GREEN BAY – Football coaches almost never alter their routines. But that is exactly what Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is doing after last week’s hamstring injury suffered by wide receiver Sammy Watkins resulted in Watkins being placed on the injured reserve list. LaFleur expressed regret about his team holding a full-out practice coming off of a night game in Week 2 against Chicago.
Wednesday, the Packers held a light jog through after a physically taxing win Sunday in the heat and humidity of Tampa, where Green Bay hung on for a 14-12 win to run their record to 2-1 on the season.
Despite altering his club’s work load this week, LaFleur denied he was looking ahead to the team’s London game Oct. 9 against the New York Giants. London is six hours ahead of Green Bay. "You look ahead too far in this league, you get your ass whipped," LaFleur said flatly.
Sunday, Green Bay plays host to New England, who are dealing with their own injury big. Starting quarterback Mac Jones suffered a high ankle sprain in their loss to the Raven in Week 2. Veteran backup Brian Hoyer is expected to get the start if Jones is unable to go.
"I remember watching a lot of the cut-ups – this was a long time ago – from the (20)14 season,” LaFleur recalled Wednesday. “You could make the case and take all his great plays that he made and you thought he was one of the top quarterbacks in the league."
Radio coverage of Sunday’s game begins at 10:00 AM (BCT) with Packers Gameday on 97.3 The Game. Kickoff with Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren behind the mic is set for 3:25 PM (CT).