GREEN BAY—Packers Coach Mike McCarthy said rookie wide receiver Jared Abbrederis "didn't believe the news when he got it." The news, according to an Abbrederis tweet, is the Wisconsin native has sustained a significant knee injury.
"The acl injury was confirmed this morning and is only a small setback. It will only make me stronger and I cannot wait to get back on the field with my team," Abbrederis tweeted on Saturday afternoon. Abbrederis was injured in Thursday's practice, though he finished the practice. Much as it was with Bryan Bulaga's knee injury last summer, the worst wasn't feared until the diagnosis was made official.
"Very unfortunate. These types of injuries, the player feels great. That's what happened here," McCarthy said.
Abbrederis was on the field in a baseball cap on Saturday night.
So ended a "Family Night" that included a record-setting attendance, 67,336, and an atmosphere McCarthy said "was as good as it's been; maybe our best level of energy."
The former scrimmage format was replaced by a full-scale practice. It capped the first week of training camp and will send the Packers into Week 1 of the preseason, which will see the Packers play in Nashville next Saturday.
"I'd pay to watch that performance," McCarthy said of the "Family Night" practice. "It's a chance to watch your favorite football team. I was very pleased with the environment."
The Packers are deep at the wide receiver position and McCarthy challenged those battling for roster spots to "take advantage" of their opportunity.
Tight end is also a position of intense competition, and undrafted rookie Colt Lyerla made gains in the final two practices of this week, but left the field midway through the "Family Night" practice after attempting to hurdle a defender following a reception.
"I don't have any medical information for you," McCarthy said.
A reporter asked if Lyerla should've attempted to hurdle the defender.
"I think you can figure it out. There's a time to hurdle a defender. That was probably not the right time," McCarthy said.
Rookie defensive tackle Mike Pennel got a vote of confidence from the coach. "He flashed tonight," McCarthy said.
The Packers are off on Sunday and will practice in pads on Monday at 5:30 p.m. It will be the final installation practice of training camp.
"I liked tonight. I thought the environment was incredible. The players felt the juice. The energy was tremendous. I felt like we improved as a football team tonight," McCarthy said.
Additional coverage - Family Night
The Green Bay Packers held their annual Family Night practice at Lambeau Field on Saturday, August 2. Photos by Jim Biever, Packers.com.
