Packers Defense Dominates Final Open Practice Amid Teammate Scuffle

Key points

• Jonathan Gannon’s defense recorded three takeaways, including interceptions by Keisean Nixon and Kitan Oladapo, and a fumble recovery by Barryn Sorrell.
• A physical altercation occurred between WR Matthew Golden and DE Barryn Sorrell, involving Zaire Franklin and Lukas Van Ness, but both primary participants stated they remained friendly.
• CB Keisean Nixon secured a starting corner spot with a strong performance, while S Kitan Oladapo recorded his second interception of camp.
• Rookie kicker Trey Smack converted a 60-yard field goal, finishing 3-for-4 in practice, while LB Edgerrin Cooper showed improved comfort in the new defensive scheme.
• The practice concluded with the No. 2 defense stopping the No. 2 offense on a fourth-down goal-line attempt, capping a two-hour session.

Background

This practice marked the final open session before the Packers face the Arizona Cardinals in a joint practice and preseason finale. The team is navigating the final week of camp with several players returning from injuries, including WR Jayden Reed and CB Brandon Cisse, while others like TE Luke Musgrave and DL Jordon Riley remain on the PUP list. The defense has consistently outperformed the offense throughout camp, a trend that intensified in this session.

How outlets are covering it

While all sources agree on the defense’s dominance, they differ in emphasis. Packers On SI highlights the 'total domination' and the friendly nature of the Golden-Sorrell scuffle, noting the players were joking. The official Packers site focuses on Edgerrin Cooper’s growing comfort in the scheme and the LaFleur brothers’ upcoming joint practice. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel provides a minute-by-minute breakdown, emphasizing the offense’s struggles and Smack’s long kick. Acme Packing Company notes a secondary scuffle involving Will Sheppard and Trey Dean III, which other outlets did not detail. All sources confirm the injury updates and the return of key players like Reed and Cisse.

Why it matters

The defense’s performance signals a strong start for Jonathan Gannon’s first season, potentially influencing starting lineup decisions for the 2026 season. The resolution of the scuffle indicates team cohesion, while the injury updates and roster battles for positions like starting guard and cornerback will determine the final 53-man roster. The upcoming joint practice with the Cardinals will provide a final test before the regular season.

What to watch

The Packers will hold a light, closed practice on Tuesday, followed by a joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday. The preseason finale against the Cardinals is scheduled for Friday, August 28, at Lambeau Field. The team will finalize its roster after these sessions, with key decisions pending for starting guards and cornerbacks.