Packers evaluate standout performers and setbacks in closed Thursday practice

Green Bay, Wis. – The Packers conducted a closed practice on Thursday, the seventh of camp, as the team prepares for a fan-filled Family Night on Friday. Coach Matt LaFleur kept the session private to work on trick plays and evaluate depth-chart candidates.

Quarterback Jordan Love, who has guided the team to three playoff appearances, was described as having an off day, missing a tight-end pass that nearly resulted in an interception and overthrowing a route to wide receiver Christian Watson. He later completed a pass to Jayden Reed that would have led to a hard hit.

"It’s our first chance to be back in Lambeau, be in there with fans. Really, that’s our game environment," Love said after the practice.

Running back MarShawn Lloyd stood out, scoring two touchdowns and finishing the drill with a perfect 7-of-7 performance, while teammate Pierre Strong was noted for dropping a downfield pass during a trick-play drill.

Tight end McCallan Castles, who rejoined the roster after injuries to the position group, caught a touchdown pass at the goal line. He said he was "excited for the opportunity" after being called back to the team.

Conversely, tight end Drake Dabney, who has been the No. 2 option, dropped a pass in the same session.

Wide receiver Isaiah Neyor made two notable catches, including a touchdown in the end zone, and credited his offseason work for improved technique.

"Now that I’ve had a whole offseason under my belt, I feel like I’m in a good spot," Neyor said.

On defense, linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper recorded a sack and a stuffed run, while defensive tackle Anthony Campbell, an undrafted rookie, chased quarterback Love out of the pocket and later recorded a sack.

Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness, who performed well in offseason drills, did not register notable activity during the padded practice.

Cornerback Brandon Cisse received praise from general manager Brian Gutekunst, who said the player "has shown up every day" and is "prepared" for the competition. In contrast, fellow cornerback Carrington Valentine remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving his roster status uncertain.

"I’m not going to give you a timeline of when he’ll be back. But it’s a shame because I think he was playing really good football," LaFleur said.

The starting safety trio of Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams and Javon Bullard continued to impress, with Bullard delivering a hard hit that disrupted a trick-play execution.