The Green Bay Packers are full of optimism as they gear up for the 2024 season. They are confident enough to believe they can win the division for the first time since 2021.
The Detroit Lions figure to be the only thing standing in Packers’ way of claiming the division. The Vikings and Bears had (seemingly) positive off-seasons, however, to think they’ll jump the Lions or Packers with rookie quarterbacks is a big ask.
The Lions, however, recently received a punishment from the NFL and now they’re speaking out about it.
Green Bay Packers’ Division Rival Speaks Out After Violating League Rules
An on-field contact violation occurred during last month’s practice, resulting in the Lions losing one day of organized offseason workouts. Upon learning of this punishment, the Lions had a statement of their own.
According to Tom Dierberger from Sports Illustrated: “We take very seriously the rules set forth within the NFL’s Offseason Program and have worked to conduct our practices accordingly,” the Lions said in a statement Friday night. “We will continue to be vigilant with our practices moving forward.” The Lions held a three-day required minicamp earlier this week. Detroit had scheduled team activities for Monday, the final session before training camp next month, but they have been canceled.
According to the collective bargaining agreement, practices done during phase three of the offseason program—the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth weeks—are not permitted to incorporate live contact exercises. The Lions’ offseason program began with three days of OTAs on May 21-23, followed by three sessions on May 29-31. They held a mandated minicamp from June 4-6, and another three days of OTAs were set for next week, June 10-12.
While losing one practice won’t impact the 2024 regular season much, it certainly won’t help their chances.
The Packers and Lions both made playoff runs in 2023. The Packers fell just three points shy of reaching the NFC Championship game, while the Lions had their hearts broke IN the NFC Championship game.
