Harrell departs early from practice
Reason for oft-injured defensive tackle's exit remains unclear
Green Bay Defensive end Justin Harrell made it just halfway through the fourth practice of Green Bay Packers training camp Monday afternoon before leaving for unspecified reasons.
One of the Packers' defensive players said Harrell told him on the field that he was suffering from fatigue and heat-related symptoms. However, the player didn't see Harrell afterward and admitted he wasn't certain why he left.
Harrell still wasn't in the locker room about an hour after practice. Later, one of the team's equipment attendants gathered Harrell's street clothes from his locker and left the room.
It was hot and humid Monday at Nitschke Field for the 2 p.m. workout, which didn't end until 4:25.
Harrell appeared to be in some distress within the first 30 to 45 minutes. He frequently removed his helmet during individual drills, sat on his haunches and appeared to be stretching his torso and back.
After standing around with the rest of the defense during a lengthy jog-through, Harrell ran off to the nearby Hutson Center at 3:15 during a drill change and wasn't seen again.
It merits close attention any time Harrell has a physical problem. Much of his collegiate career at Tennessee and his first three seasons in Green Bay was curtailed by injury.
Last August, Harrell played the run with considerable power before recurring back and hip problems ended his training camp after about a week and the rest of his season.
In May, Harrell proclaimed himself pain-free and ready to kick-start his career as the 16th player selected in the 2007 draft.
"He's just got to stay healthy," defensive end Cullen Jenkins said Monday. "If he stays on the field, he can definitely contribute for us."
In the first three practices Harrell appeared to be getting off the ball somewhat faster than in the past.
"Just going against him, I think he's a little bit healthier because he's got a little more pop than in the past," tackle Mark Tauscher said. "He definitely seems to be moving around pretty good."
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