Packers coach Mike McCarthy thinks quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in the best shape of his time in Green Bay, but six members of the team aren’t healthy enough to avoid the physically unable to perform list at the start of camp.
The NFL’s daily transaction report brings word that wide receiver Jordy Nelson, tight end Jared Cook, linebacker Sam Barrington, guard T.J. Lang, center Corey Linsley and wide receiver Ty Montgomery will all open camp on the PUP list. All six can be activated at any time, but they will not be eligible for the regular season version of the list once they take part in a practice.
Nelson missed last season with a torn ACL and has been the subject of several positive reports about his recovery, although there’s not much reason for the team to go from 0 to 60 right off the bat. Cook had foot surgery this offseason, Montgomery had ankle surgery and Lang had shoulder surgery, but there’s been no talk that they’re at risk of missing the start of the season.
The Packers also waived defensive end B.J. McBryde and running back Don Jackson. Jackson’s departure came with the non-football injury designation.