Others might be getting all the headlines, but Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still noticing what second-year receiver Equanimeous St. Brown has accomplished during training camp.
Although he saved his biggest compliments for Allen Lazard, Rodgers was also highly appreciative of how solid St. Brown has been throughout camp.
“Almost quietly, I think EQ has had a really nice camp,” Rodgers said Monday. “I think he’s been very consistent. We haven’t talked about him a lot, which, in this case, is actually a positive. It’s almost like, ‘Yeah, well, he’s on the squad.’ He’s been that good. It’s almost been an understated, really solid camp for him.”
It’s hard to tell where exactly St. Brown fits in the receiver hierarchy as the regular season approaches. Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Geronimo Allison have been starters throughout camp, and Jake Kumerow has a strong case for being the No. 4 receiver.
Rodgers even admitted it’s one of the deepest groups of receivers the Packers have ever had in camp. But any worries about St. Brown’s inclusion on the roster seem overblown.
Last year’s sixth-round pick is both big and fast, with smooth movement abilities and the versatility to play on the perimeter and in the slot. His big frame is perfect for providing an easy target in the middle of the field and blocking in the run game, and his combination of size and speed gives him the right body type for excelling on special teams.
A “quiet” camp doesn’t always mean a bad camp. St. Brown is proof.
Graham lucks out: Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed tight end Jimmy Graham wouldn’t need surgery on his injured finger, insisting Monday “he’ll be alright.”
GM Brian Gutekunst echoed those thoughts earlier Monday. “We might have escaped one there,” Gutekunst said. Graham left Sunday’s practice after possibly dislocating his finger during a passing play.
Jenkins stays perfect: Rookie offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, who has played left guard, center and right guard during the preseason, still hasn’t allowed a pressure over 45 pass-blocking snaps in two exhibition games, according to Pro Football Focus.
Jenkins is competing with Lane Taylor to start at left guard and is the top backup at right guard. It’s certainly possible the Packers’ second-round pick will end up starting a bunch of games in 2019. He looks ready, especially from a pass protection standpoint.
Davis returns: Receiver and returner Trevor Davis finally got back to practice Sunday, reviving his chances of making the 53-man roster.
He had a big day Monday. He moved the chains with a third-down catch and later got behind the defense for a big catch downfield. He also resumed his spot as the first-team kick returner and even handled a few more jet sweeps with the first-team offense.
“Yeah, that was encouraging. He made a couple of nice plays,” LaFleur said. “We gave him the ball one time and then made a nice play down the field. Excited about Trevor. Excited about watching him in the game.”
Davis was a standout during the team’s Family Night Scrimmage in early August but then was injured during the joint practices with the Texans. He’ll make his preseason debut on Thursday night against the Oakland Raiders.
