King's ascension once again halted by hamstring injury

-- Two years in the league and a trip to injured reserve each year has made the future a little foggy for Green Bay Packers cornerback Kevin King.

Unfortunately, the fog worsened into heavy, gloomy clouds of smog that loom over King's status with the team on Sunday. Head coach Matt LaFleur offered little specifics in regards to a "new" hamstring injury King has been dealing with lately in training camp.

"It's one of those things," LaFleur said after practice. "We'll know a little bit more in the next couple of days."

It's a vague diagnosis -- for now -- but a telling one nonetheless. Especially when it pertains to King, whose 2018 season was shortened by a hamstring injury that resulted in his second consecutive trip to injured reserve.

The Packers selected King with the No. 33 overall pick in 2017, and no matter how high his ceiling, his potential has truly yet to be realized. He had offseason shoulder surgery prior to the beginning of his rookie campaign, which ultimately lingered into the regular season and prompted the Packers to shut King down by December.

King's sophomore season with the Packers saw him suffer a groin injury in a week two meeting against the Minnesota Vikings. The aforementioned hamstring injury that occurred several weeks later, however, wrapped up his season.

King has played in just 15 games through the first two years of his career -- not even good enough for a full season. Typically, repetitive injuries coupled with the inability to stay on the field for extensive periods of time would lead to a shortened tenure with a team for any player. But given the draft capital invested in King and the promise that he's shown in limited snaps, it could be in the Packers' best interest to keep him around.

The Packers wouldn't be biting much of a bullet if they did opt to move on from King anywhere between now and final roster cut-downs in September. He's still on his rookie deal and is only on the books for a cap hit in 2019 worth $1.9 million dollars. Additionally, with a renovated pass rush that has more than looked the part on paper and through training camp, the dependency for high levels of talent at the cornerback position may not seem as vital.

As of now, the Packers' situation at cornerback is far from sub-optimal.

2018 draft picks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson are both expected to be major contributors for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine this season, with Alexander's sights set on All-Pro status.

Tramon Williams, the elder statesman of the Packers' roster, will likely enter the season as the starting slot option. Tony Brown, a second-year, undrafted -- and confident -- defender who played meaningful snaps -- and well -- last season is emerging as a top candidate to continue doing so in 2019.

The Packers used a sixth-round on Ka'Dar Hollman in April's draft and he's occasionally played snaps with the first-team defense in training camp.

Chandon Sullivan, a second-year player who spent his first season in the league with the Philadelphia Eagles, and rookie Nydair Rouse are a couple of other players at the position who could very well see themselves cracking the Packers' final roster with a strong preseason.

Of course, it would benefit the Packers greatly to keep the 6-3 King in the room. Of every player to play cornerback for the Packers the last two seasons, King ranks fourth with seven passes defended. That's behind both Alexander and Jackson -- who have played just one season -- as well as Damarious Randall's nine in 2017.

If the Packers are able to net some kind of draft capital in return for King, exploring any and all avenues of a potential trade or roster move that would give King a fresh start elsewhere could be best for both parties. But this boils down to the severity of the hamstring injury and the Packers' willingness to proceed with the group behind King. The Packers' delicate handling of soft-tissue injuries has been well-documented and could certainly be one of the biggest factors here. 

__________________________

Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

2 points
 

Comments (75)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
StantheFan's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:08 am

He’s just not built to play football. The mind is willing the body clearly isn’t.

6 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:44 pm

Not sure if his mind is.
Haven't liked his attitude for a long time.
I want guys who u have to drag them off the field.
He's far from that.
Talented sure.

Sell your #20 jerseys.

-9 points
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ricky's picture

August 05, 2019 at 01:52 pm

Sounds a lot like Clay Matthews. Great player, but you couldn't count on him for an entire season. It seemed that every year, it was another hamstring problem. As far as having to "drag someone off the field", that happens when a player can't run because they're injured. Like Matthews. Or Bulaga. Or, recently, Rodgers. Maybe its time to clean house and get rid of all these malingerers. And by the way, too bad Adams wasn't cut, as so many demanded, after his second, injury filled season. What's the hurry? There is still a month before the season starts. Stay optimistic until the Packers lose two in a row. Then panic. Training camp is too early for this kind of unseemly blather.

