DL Kingsley Keke & rookie LB Isaiah McDuffie both practicing for the first time at #PackersCamp pic.twitter.com/VYDW9JvZQ9
— Mike Spofford (@mikespofford) August 12, 2021
Cornerback Kevin King isn’t the only player making his training camp debut for the Green Bay Packers on Thursday.
Like King, defensive lineman Kingsley Keke and rookie linebacker Isaiah McDuffie both came off the non-football injury list and are practicing with the team on Thursday, per Mike Spofford of the team’s official site.
Keke was dealing with an ankle injury, while McDuffie had a hamstring injury. Both were placed on the NFI list to start training camp.
Keke is entering his third NFL season as an expected starter at defensive end. He produced four sacks and 22 total pressures last season and is expected to take another step in 2021. With more development, Keke could be a vital part of the Packers’ base defense and interior pass-rushing packages.
McDuffie, a sixth-round pick from Boston College, needs to make up for lost time as he competes to win a roster spot as a backup linebacker and special teams contributor.
The Packers are getting healthy to start the preseason. King, Keke and McDuffie are off the NFI list, and both Kamal Martin and Chris Blair returned to practice on Thursday.
Outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith and safety Will Redmond are the only two players left on the NFI list. Left tackle David Bakhtiari is the lone player left on the PUP list.
