Green Bay Packers cornerback Kamal Hadden is set to return to the practice field Sunday after spending the early portion of training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
Hadden missed the team’s offseason program and the first three practices of camp while recovering from a serious lower-leg injury sustained late last season. The setback occurred Dec. 27 during a game against the Baltimore Ravens when he attempted a tackle.
Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the move before Sunday’s session, noting that Hadden has handled the long recovery process with maturity and focus. LaFleur said the young defensive back was challenged by the injury but responded in a positive way that has prepared him to compete again.
The injury involved breaks to both the tibia and fibula along with a dislocated ankle, ending Hadden’s 2025 campaign and keeping him sidelined through the spring and early summer. He has spent months rehabbing in Green Bay to regain strength and confidence.
On Friday, Hadden indicated through social media that he felt close to being ready for a return. Team officials have monitored his progress carefully, understanding that any player coming back from such a significant issue faces some uncertainty.
LaFleur expressed confidence that Hadden’s approach to rehabilitation positions him well to regain his previous form. The coach highlighted how the experience has influenced the cornerback’s overall development and mindset.
“He’s really matured, handles his business the right way,” coach Matt LaFleur said Sunday. “Just going back, he was challenged and he answered the bell. That’s always a really cool thing to see. I think it’s really impacted his ability to go out and play.”
Hadden first joined the Packers after being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2024 draft out of Tennessee. He was waived by Kansas City and later signed with Green Bay, where he gradually earned more opportunities.
Last season, he appeared in 10 games for the Packers, logging 37 snaps on defense and 66 on special teams while recording five tackles. He also contributed earlier in limited roles after spending time on the practice squad as a rookie.
The Packers’ cornerback group remains competitive heading into the new year. The team parted ways with Nate Hobbs in the offseason and brought in veteran Benjamin St-Juste along with draft selections Brandon Cisse and Domani Jackson to bolster the secondary.
Hadden’s return adds another body to that mix at a time when depth is valued, especially with training camp practices intensifying and preseason games approaching. Players and coaches have noted his work ethic throughout the recovery period.
The lengthy rehabilitation process required both physical effort and mental resilience. Hadden has spoken previously about relying on faith and consistent hard work to push through the challenges of being sidelined.
Sunday’s practice marks his first on-field activity with the team since the December injury. While the exact timeline for full participation in team drills remains a medical decision, his activation from the PUP list signals meaningful progress.
LaFleur has praised Hadden’s growth in handling professional responsibilities, viewing the recovery as an opportunity that has strengthened the player’s approach to the game. The organization will continue evaluating him as camp continues.
For a player who has taken a non-traditional path to establishing himself in the NFL, this step represents another chapter in building a role with the Packers. Fans and teammates will watch closely to see how quickly he can reintegrate into the defensive rotation.