2 points
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Gforcetrivers's picture

August 05, 2019 at 05:24 pm

A lot of those functioned at least for a few years before breaking down.

0 points
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Hawg Hanner's picture

August 05, 2019 at 05:35 pm

I can't see how you can say anything about attitude. What good are you when you can't run? What you can say is there is a problem with the trainers and how they handled King. I would like to see the statistics on hamstring injuries by team. My bet is the Packers are near the top. These guys need to do yoga and a lot more stretching and strengthening on the upper legs

3 points
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MWendlandt's picture

August 05, 2019 at 07:26 pm

You mean like when he played through a dislocated shoulder his rookie year, leading with it and making some powerful tackles, and didn't stop until the coaches and medical staff literally made him sit? His toughness isn't in question.

4 points
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Bearmeat's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:22 am

King is quickly entering "bust" territory. He needs to play 16 games, and play well, or it will be time to move on. Either Jackson or one of the UDFA's will have to step up.

10 points
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Lare's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:57 am

Maybe King & Nick Perry can get together and play cards, neither one is playing football right now.

3 points
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meatstyk's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:24 am

Jackson ain’t showing much either

4 points
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Bearmeat's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:47 am

He's seemingly a pretty poor fit for Pettine's man coverage base... Could we have another Casey Heyward and Micah Hyde situation on our hands? Should he be a Free Safety or exclusively a Zone Corner?

-3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:02 pm

Pretty good fit on the perimeter. All this is somewhat silly. If he is long term injured, that’s one thing. See JS was suggesting it’s a minor issue. Chill. This gives others a chance to get reps and show, notably Brown, who will benefit from those reps.

1 points
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Leo Van Groll's picture

August 06, 2019 at 03:05 pm

The guy is best in press coverage. He also excelled in college in the slot covering athletic TEs. He absolutely fits Pettine's d.

1 points
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Lare's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:59 am

Haven't seen anything as to the extent of Jackson's injury, just that he hurt his foot during the offseason.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:06 pm

LaFleur said last week that he was close. A Jones sprinted into practice yesterday, but is still out. Crosby said today that he has been effectively kicking just as he would in practice but they held him out for twinging when running. I think the Packers are just being tenfold cautious twice over.

1 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:25 am

I understand the frustration and I know where the majority of comments will lead. I too am frustrated by King's potential and the thought of him pairing with Jaire being shut down corners with the vastly improved pass rush = exciting!

However, players sometimes go thru streaks of injury (aka Matthew's during his best years with hamstring injuries) but eventually overcome them and play without relapse. Let's give King some time based on his talent and potential and hope for recovery. In meantime Brown and some young players showing promise get wonderful opportunities.

6 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:46 pm

This is already year-3. Next year is the final on his rookie deal.
He's almost out of time.
I'm sick of that guy.

Trade him for some cheerleaders.

-8 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:07 pm

How do you feel about Jones or Davis?

0 points
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MWendlandt's picture

August 05, 2019 at 07:29 pm

We never get the full details about the true nature of any of these injuries. But if you want to move on because of a rough stretch to start a career, how about we move on from Aaron Jones? He's had knee injuries his entire career. And did you say the same about Aaron Rodgers back in 2005-2007 when he consistently got hurt even when he wasn't starting? Even the real Eddie Lee is shaking his head at your comment.

2 points
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Leo Van Groll's picture

August 06, 2019 at 03:06 pm

Well said.

0 points
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Cubbygold's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:35 am

1 - Jackson being a 'major contributor' is wishful thinking
2 - King having trade value is right there with everyone thinking GB was going to turn Hundley into a 3rd rounder
3 - TW needs to be depth, not an everyday starter
4 - Pass rush or no pass rush, strong CB play is vital

If King isn't looking like he can be a strong healthy contributor, Gute needs to use some of that Daniels money to find a replacement

1 points
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GBPDAN1's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:31 pm

I have to agree with you CubbyG. At this point I'm not going to count on King at all. The guy is obviously to fragile. He's basically a non factor and the Jury is still out on Jackson, and he hasn't even practiced yet.

Really hope the youngster CBs are ready to play in regular season NFL games. I hope BG has his eye on a possible addition to the CB group.

