Not alarmed

A source said nose tackle Howard Green weighed 375 pounds and defensive end Ryan Pickett about 350 when camp started two weeks ago.

Green has said he played at about 360 last season. Pickett's playing weight is about 340.

"As big guys, since we haven't had them around here, I don't think they're that far off," defensive coordinator Dom Capers said Wednesday.

Body work

From the first practice in pads, tackle Marshall Newhouse has been a different player. Working at a performance center near Dallas, he gained weight while losing body fat.

"It was just about turning fat into muscle," said Newhouse. "My training was geared toward leaning up. I knew I could play at this weight and be quick and have endurance."

Newhouse opened camp at 325, five more than a year ago, but with a 3 to 4% decrease in body fat. His goal is to lose even more fat.

A fifth-round draft choice in 2010, Newhouse did it on his own without any advice from the Packers.

Asked if his play was better in this camp than a year ago, Newhouse replied, "I think that's safe to say. It feels good, but that's exactly what I don’t want is to get into a rut or complacency."

Second to none

The Packers are spending their third summer practicing on the DD Grassmaster surface at Nitschke Field.

"This might be the best field we play on all year," McCarthy said. "No doubt. This surface is in great shape. When we come out here in the winter it's still in great shape."

As for practicing in front of a long expanse of bleachers overflowing with fans, McCarthy said, "It's awesome. It doesn't get any better."

There are five rows of seats at Nitschke with 1,500 capacity.

"A second deck? What's the old saying, you never build a church parking lot for Easter Sunday," team president Mark Murphy said. "Obviously, we'll monitor it. People come and go, and I think a lot of people like standing in the end zones.

"I like that it's crowded. It's a great atmosphere. I think players love practicing thee. You can sense the excitement."

No sweat

The NFL media policy requires teams to produce a credible weekly depth chart for reporters beginning with the first exhibition game. The Packers came out with theirs early in the week.

Like many coaches, McCarthy doesn’t put much significance in a depth chart.

"Depth charts 10 years ago, I’m with you," said McCarthy. "You played regular people (on offense) and base (defense)."
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