We're Black and Blue All Over:
Training camp PUP lists can empty quickly as players prove they are healthy and/or pass conditioning tests, but based on the numbers at least, it's going to take a while for that to happen for the Green Bay Packers. On the eve of training camp, the Packers placed seven players on the PUP and an eighth (linebacker Jamari Latttimore) on the non-football injury list.
Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com has the full list, which includes important names such as running back DuJuan Harris (cyst) to offensive lineman Dererk Sherrod (leg) to defensive lineman/linebacker Mike Neal. Harris and Sherrod weren't a total surprise, but it's not clear what is Neal's ailment.
Often players are activated within days of the start of camp, so I wouldn't get too worked up yet. All four NFC North teams will have their first training camp practice Friday.
Continuing around the NFC North:
Packers coach Mike McCarthy has made a half-dozen changes to his training camp schedule to avoid the rash of injuries the team suffered last season, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette previews the Packers' special teams.
The Minnesota Vikings plan to place receiver Greg Childs (knees) on the PUP list, notes Andrew Krammer of 1500ESPN.com.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier checked into training camp with his usual "unbridled optimism," writes Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune.
At the same time, writes Ben Goessling of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Frazier reminded reporters that only four teams have reached the playoffs in each of the past three season: New England, Baltimore, Green Bay and Atlanta.
The Detroit Lions had once hoped that Bill Nagy could replace center Dominic Raiola, but on Thursday, they waved Nagy because his injured ankle never healed. More from Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
The "inheritance tax" on Lions coach Jim Schwartz has expired, writes Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News, and "it’s completely fair to demand more now."
The Lions are looking for another receiver to step up as a playmaker during training camp, according to Justin Rogers of Mlive.com.
Schwartz made a surprising admission Thursday, notes Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press. He said he was humbled by last season's 4-12 record.
The Chicago Bears signed veteran defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson to take the roster spot left by the retired Sedrick Ellis, notes Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
Bears kick returner Devin Hester said is looking to "boost my stock" in this contract year, via Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com.
Rick Telander of the Chicago Sun-Times: "There’s no doubt it’s a new day in Bearsville. The question is: Is it a better day?"
Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune dug up this statistic: "Of the eight coaches in the last decade who have taken over teams that finished better than .500 the previous year, only one led his team to a better record, Wade Phillips in 2007 with the Cowboys."
