Thursday, October 16, 2008
Practice notes: Rodgers throws
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw a couple of dozen balls during the jog-through portion of practice open to reporters on a chilly morning at Clarke Hinkle Field.
Rodgers, whose throwing has been limited in recent weeks because of a sprained shoulder, didn't put much on the first handful of passes but opened it up somewhat as practice went on. Reporters aren't allowed to watch team periods, so it's unclear how much throwing Rodgers did after we left.
Since Rodgers didn't throw at all in practice last week, his work today has to be considered a sign his shoulder is making progress. Coach Mike McCarthy said on Wednesday this would be the only day Rodgers might do much throwing this week. He was limited to a few light tosses on Wednesday and is expected to rest on Friday.
* S Atari Bigby (hamstring) went through the jog-through portion of practice, indicating he's finally testing well enough for coaches and the Packers' medical staff to consider letting him return. Then again, RB Kregg Lumpkin returned to practice from his hamstring injury last Thursday and ended up on IR within 48 hours. Bigby's exam on Friday morning probably will be the best indicator of whether there's a chance he could return this week. He hasn't played since suffering the injury late in the first half Sept. 14 at Detroit.
* C Scott Wells left after the jog-through for treatment of an undisclosed injury. Because LT Chad Clifton (knees) also was limited and left early, coaches had to shuffle the line for team work, leaving only RT Mark Tauscher at his usual spot.
* Also leaving early for treatment were: DE Jason Hunter (hamstring), DE Michael Montgomery (ankle), DT Ryan Pickett (tricep), CB Charles Woodson (toe) and WR James Jones (knee). Jones later returned with a huge ice pack on his injured knee.
* CB Al Harris arrived about 45 minutes into practice wearing what looked like a laser-tag vest. He wore the vest, which no doubt is protection for his spleen, while going through individual drills and appeared comfortable with it.
* DT Justin Harrell practiced for a second straight day and went through extra individual drills on the side with DTs coach Robert Nunn.
* Practice was not in pads -- a rarity for a Thursday.
-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com