GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Between now and the Green Bay Packers' first training camp practice on July 30, we will break down each position group.
Next up, tight ends.
Returning players: Andrew Quarless, Richard Rodgers, Justin Perillo.
Gone from last season: Brandon Bostick.
New this season: Kennard Backman (sixth-round pick), Mitchell Henry (rookie free agent), Harold Spears (rookie free agent).
Position coach: Jerry Fontenot (fourth season, previously coached running backs in 2011 and was an assistant offensive line coach from 2006-10).
Biggest issue: The Packers are sticking with Quarless despite his July 4 arrest and misdemeanor charge of firing a gun in public. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers raved about Quarless' during the offseason program, saying "I think Andrew’s had a great camp. He really made some jumps last year. Not enough targets for him, but I think if he keeps playing the way that he's playing right now -- he's playing very fast, he's really been detailing his routes and he's been one of the top guys that's showed out in the offseason program." Still, Quarless could face a suspension from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's personal conduct policy, meaning the Packers might need help at this position.
Player to watch: Rodgers had an uneven rookie season yet showed flashes of the athleticism the Packers liked when they picked him in the third round of the 2014 draft. In two of the final three games last year (including playoffs), he actually played more snaps than Quarless.
Medical report: Perillo missed the second half of the offseason program with an undisclosed injury. It's unclear whether he will be ready for the start of training camp.
Help wanted: The Packers might not be done adding tight ends. According to NFL Network, free-agent Jermaine Gresham visited Green Bay on Thursday. The former Cincinnati Bengals starter also has visited the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints since he had back surgery in March.
Quotable: "It's interesting, because each one of these kids bring something to the table," Fontenot said of his group this offseason. "They all work very hard, they're very smart, which to say that about one position is pretty rare. Each one of these kids is very smart, and they make my job easier from that aspect. I hope they continue to improve, continue to make the most of every opportunity because they certainly deserve to help the team and we deserve to have them."
Previous installments
Part 1: Quarterbacks
Part 2: Running backs
Part 3: Receivers
