Green Bay The Green Bay Packers first off-season practice on Wednesday did not have many surprises as far as participation, according to sources.
The session was closed to the media and the public. The first open practice is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Wednesday on Clarke Hinkle Field, weather permitting.
As expected linebacker Nick Barnett (right ACL), defensive end Cullen Jenkins (left ankle) and left tackle Chad Clifton (knees) watched practice as they continue to recover from surgeries.
There were three mild surprises among those that did not participate: center Scott Wells and both safeties, Nick Collins and Atari Bigby.
Collins did not attend the session and did not respond via text message when he might rejoin the team. Collins is dealing with a serious family issue that involves him being away from the team. Collins has also expressed his desire for a new contract as he heads into the final year of his current deal.
The Packers have made the re-signing of wide receiver Greg Jennings their top priority. Jennings, despite not having a new contract, did practice.
Wells and Bigby, who attended practice, are likely being brought along slowly as they rehab from off-season surgeries.
Wells had shoulder surgery in January. Coach Mike McCarthy has already said Jason Spitz will be given the opportunity to compete with Wells, who has battled injuries the past two seasons, for the starting center position.
Bigby was thought to be fully recovered from Dec. 26 surgery on his ankle. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said via Twitter recently that Bigby was healthy and ready to make some big hits again.
The return of defensive tackle/end Justin Harrell to the field was probably the biggest surprise. It is not clear how much Harrell practiced, but his inclusion means the Packers passed him on his physical and feel better about his chronic back problems.
Harrell last appeared in a game on Dec. 7 against Houston. He has appeared in 13 of a possible 32 games since being the 16th overall pick in 2007.
Breno Giacomini was able to do some drills as he recovers from ankle surgery. The second-year player is in the mix for the starting right tackle position.
And tight end Evan Moore, who missed all of last season after knee surgery, also participated in practice.