0 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:46 pm

Agreed.
2 clowns thumbed u down for that? Viqueen fans in here?

-5 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:11 pm

Lol, if you can’t take a thumbs down, maybe you would fit the queens better, as would your hysteria. I will go back and add one just for the scale of the overreaction capped by your hubris.

3 points
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stockholder's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:36 am

He can play. Until we see better, Be patient.

8 points
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2
PatrickGB's picture

August 05, 2019 at 10:59 am

The same body that makes him a bit of a freak at CB also may lead to some of his injuries. The stress on his body that comes from overextending his tall frame may lead to some of his injuries. I am no expert but I have struggled with my own soft tissue injuries because I did not put any work into stretching and proper recovery time. My hope is that he gets the right treatment and heals soon.
P.S. Both Jones and Williams have pulled hammies too. Maybe the trainers need to look at strategies for preventing them.

6 points
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Lare's picture

August 05, 2019 at 11:02 am

"Maybe the trainers need to look at strategies for preventing them."

I wouldn't bet on it. The Packers had alot of soft tissue injuries last year and they kept the same strength & conditioning staff.

2 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:27 pm

It’s ridiculous to think that the training staff isn’t obsessing over soft tissue injuries, given the history. This has got to be s major topic of discussion and research.

3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:13 pm

At some point though, research should yield benefits. Ridiculous number of hamstring issues among pro athletes in a short period.

0 points
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dobber's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:33 pm

Has anyone looked into any of the other teams and their camps to find out how many soft hammies/calves/obliques they're dealing with? We seem to think that the Packers are unique. Data shows that the Packers run around league average or even better with regard to player games missed due to injury.

sportfacts.org/nfl-injuries-by-team/

Most of these players have their own trainers, their own off-season strength, conditioning, and flexibility regimens, yet we want to get after team training staff for them getting hurt when they come to camp? That's like getting mad at your dentist when he/she says you have cavities.

4 points
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carlos's picture

August 05, 2019 at 04:30 pm

I think it’s part of fast paced sports. Seems to be around the league. They are such fast twitch athletes I imagine stress can cause some minor to even major soft tissue issues. Also it’s an individual thing. Some guys don’t get hurt much and are durable. Some just fight through minor injuries. Baseball game layers have hammy issues at times. Basketball seems to be ankles a lot. All part of it, it seems.

1 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 05, 2019 at 05:29 pm

I think there’s a lot of people who don’t really appreciate how common injuries are. When we were discussing Nick Perry always being hurt I did some digging and found he actually had slightly better than average availability for that position..

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 05, 2019 at 09:46 pm

He played a bunch of games with a club on his hand, too... ;)

1 points
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Lare's picture

August 05, 2019 at 05:41 pm

With four players out already, (King, Jones, Williams, Donnerson), I can only assume the training staff is out to set an NFL record for most players out with soft tissue injuries in a given year. Unfortunately, they have a pretty good start.

-2 points
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Oppy's picture

August 05, 2019 at 07:26 pm

Beat me to the punch, Dobber!

Fans tend to forget that these guys are playing pro football.

Muscles get strained, pulled, tore. It's inevitable that there will be soft tissue injuries, despite even the most rigorous conditioning, stretching, training.

The stresses these professional athletes subject their bodies to is pretty severe.

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 05, 2019 at 09:46 pm

Agreed. They might train themselves to death in the off-season, but it's hard to replicate the change of direction, contact, pursuit/exertion, straining muscles, moving off-balance that goes with in-game movement...and what's more, teams wouldn't WANT them doing it on their own (meaning contact and risking injury) in the off-season.

1 points
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4zone's picture

August 05, 2019 at 11:26 am

It all stems from the focus on power to the weight room. It tends toward binding up with all that muscle mass. They need a stretch guru to keep these guys limber and hydrated enough. The instability of grass vs turf is probably also a contributor.

3 points
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sonomaca's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:30 pm

Ok, this is like me giving Brooks Koepka swing tips or my mom giving Kyle Busch driving tips.

8 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:48 pm

He doesn't look like he spends much time in the weight room.

-3 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:18 pm

lol, really?

1 points
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1
Leo Van Groll's picture

August 06, 2019 at 03:09 pm

what's confusing is that he had no injury issues in college. He only missed 3 games as a 4 year starter.

