Sunday represented a milestone of sorts for Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Cole Madison.
The Packers’ training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field was the first padded practice of Madison’s NFL career.
A fifth-round pick of the Packers in 2018, Madison missed his first training camp and all of last year’s regular season while away from the team dealing with a personal issue. He returned for this year’s offseason workout program, and now Madison is attempting to win a roster spot as a reserve offensive line for new coach Matt LaFleur.
Madison’s first padded practice went well, at least in an important individual drill.
According to Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com, Madison won both of his one-on-one pass-blocking reps against defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster.
Although Lancaster isn’t an accomplished pass-rusher, he is a big, burly lineman who held up just fine against NFL competition late last season. The wins have to be considered a step forward for a player who took a full year off from football.
“I think Cole’s done a nice job,” LaFleur said after Sunday’s practice. “He’s another young player who I’m excited to see once we get into that game action.”
The Packers will give Madison every opportunity to win a job on the roster as a versatile backup. He played right tackle at Washington State but has played snaps at both guard and center since landing in Green Bay.
As always, preseason games could help set him apart from others competing for spots behind the expected five starters along the offensive line. The Packers begin the preseason on Thursday, Aug. 8 against the Houston Texans.
