Packers Enter 2026 Training Camp Amid Injuries, New Trade and a Finish-First Mindset

Head coach Matt LaFleur gave veterans a week-early release from the offseason program, leaving them 47 days to “push it in every aspect—mentally, physically, psychologically,” before training camp opens on July 27 for rookies and July 28 for veterans. Seventeen players—almost 20 % of the offseason roster—ended the mandatory minicamp in the rehab group, including projected starters Micah Parsons, Benjamin St-Juste, Isaiah McDuffie, Aaron Banks, Zach Tom and returner Skyy Moore. Parsons will begin camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, likely missing the first four games.

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Green Bay finished the 2025 season with a 9-3-1 start, then lost the final four regular-season games and fell to the Chicago Bears in the playoffs. The collapse spurred a “finish-first” mantra from LaFleur and star wide receiver Christian Watson. In the offseason the Packers traded for linebacker Micah Parsons while losing edge-rushers Rashan Gary (to Dallas) and Kingsley Enagbare (to New York). The team also signed right tackle Darian Kinnard to a four-year, $88 million extension.

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• Micah Parsons – Expected to start the season on the PUP list; exact return date unclear.

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• Aaron Banks – Guard dropped out of minicamp for undisclosed reasons.

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• Zach Tom – Underwent surgery for a partially torn patellar tendon in December 2025; hopes to be “full go” by camp but may also start on PUP.

Packers RT Zach Tom Targeting Training Camp Return

• MarShawn Lloyd – Third-round running back with limited NFL snaps; coaches praise his speed and quickness as a potential change-of-pace option.

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• Luke Van Ness – Under-the-radar pass rusher praised by Parsons.

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• 17 players in rehab (? 20 % of roster); 11 are projected starters or key contributors.

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• The departed trio of Parsons, Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare accounted for 22 of 36 sacks and 56 of 106 quarterback hits in 2024.

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• Packers ended 2025 on a four-game losing streak after a strong start.

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LaFleur stressed that the 47-day window must be maximized to preserve the “solid foundation” built in camp. He urged players to “practice the finish,” a sentiment echoed by tight end Tucker Kraft. Running backs coach Ben Sirmans highlighted Lloyd’s “speed and quickness” as a complement to Josh Jacobs. Watson described the previous season’s collapse as “fuel” and called for consistent finishing in every drill, practice and game.

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Former Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson argued the Cowboys “held on to guys way too long,” labeling Parsons a “virus” that compounded organizational issues. Woodson’s remarks suggest lingering skepticism about the timing and impact of the trade.

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• “We've got a really solid foundation right now, but it doesn't matter unless you maximize these next 47 days prior to training camp,” — Matt LaFleur, Head Coach

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• “Luke is someone that people sleep on the most, and I don't know why,” — Micah Parsons, Linebacker

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• “Finishing everything, finishing every drill, every practice, every play.” — Christian Watson, Wide Receiver

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• “And when you hold on to those viruses, man, it just continues to compound through the organization.” — Darren Woodson, Former Cowboys Safety

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• December 2025 – Zach Tom undergoes patellar-tendon surgery.

Packers RT Zach Tom Targeting Training Camp Return

• Early June 2026 – Mandatory minicamp concludes; veterans released early.

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• July 27-28 2026 – Training camp opens for rookies and veterans.

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• Late July 2026 – Anticipated medical clearance for Tom, pending doctor approval.

Packers RT Zach Tom Targeting Training Camp Return

Sources differ on Parsons’ health: one notes he will start on the PUP list and miss at least four games, while another mentions his trade without specifying injury status. Tom’s timeline also varies; he expresses confidence in a full return but acknowledges the possibility of a PUP designation.

Packers RT Zach Tom Targeting Training Camp Return

Green Bay will use the upcoming camp to assess the health of Parsons, Tom and other key pieces, integrate Lloyd into the backfield, and embed the “finish-first” mindset. Success will be measured by the ability to close out games—a direct response to the 2025 collapse—and by how quickly injured starters can contribute once the regular season begins.

Packers RT Zach Tom Targeting Training Camp Return