0 points
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egbertsouse's picture

August 05, 2019 at 11:07 am

I agree with the GM (whose name I can’t remember, sorry) whose motto is “Get ‘em good or get ‘em gone.” He said you have 3 years to do this in today’s NFL. King needs to prove his value this year or be gone.

2 points
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PackfanNY's picture

August 05, 2019 at 11:51 am

In other news grass is green.

2 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:00 pm

BUST BUST BUST.

U can feel it!!!

1 points
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Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:01 pm

Don't count on King.

3 points
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

August 05, 2019 at 02:06 pm

He keeps the trainer & manicurist busy.

-4 points
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stockholder's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:16 pm

Been shotgunning to many beers Doug.

3 points
3
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Aubrey's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:02 pm

I see TJ made the. NFL's top 100. I know that it's churlish but we really needed a pass rusher that year.

0 points
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3
blue eyes's picture

August 05, 2019 at 04:39 pm

Could've also resigned Breeland for cheap and taken Derwin James last draft and saved a ton of money with a better player. Same with Tj on a rookie contract and not needing one or both Smith's.

-3 points
1
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dobber's picture

August 05, 2019 at 09:49 pm

Roster building in retrospect is easy.

1 points
1
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packerbacker-53's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:38 pm

Not happy. This guy needs a better nutritionist or personal trainer or something because his body breaks too easy. I was really looking forward to King and Alexander out there. Hammy injuries last all season

3 points
4
1
EddieLeeIvory's picture

August 05, 2019 at 02:14 pm

Brittle King must be in here as I see a lot of thumbs down to people who are sick of this guy.
He's fraile. A string bean. Mentally fragile too. I know 3 Packer fans who have been blocked by him on Twitter. He sees the critics.
Toughen up Kev. This is football.

-1 points
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Lare's picture

August 05, 2019 at 02:56 pm

I'm not surprised. Players like King have lots of time on their hands in the training room to be checking out Twitter.

0 points
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3
Coldworld's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:24 pm

Lol. I think ELI might be having block anger. To the original point, that is something that the team should be overseeing for all their personnel as a matter of course. It’s integral to strength and conditioning. I’m sure that they do, but I am not sure that they are doing it well.

0 points
1
1
Oppy's picture

August 05, 2019 at 07:33 pm

Mentally frail? LOL.
He's an NFL CB. You get left out on an island against top tier WRs, and if you screw up, it's points on the board. Then you line up and do it again.

Blocking ass-hat fans who troll you on twitter doesn't make you mentally fragile, it probably means you're an adult who has better things to do than put up with some rando losers talking sh*t when you're trying to stay positive and carve out a niche for yourself in.. wait for it.. PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL.

What's your pro football resume look like?

2 points
3
1
dobber's picture

August 05, 2019 at 09:54 pm

Why is he obliged to keep Twitter followers who piss him off? If you want to block s#!theads who do nothing but make you miserable, why shouldn't he?

...except me, of course, because I don't have a Twitter account.

"What's your pro football resume look like?"

A 8.5x11 inch sheet of blank paper!

1 points
1
0
Aubrey's picture

August 06, 2019 at 03:55 am

I know that my comment in particular is a little redundant but it comes from a place of long-standing frustration. I think King could be a fine cornerback, but at the time (and not in retrospect) I thought that pressurising the quarterback was the most significant gap on the roster. If we assume that Z. Smith stays healthy, I feel that we may finally see that change and I welcome the change.

1 points
1
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Aubrey's picture

August 06, 2019 at 04:12 am

I have now abandoned the CheeseheadTV app. Every time I reply to a fellow contributer my comment is placed below an entirely unrelated post and I look like a thundering idiot. I am fine with appearing to be an idiot, but would prefer that I have earned that privilege without mechanical aid.

2 points
2
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johngalt's picture

August 05, 2019 at 01:49 pm

keep him around until the start of the reg. season, then give Dorsey a call. If we get a 6th rounder for him- great. Tough to make plays from the tub.

0 points
2
2
Lphill's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:52 pm

TJ Watt , although he has had injury issues at least he makes an impact. King makes no impact.

