Green Bay Packers open 2025 camp with a playoff mandate. Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs face early tests with Christian Watson & Quay Walker starting on the PUP list.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The air at Lambeau Field felt different as the Green Bay Packers kicked off their 2025 training camp. It wasn't just the buzz of a new season; it was a palpable sense of urgency. From GM Brian Gutekunst to Head Coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Jordan Love, the message was crystal clear: after recent playoff disappointments, it's time to take the next step. As Love himself put it, 'It's definitely time.'
It's definitely time.
The Packers' leadership isn't mincing words. Both Gutekunst and LaFleur emphasized the need to advance deeper into the postseason, and the players have received the message loud and clear. New running back Josh Jacobs told the media the 'sense of urgency with the Packers is very high,' praising the competitive fire he's already seen. This isn't just about making the playoffs anymore; it's about finishing the job. The entire organization is aligned on a singular goal, which raises the stakes for every single practice.
While the energy is high, the Packers will begin their quest shorthanded. A total of eight players were placed on injury lists to start camp. The physically unable to perform (PUP) list includes crucial pieces like WR Christian Watson (ACL) and LB Quay Walker. While reports on Watson's recovery are optimistic, the team is understandably cautious. Walker's absence opens the door for Isaiah McDuffie to take early first-team reps. They're joined on PUP by rookies Collin Oliver, John Williams, and Micah Robinson. Meanwhile, C Elgton Jenkins, RB Amar Johnson, and K Alex Hale landed on the non-football injury (NFI) list, with Jenkins' situation complicated by ongoing contract talks. Most are expected back by Week 2, but their absence will shape the battles in camp.
The first day of camp delivered two genuine stunners. First, Bo Melton, who has spent his career as a wide receiver, has made a permanent switch to cornerback. This wasn't just an experiment, either—Melton was immediately taking reps with the No. 1 defense. It's a bold, fascinating move that speaks to his athleticism and the team's needs in the secondary. The other surprise was the return of a familiar face in an unfamiliar role: former offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is back as a defensive consultant. His job will be to give the defense an offensive coordinator's perspective, a clever strategic move by LaFleur to find an edge.
With Christian Watson sidelined, the door is wide open for other receivers to shine, and a new face wasted no time. First-round draft pick Matthew Golden made an immediate impression, hauling in an 8-yard touchdown pass from backup QB Malik Willis during red zone drills. It's exactly the kind of flash you want to see from your top pick on day one. The opportunities will continue to be there for the young receivers. Elsewhere, the kicking game saw a small shakeup as backup Alex Hale landed on the NFI list with a freak injury that will sideline him for several weeks, solidifying Brandon McManus's role as the undisputed K1.
Day one is in the books, and the storylines are already compelling. The Packers have a clear mission, but they also have significant hurdles to overcome with injuries to key players. All eyes will be on the injury report, but the real story to watch is who seizes the opportunity. Can Bo Melton's audacious position switch actually work? Will Matthew Golden build on his hot start? And can this team's stated sense of urgency translate into the sharp, dominant camp they'll need to finally get over the hump? The journey has just begun.
