A Green Bay Packers draft pick was seen practicing Thursday after missing several practices due to a brain injury. The Packers have young pass catchers making up their tight end and wide receiver roster, and they need all of their guys getting reps during training camp.
Unfortunately, fifth-round pick Dontayvion Wicks has been unable to practice since last Thursday. Per WSH Media files, Wicks suffered a concussion from a hit in practice:
“On Thursday, Wicks took a “hit” from Green Bay defender Innis Gaines. While the players are not in pads and not playing full contact, the knock was enough to put Wicks into concussion protocol.”
The brain injury kept him out of practice for a week.
The Green Bay Packers get Dontayvion Wicks back to practice
According to Matt Schneidman with The Athletic, Wicks practiced Thursday.
Dontayvion Wicks is practicing after missing the last few practices with a concussion.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 3, 2023
The Green Bay Packers should expand their Guardian Cap use
Packers players should protect their heads during training camp. I’m unsure if Wicks chose to wear a Guardian Cap during last Thursday’s practice. However, he and the rest of the Packers team should consider doing so for the remainder of training camp.
Mike Florio with NBC Sports recently wrote about the possibility of players using the safety caps during regular season games. While they don’t look aesthetically pleasing, Florio pointed out they’re saving brains during training camp:
“Last year, the Guardian Caps became a common sight in the early stages of training camp. Offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, and tight ends were required to wear them at practice through the second week of the preseason. This year, they are also mandatory for running backs, and they’ll be used for the entirety of the preseason and during regular-season practices.
They have been optional for other players (like receivers), and some (like Steelers receiver George Pickens) have opted to wear them.
The reason for expanded use of the caps is simple. The caps work. Last year, concussions dropped by 52 percent during the time they were used, in comparison to the previous three-year average.”
Many of the Packers players at training camp are already mandated to wear them. Head coach Matt LaFleur should consider making the Guardian Caps a requirement for all his players this month. At the very least, his staff could heavily suggest they wear them.
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