Green Bay - Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett has declared himself ready to play, thereby reducing the chances that the Green Bay Packers will feel compelled to activate defensive tackle Justin Harrell after just one week of practice.
The Packers made no announcement Friday of Harrells status, but have until 3 p.m. today to activate him from the physically unable to perform list in order for him to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field.
Im still trying to get the rust off, Harrell said. As far as pain, I dont have any. Im going to approach it like Im playing.
If Harrell is activated, the Packers would have to make a roster move. Defensive ends Jason Hunter (hamstring) and Michael Montgomery (ankle) will miss another game and might be candidates for injured reserve.
Pickett practiced for the first time this week, albeit on a limited basis. Although listed as questionable with a triceps injury, he sounded ready to go. He will be outfitted in a harness to reduce his range of motion.
It felt better than I thought it would feel today, Pickett said. Today, it felt 100 times better (than Tuesday). It wont hold me back much. I can work around it.
If Pickett is active, he would join Johnny Jolly and Colin Cole at defensive tackle. When the Colts do run, its primarily outside.
What the Packers need are inside pass rushers with the ability to disrupt throwing lanes and collapse the pocket. Although Harrell didnt demonstrate that in 196 snaps last season, hes taller than the other defensive tackles and could provide an obstacle if he can get off the line of scrimmage.
We felt he did OK, coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday after watching Harrell work in pads for two days. He looked like a football player that hadnt practiced in a while.
Since returning in September from a second back surgery, Harrell demonstrated a newfound work ethic. He now weighs 313 pounds, the lightest he has been since arriving as a first-round draft choice last year.
I dont think Id be in good enough shape where I could play 12 straight plays, he said. But they tried to get me winded this week. I feel I can do what needs to be done.
As for his back, Harrell said, No issues, other than common soreness from starting to hit. Its been so long since I had football contact. But we were in full pads doing everything this week.
His last game was Jan. 20 against the New York Giants.
Injury lists:[ul] Center Scott Wells (chest) said he took part fully in practice and will start.
Im not injured, he said. I did everything today. I did everything Wednesday.
Safety Atari Bigby, however, will miss a fifth straight game with a hamstring injury that dates to Sept. 14. He practiced Thursday but couldnt go Friday.
It looks like he wont be back until after the bye week, McCarthy said.
Everyone else on the roster will be available.
In Indianapolis, running back Joseph Addai (hamstring) missed another day of practice and almost certainly wont play. Veteran Dominic Rhodes would start and Chad Simpson (5 feet 8 inches, 216 pounds), a rookie free agent from Morgan State, would back him up.
Simpson, who was promoted from the practice squad Wednesday, carried 16 times for 49 yards in exhibition games. He has 4.41-second speed in the 40-yard dash.
Two starters in the secondary, safety Bob Sanders (knee) and cornerback Kelvin Hayden (knee), are out. H-back Gijon Robinson (ankle) probably wont play, either.
Linebacker Freddie Keiaho (groin), who is questionable, will start.[/ul]
Must pay: [ul]Cornerback Will Blackmon was fined $7,500 by the National Football League for unnecessary roughness against Atlanta.
Blackmon was penalized for grabbing the face mask of wide receiver Michael Jenkins after a 31-yard reception.
When I saw the picture of that one I said, I might get a FedEx tomorrow, Blackmon said. It was tough, because I went for the ball. He came back to it and I went to grab his shoulder pad.
Blackmon, whose $445,000 base salary is divided into 17 weekly paychecks of $26,176, indicated that he wouldnt appeal.
If they took $500, thats a lot of money, you know? he said. You never want to give money back.[/ul]