The Green Bay Packers have released their 2026 training camp schedule, inviting fans to observe the team in action as players report for preseason duties. Rookies will report two days before veterans, with the first practice slated for July 29. Open sessions for the public are scheduled from July 29 through July 31, with additional practices on August 2-4, 7, 10-11, 16, 18, 24, and 26.
Family Night will take place on August 7 at Lambeau Field, giving fans a special, high-energy workout under Friday night lights. The final open practice on August 26 will feature a joint session with the Arizona Cardinals ahead of the Packers’ preseason finale on August 28 in Green Bay.
The August 28 preseason game against the Cardinals marks the Packers’ lone home preseason matchup. The team will play two more exhibition games on the road: August 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and August 21 against the Denver Broncos. The regular season opener is scheduled for September 13, with Green Bay traveling to face the Minnesota Vikings.
Preseason Matchup and Coaching Storylines
One notable feature of the Packers’ preseason is a coaching matchup between brothers Matt LaFleur and Mike LaFleur. MattLaFleur, the Packers’ head coach, will coach Green Bay against his younger brother Mike LaFleur, who is in his first year as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. This head-to-head clash adds an extra layer of intrigue to the exhibition slate.
Attendance and Practice Accessibility
Fans will have fewer open practices than in some recent years. This season features 13 open sessions in July and August, compared with 14 in 2025 and 16 in 2024. The selection still provides opportunities for fans to witness team drills, situational work, and evaluating how players stack up as the season approaches.
Key Preseason Focus: Edge-Rushing Depth
A central storyline for Green Bay this preseason centers on the edge-rushing group. The team is navigating the possibility of limited availability at outside linebacker due to injuries and roster changes. A notable factor is the status of a prominent pass rusher who sustained an injury, potentially delaying the start of the season. If this player is sidelined or limited, the Packers may rely more heavily on other veterans and young players to bolster the edge rush.
Lukas Van Ness has emerged as a potential top option for the position. The former first-round pick battled injuries last season, appearing in nine games and starting two of them. Through 43 career appearances, Van Ness has accumulated 8.5 sacks. Early reports from off-season activities indicate that he has looked stronger and more efficient than in previous seasons, signaling growth and readiness to contribute more prominently.
Nevertheless, the Packers’ defensive front remains thinner at the edge due to the absence of an established starter from recent years and the team’s decision to move on from a former edge-rushing presence in the offseason. This situation has prompted speculation about adding a veteran pass-rusher before the regular season begins. Potential targets in free agency have included notable names known for their rushing prowess, offering the Packers a path to deepen the rotation and improve pass defense.
Outlook for September and Beyond
As training camp unfolds, coaches will evaluate depth at outside linebacker, rotational versatility, and how Van Ness complements veteran players along the edge. The team will also monitor progress from the overall defensive front, ensuring there is enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks without compromising run defense.
The Packers’ plans for the preseason will set the tone for how they approach the early part of the regular season. Fans can expect a combination of development opportunities for younger players and evaluations aimed at strengthening the roster for a competitive campaign.
Note: This article summarizes publicly released camp dates and preseason itineraries and discusses anticipated roster considerations based on standard football evaluation practices. It avoids external promotional content and focuses on factual schedule details, player development, and coaching matchups relevant to Green Bay’s preseason activities.
