the most likely to make an immediate impact. The veteran tight end previously played under LaFleur when the coach was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. That shared history gives Smith a head start. "You know, I only had him that one year, and obviously he was able to know my talents and my capabilities and my abilities," Smith said. "I was kind of in this system that he’s established offensively for a while now in my career, so that also played into account." Smith’s familiarity with the scheme could allow him to slide into the tight end rotation more smoothly than Johnson or Redman, who are learning the playbook from scratch.
Building chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love is another priority. Love has already taken steps to connect with Smith, choosing to sit next to him during the first team meeting. "You know, trying to build that relationship as quickly as possible, trying to get to know these guys, and also just talking about, you know, if you’ve got questions, come ask me," Love said. "Let’s get up to speed and get on the same page with everything. Us being on the same page is just a feel. That takes time. That’s something that’ll, you know, throughout practice, throughout the course of the season, we’ll continue to build that stuff." Love’s willingness to mentor the newcomers underscores his growth as a leader, a role he has fully embraced since taking over as the starter.
On the defensive side, safety Javon Bullard is trending in the right direction after dealing with a foot injury. Bullard was spotted on the practice field Wednesday, a positive sign for a secondary that needs depth. While the Packers have not yet released an official injury report, seeing Bullard back in action suggests he could be ready for the opener.
The extended time off is a double-edged sword. For the veteran core, it provides much-needed rest. For the new players, it is a chance to catch up. But coach LaFleur knows that no amount of classroom work can replace live reps. The team will need to hit the ground running when they return to full practice, and the margin for error against a division rival like the Vikings is razor-thin. The Packers’ ability to integrate these players quickly could determine how smoothly their season begins.
Article commentary
The Green Bay Packers’ decision to use their pre-Week 1 break as an intensive onboarding period for new players reflects a deliberate, strategic approach to roster management. In a league where every game matters, especially divisional openers, the extra days of preparation are not just a luxury but a necessity. The challenge is immense: three new faces—Kaleb Johnson, Mark Redman, and Jonnu Smith—must learn a complex offense while also building chemistry with a quarterback who is still establishing himself as a franchise leader. Matt LaFleur’s analogy of “drinking water from a fire hose” is apt. The Packers’ playbook is notoriously detailed, and installing it in a compressed timeline requires intense focus. Smith’s previous experience under LaFleur in Tennessee gives him a clear advantage. He knows the terminology, the route concepts, and the expectations. That familiarity could allow him to be a contributor from Day 1, offering Love a reliable target in the middle of the field. Johnson and Redman, however, face a steeper climb. They will need to prove they can process information quickly and execute under pressure. Quarterback Jordan Love’s proactive approach to building rapport with Smith is a promising sign. Love is entering a critical season, and his ability to command the huddle and earn trust from his teammates will be closely watched. By sitting next to Smith and inviting questions, Love is demonstrating leadership that extends beyond arm strength. But as he noted, “being on the same page is just a feel”—and that feel only comes through game reps. The Packers will need to manufacture opportunities in practice to accelerate that chemistry. On the defensive side, Javon Bullard’s foot injury adds an element of uncertainty. The safety position is already a concern for Green Bay, and Bullard’s health will be a storyline to monitor. His return to practice is encouraging, but the team will likely be cautious with his workload. Overall, the Packers are using this extended break wisely. They are not just resting—they are investing in the future. The Vikings will present a tough test, with a dynamic offense and a defense that thrives on creating chaos. If Green Bay’s new additions can quickly get up to speed, the team will have a better chance of starting the season on the right foot. If not, the fire hose might leave them gasping for air.