5 things learned at Packers training camp – Aug. 22

3. The safety position still isn’t healthy, but healthier than it was two days ago.

Over the past two days, safeties Innis Gaines and rookie Tariq Carpenter have both returned to practice after missing time due to injuries. That has helped the position’s depth in practice now that Vernon Scott, who was working with the first unit, injured his shoulder in the Saints game last Friday.

Starter Darnell Savage (hamstring) and veteran reserve Dallin Leavitt (shoulder) remain out. Shawn Davis has stepped in for Scott with the No. 1 defense alongside Adrian Amos.

LaFleur wouldn’t rule out adding another safety to the roster to help with the injury situation, but the smaller numbers also are allowing for Gaines and Carpenter to get a bunch of team reps already upon returning.

“You’re always looking, but we have confidence in the guys,” LaFleur said. “it’s given these guys a great opportunity to go out there and show what they can do.”

4. The players are getting some time off before the final roster decisions are made.

All NFL teams must be down to the mandated 53-man roster limit by next Tuesday afternoon, but the CBA also mandates a three-day rest period following the final preseason game.

So LaFleur said the players will have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off after Thursday night’s preseason finale in Kansas City, and he’s working on a practice plan for Monday and/or Tuesday so the layoff isn’t too long.

5. Various of guests were on hand to observe practice.

Former Packers first-round draft pick Terrell Buckley watched practice and was encouraged by LaFleur to say a few words to the team afterward. Buckley, a cornerback, played the first three seasons of his 14-year NFL career in Green Bay after being drafted No. 5 overall in 1992. He’s now the head coach of the Orlando XFL team.

A handful of Milwaukee Bucks executives also were in attendance, led by general manager Jon Horst, taking in the action next to Packers GM Brian Gutekunst.