Green Bay isn’t wasting any time as they gear up for Tuesday’s training camp session. The Packers have made a series of strategic moves, strengthening their secondary by signing cornerbacks Don Callis and LJ Davis while bringing back long snapper Peter Bowden.
In a corresponding roster shakeup, kicker James Turner, defensive back Zyon Gilbert, and fullback Henry Pearson have been released, making room for the new additions.
Callis, an undrafted rookie who initially caught the Packers’ eye during their rookie camp, is finally getting his shot. The 5-foot-10, 194-pound cornerback may not have recorded any interceptions during his single season at Troy, but his forced fumble and four pass deflections, coupled with prior experience at East Central (Okla.), showcase his potential to disrupt opposing offenses.
The return of Bowden, a Wisconsin product, adds a competitive edge to the long snapper position. After being briefly released to accommodate quarterback Jacob Eason, Bowden is back to challenge incumbent Matt Orzech. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia is confident in Bowden’s potential, stating, “Peter has shown a lot of promise. We expect him to compete effectively in the league.”
These moves come at a crucial time for Green Bay, with cornerback Robert Rochell sidelined due to a calf injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the need for reinforcements, saying, “Adding another body was necessary.” While Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes remain the top cornerback duo, Carrington Valentine and rookie Kalen King have stepped up in Rochell’s absence.
There’s more good news on the injury front, as rookies MarShawn Lloyd (running back) and Kitan Oladapo (safety) are set to make their training camp debuts. Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich is particularly excited about Lloyd, hinting at the running back’s potential to make a significant impact once fully integrated into the offense.
With these roster adjustments, the Packers are clearly focused on building depth and competition at key positions. As training camp intensifies, it will be fascinating to see how these new additions and returning players contribute to the team’s evolving dynamic.