-1 points
2
3
PeteK's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:56 pm

We will definitely make a move to get some CB reinforcements by the end of pre season as teams cut down. With nickel and dime packages at least three good CBs are needed, we have two. If our receivers keep playing well, a trade might be in order.

1 points
1
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albert999's picture

August 05, 2019 at 12:59 pm

King can go play for the queens
Dump him fast

0 points
2
2
PAPackerbacker's picture

August 05, 2019 at 02:01 pm

Sad to think about, but if King is always hurt then it may be time to move on. He's no good to the team if he is sitting on the bench nursing yet another injury instead of out on the field. I like the talented young man, but it's a business and the team's needs are priority over an individual player who is injury prone and can't contribute but only 15 games in 2 years. If he can't recover from this hamstring injury before the season starts then the Packers need to find someone who can step in and play.

1 points
3
2
greengold's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:15 pm

Glad to hear the Packers mgmt felt they avoided a serious injury here, and that he should be back sometime soon.

I don't get people busting his chops for injuries he had suffered, especially with Ted Thompson knowing when he drafted him that he already had a shoulder injury. Kevin King has been trying, and it sounds like the Packers were just being cautious with him. Good.

Finally, we have some smart people running this ship.

2 points
4
2
hobowilly's picture

August 05, 2019 at 04:40 pm

thank-you. Let's allow the new coaches have a chance to deal with this subject. I've been sharing, what about the training staff, yet, they aren't miracle workers but there's been little turnover in the past several years.

0 points
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greengold's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:18 pm

CB is an incredibly difficult position to play, and nearly all of them suffer injuries to varying degrees. Kevin King has some incredible skills for a man his size. He also has worked very hard to improve his strength and conditioning entering into this season.

Give the guy a break. Hopefully he comes back healthy and has a great season here in GB.

3 points
5
2
dobber's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:38 pm

Apparently not deemed to be serious...

jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2019/08/05/packers-notes-kevin-king-expected-back-soon-hamstring-injury/1921011001/

1 points
1
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EddieLeeIvory's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:21 pm

I wonder if any other teams have any highly drafted talented guys who are always hurt & maybe we could swap disappointments.

We are fairly deep at CB as Nagler just alluded to on his chat.
ILB maybe?
OT? Throw in Spriggs.

-4 points
0
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Coldworld's picture

August 05, 2019 at 03:29 pm

We are deep. That means we can chill out, at least until we know if this or any other injury is likely to cause a player to miss significant time.

I’m hearing rumors that it’s not expected to be a long absence. If true, some of the above is going to look pretty darn silly.

2 points
3
1
Doug Niemczynski's picture

August 05, 2019 at 04:15 pm

He will be nursing that hamstring all season long.

3 points
3
0
Doc's picture

August 05, 2019 at 04:22 pm

Some pro NFLers and Rugby players are utilizing pilates reformers as a means of conditioning that counters the fast twitch strength movements that these these types of athletes utilize. Joseph Pilates was the inventor. Many dancers utilized Joe's pilates reformers at his studio. It works in preventing and rehabbing injuries. Pilates studios are opening all around the country. I know some Packers do Yoga, but I think the pilates reformer and other pilates machines would be superior.

0 points
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Gforcetrivers's picture

August 05, 2019 at 05:22 pm

Its time to cut bait!

-4 points
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Mannix's picture

August 05, 2019 at 06:18 pm

This is really unfortunate. This guy is a legit no. 1 shutdown corner when healthy. Hoping for the best. What more can a person do at this point? Feel bad for the young man.

4 points
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MWendlandt's picture

August 05, 2019 at 07:32 pm

I get the frustration, but it's early on in Camp and the team is playing it safe, like with Aaron Jones. Anything that could even be remotely off will lead to a player being held out of practice. We know that King is a very good corner who will start opposite Alexander this year. The priority is for him to be ready for Chicago. If that means playing it smart with a hamstring strain or pull in early August, so be it.

3 points
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AgrippaLII's picture

August 05, 2019 at 08:59 pm

On the plus side...it means more snaps for the next man up. On the negative side...as already noted...hamstring issues seem to last the whole season and get progressively worse. If King can't stay on the field this year I think Gutekunst will look for his replacement in next year's draft.

1 points
1
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Lphill's picture

August 06, 2019 at 05:36 am

Would rather have had Breeland than King.

0 points
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