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Packers' Newcomer Points Out Key Differences Between HC LaFleur and Josh McDaniels After 6 Months Joining Packers

The summer of 2025 marked a major turning point in Josh Jacobs’ career, as the star running back officially parted ways with the Las Vegas Raiders and signed with the Green Bay Packers. Just a few weeks into training camp in Wisconsin, Jacobs has already felt the sharp contrast between the two head coaches he’s worked under: Matt LaFleur and Josh McDaniels.

“Coach McDaniels is a guy with a very disciplined football philosophy. Everything was structured, clear, and by the book. I learned a lot about detail, especially how to read opposing defenses,” Jacobs told The Athletic.

However, the excitement in his voice was clear when talking about his new head coach in Green Bay.

“Coach LaFleur is completely different. He builds an environment where players are truly allowed to be themselves. He listens, he collaborates, and he gives everyone room to maximize their strengths. Every practice isn’t just about reps — it’s about learning, growing, and building trust as a team.”

Jacobs specifically emphasized how quickly LaFleur helped him adapt to the new offensive system:

“I came in with a lot of questions, but Coach made everything click. He doesn’t just want me to run the ball — he wants me to be a core piece of the entire scheme, from play-action to pass protection. That trust? That fuels me.”

A New Beginning in Lambeau

At age 27, Josh Jacobs still has several prime years ahead of him, and the Packers believe he’s the perfect piece to strengthen their offense built around quarterback Jordan Love.

Jacobs admitted:

“I never imagined Green Bay would be my next stop, but from the first day I got here, it just felt right. Coach LaFleur, this locker room, and the fight in Lambeau — it’s reignited something in me.”

The 2025 season is quickly approaching, and the Packers are counting on Jacobs to become a true bell-cow back as they push for an NFC North title — and beyond.

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Packers Elevate WR Hidden Gem to Active Roster After Bears Offer to Steal Him
Green Bay, WI – 2025 The Chicago Bears’ search for immediate wide-receiver help almost netted them a youngster from inside the NFC North. But the Green Bay Packers weren’t about to let him walk. According to multiple reports, the Bears sought to sign Will Sheppard off Green Bay’s practice squad—an NFL-legal “poach” that would have placed him directly on Chicago’s 53-man roster. League rules allow such moves only to the active roster (not another practice squad), and a poached player must count on the new team’s 53 for three games (with a three-week salary guarantee). Instead, the Packers moved decisively on Tuesday—promoting Sheppard to their own active roster. The call-up keeps the 23-year-old in house and removes the risk of losing him to a division rival at a moment of need.  Who is the “hidden gem”? Sheppard is a 6-3 receiver who starred at Vanderbilt and later Colorado before turning pro. Green Bay signed him July 22, 2025, waived him during final cuts, and then re-signed him to the practice squad on Aug. 27. He’s been wearing No. 82 in camp and preseason.  For the Packers, the promotion is about protecting an asset and fortifying depth while injuries ebb and flow—particularly with recent shuffling at wideout early in the season. For Sheppard, it’s a chance to stick on Sundays, likely beginning on special teams and as a situational chain-mover while he competes for offensive snaps behind the established rotation. If he converts his preseason flashes into game-day production, Green Bay may have uncovered a developmental receiver who can help now and grow into a larger role down the line.