2 Packers at risk of losing jobs as competition brews at training camp
· Yahoo Sports
During Matt LaFleur’s press conference on Friday, the Green Bay Packers head coach had a curious response when asked about one of his veteran players.
Aaron Banks has missed time during training camp with a knee injury, continuing a frustrating trend from last season, when the guard dealt with injuries throughout his first year with the Packers, beginning in camp.
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In his stead, a competition has broken out among a group of young O-linemen, headlined by Anthony Belton, Jacob Monk and Jager Burton. At first it seemed like the trio were battling for just one open spot with the starters at right guard.
Discussing the left guard position on Friday, the head coach indicated that in fact the left guard spot could still be up for grabs.
Asked if Banks would get his job back once he returns and whether the play of Burton is giving them a decision to make, LaFleur said: “I think (Burton) is going to make it extremely difficult. Jager has done a really good job, not only him but Monk (as well).
He added: “(Banks) hasn’t been out there, so it’s hard to say."
Quizzed on whether Banks had some kind of procedure between the offseason program and training camp, LaFleur simply said: “I’ll let him answer that."
There was a notable undertone of frustration in LaFleur’s voice, and as of right now it seems the starting job at left guard is very much in play. Whether one of the young players can do enough to win it before Banks returns is another question.
Banks is not the only vet who entered training camp appearing to have a certain level of job security, only for it now to be under threat.
Keisean Nixon began camp as an unquestioned starter at cornerback, and has since been forced to rotate with Benjamin St-Juste, spending time working with the second-team defense, while 2nd round pick Brandon Cisse is now exclusively playing with the ones.
Nixon did get the start across from Cisse in Green Bay’s preseason opener against Pittsburgh, playing 19 snaps before the duo were replaced by St-Juste and Jaylin Simpson.
However, it was an uninspiring performance from Nixon, who received a 43.8 PFF grade. The lowlight was a missed tackle which led to an explosive play. Meanwhile Cisse and St-Juste posted grades of 69.9 and 69.8 respectively.
It is worth noting St-Juste was likely up against receivers who are lower down the Steelers depth chart. Regardless, it is clear there is a genuine competition to start at corner. Secondary coach Bobby Babich confirmed as much on Friday.
There is still a long way to go in camp, and Banks and Nixon may have work to do if they want to hold onto their starting jobs.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: 2 Packers at risk of losing jobs as competition brews at training camp