Five Key Things To Watch In Camp: Number 4 - Starting TE

The countdown to training camp continues and I'm returning to a subject I've written a lot about this offseason: who will start at tight end for the Packers?

The current players on the roster are a bit underwhelming, which is a problem because whoever starts will see a lot of passes thrown his way based on the number of times QB Aaron Rodgers has targeted the tight end position over the past few seasons.

Feel for @JermichaelF88 in wanting to play, but know firsthand how (admirably) conservative GB medical staff is concerning head/neck.
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) July 17, 2014

A lot has been written about TE Jermichael Finley, who may be medically cleared to play by at least some NFL teams, but he still has to decide whether to accept one of the modest offers he's received or retire and collect his insurance money. While Finley was in Green Bay last week, it doesn't appear that he met with any member of the Packers other than the team's doctor.

The starting job still appears to be a battle between rookie TE Richard Rodgers and the recently re-signed TE Andrew Quarless, though the position is wide open, which opens the door for someone like Brandon Bostick, if he has a strong preseason.

Because of the importance of the tight end in the passing game, the battle to determine who starts will have a big impact on how effective the offense might be next season.