Thursday’s NFL: Bennett adding life to Packers
Green Bay, Wis. — Martellus Bennett finished dressing at his locker and turned around to face the media, wearing a foam cheesehead atop his head.
Just one practice into his first training camp with the Green Bay Packers, and the pass-catching tight end is already turning into a dynamic personality in the locker room.
He’s an enticing target on the field for quarterback Aaron Rodgers with his athletic build and 6-foot-6 frame.
“I think, No. 1, we all like personality. This is a tough business. You spend a lot of time, so creativity and laughter are definitely good things to have in your culture,” coach Mike McCarthy said before practice on Thursday. “He’s a big personality and I think he’s fitting in very well with our football team.”
Getting to Lambeau Field early to report looks good to coaches and teammates, too.
Bennett arrived at Lambeau early Wednesday morning, hours before players were supposed to report. Instead of checking into a hotel, he just slept at his locker.
He didn’t get much rest.
“It’s kind of weird sleeping in a corporate environment, you never get too comfortable. I (liken) it to ‘Winnie-the-Pooh it,’ which is just sleep in like a hoodie and nothing else, like Winnie the Pooh,” said Bennett.
It’s no surprise that he made such a reference considering the eclectic Bennett has also written a new children’s comic book .
“I always tell guys, ‘Don’t try to understand me. Just enjoy me while I’m here.’ But for the most part, I’m the same person every single day, so they kind of know. I usually say, ‘BYOE: Bring your own energy.’ But if you need some, come over to Marty and I can run a little off on you,” Bennett said.
On the field, Rodgers targeted Bennett early during the roughly 2 1/2-hour practice.
The additions of Bennett and Lance Kendricks in free agency give the Packers the kind of productive and experienced depth at tight end they haven’t had in years.
“When you have a guy like that in the locker room, that’s just — words can’t describe how much that’s needed in the locker room,” teammate Mike Daniels said. “I’m definitely excited to have his type of energy and personality on this team.”
Extra points
Minutes after Teddy Bridgewater’s left knee dislocated beneath him, the result of one bad step on a routine drop-back during practice nearly a year ago, the Vikings QB was hustled into an ambulance.
Head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman went with him. Bridgewater’s promising NFL career was hanging in the balance. The fate of his leg was, too.
“I’m pretty sure both of us were pretty nervous about that conversation,” Bridgewater said in his first media address since the massive injury shook the organization 331 days ago.
“I’m glad everyone reacted in a timely manner and we were able to save my leg, if that’s what you want to call it.”
... First-round pick Reuben Foster has been cleared to go for the 49ers after missing the offseason program rehabilitating his injured right shoulder.
No. 3 overall pick Solomon Thomas remained unsigned as his teammates reported for training camp.
... Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, who explored purchasing the Miami Marlins last year, says the sale price is too high and he’s no longer interested.
Owner Jeffrey Loria has been publicly shopping the Marlins since February but hasn’t found a buyer.
... Ravens offensive lineman John Urschel has retired from the NFL after just three seasons and will pursue other interests outside of football.
Urschel, a former fifth round pick from Penn State in 2014, received attention for pursuing his doctorate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the offseason.
... The Steelers and left tackle Alejandro Villanueva have agreed to a four-year contract that will keep the former Army Ranger protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s blindside for the rest of the decade.
Villanueva, an Army graduate who served in Afghanistan, started every game for the defending AFC North champions last season.
... Linebacker Erik Walden has agreed to a deal with the Titans the day before Tennessee reports for training camp, according to his agent.
Walden had a career-high 11 sacks last season for Indianapolis and became a free agent this offseason.
... Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has accepted his one-game suspension for an offseason misdemeanor conviction, and teared up on Thursday over the unwavering support he’s received from Bengals owner Mike Brown.