The Green Bay Packers opened training camp with a blend of encouraging developments and immediate concern surrounding their young players. Fifth-round rookie Jager Burton, the team’s rookie swing interior offensive lineman, left practice early during the first day of training camp activities. Burton was unable to participate in team drills.

After practice, the rookie told The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman that it was a hamstring issue, but the absence was more precautionary than anything to be concerned about long term.

Burton’s injury would create offensive line ripple effect

Burton is expected to serve as the Packers’ swing interior offensive lineman this season, making him one of the most important rookies on the roster. His early departure from practice forced adjustments across the offensive line. With left guard Aaron Banks also not practicing, Jacob Monk stepped in as the first-team left guard. Darian Kinnard filled in at right tackle because Zach Tom was still unable to participate in team activities to open camp, even though Tom was not placed on the physically unable to perform list.

The severity of Burton’s injury remains unclear, though, as the Packers have not provided a specific timeline for his return.

Cisse gets first-team reps at cornerback

The news was not all concerning for Green Bay’s rookie class. Second-round pick cornerback Brandon Cisse opened camp with the first-team defense. Keisean Nixon was not practicing due to a hamstring injury, giving Cisse the opportunity to start opposite Carrington Valentine.

Cisse earned those reps ahead of Benjamin St-Juste, who was available but still recovering from an injury of his own. The coaching staff’s decision to trust Cisse over a more experienced option on the first day of camp is a positive sign for the rookie’s development.

On the rookie front, third-round defensive tackle Chris McClellan practiced with the ones and fourth-round edge defender Dani Dennis-Sutton had some reps as a designated interior rusher, an interesting wrinkle to give the defense more versatility upfront.

MarShawn Lloyd makes his presence felt

Beyond the rookies, some of the Packers’ young non-rookie players delivered encouraging performances. Running back MarShawn Lloyd, finally healthy, operated as the No. 2 back behind Josh Jacobs and scored a rushing touchdown on the opening day of camp. He also had a fumble, but the entire group is excited about what he can deliver.

“Once we get into the preseason and going into the season, that’s a guy we need to have out there, because I know he’s going to be a special playmaker,” quarterback Jordan Love said. “Somebody that can make those big, explosive plays in the run game and the pass game. I think, for him, it’s just trying to find ways to stay healthy, and I know he’s been working hard at it.”

Lloyd’s role becomes even more significant after Green Bay allowed running back Emanuel Wilson to leave in free agency. Lloyd now projects as the primary backup running back, and a strong, healthy training camp could solidify his spot in the Packers’ offensive plans. His ability to stay on the field will be hugely important for a team that needs reliable depth behind Jacobs heading into the season.