Full Breakdown
Packers Training Camp Opens July 29: Cornerback and Kicker Battles Take Center Stage
7/27/2026, 9:38:01 PM
Core Event
The Green Bay Packers begin their 2026 training camp on July 29 with the first public practice at 10:30 a.m. on Ray Nitschke Field. The camp will feature twelve free public sessions, a paid “Family Night” later this month, and a preseason home game later this month. While most starting spots appear set, two position groups have clear, high-stakes contests that will shape the 53-man roster: the cornerback tandem opposite Keisean Nixon and the place-kicker role.
Background & Context
Last season the Packers lost edge rusher Micah Parsons to a torn ACL, forcing reliance on a collective 15.5 career sacks from the remaining edge players. The secondary also struggled, surrendering 14 touchdowns and allowing a passer rating of at least 105 to the three starting cornerbacks. In response, GM Brian Gutekunst added veteran Benjamin St-Juste, drafted second-round cornerback Brandon Cisse, and signed sixth-round defensive back Domani Jackson.
On special teams, the kicker carousel continued after the release of veteran Brandon McManus. The Packers drafted Florida place-kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round and traded two seventh-round picks to move up. Smack’s offseason was rocky, with missed kicks in windy drills on June 2 and inconsistent performance in OTAs.
Key Roster Battles
Cornerback Competition
- Keisean Nixon (CB1) returns as the established starter, posting a career-high 17 passes defensed last season.
- Carrington Valentine (CB2) entered camp with a 59.7 % completion rate allowed, seven touchdowns, four pass defenses and one interception.
- Benjamin St-Juste brings 42 career starts and a 53.5 % completion rate allowed in his most recent season with the Chargers, though he missed the offseason program due to injury.
- Brandon Cisse, the Packers’ second-round pick, ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and is expected to compete for immediate playing time.
The battle will determine whether the Packers stick with the veteran-heavy Valentine, give the starting nod to St-Juste, or accelerate Cisse’s development.
Kicker Competition
- Trey Smack entered the league with an 82 % field-goal percentage in college and a 56-yard long. He missed four of nine attempts in a June 2 practice and has shown inconsistency in the offseason program.
- Lucas Havrisik holds the franchise record with a 61-yard field goal and converted all four attempts last season, though his extra-point reliability has been questioned.
Both will be evaluated on accuracy inside 45 yards and leg strength on longer attempts.
Data & Statistics
- Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness recorded 8.5 sacks in three seasons and 23 pressures despite missing half of 2025 with a foot injury.
- Cornerback Valentine allowed seven touchdowns while recording only four pass defenses last season.
Official Statements & Responses
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur highlighted the importance of size and versatility at cornerback, noting that “Obviously, you can’t coach that size and length that he possesses, so he’ll definitely be in the mix.” He also praised a lesser-known receiver, saying “He’s really shown a lot of flashes of excellence.” Edge rusher Barryn Sorrell reflected on his own development, saying “Obviously, the game’s slowing down for me a lot.”
What’s Next
- July 29 – First public practice; fans can watch the early stages of the cornerback and kicker contests.
- Later this month – “Family Night” paid practice, likely a showcase for special-teams players.
- Later this month – Preseason games (vs. Steelers, Broncos, Cardinals) where depth-chart decisions will be finalized.
