Injury notes

According to coach Mike McCarthy:

-- Quarterback Brett Favre (ankle) is "full go," and his workload should remain consistent for the nine OTA practices he'll attend.
-- First-round draft pick Justin Harrell (bicep) is being evaluated weekly, but he may not participate in team drills until training camp.
-- Linebacker Abdul Hodge (knee) remains on target to return for training camp.
-- Defensive end Aaron Kampman (knee) could play if the Packers needed him this week or next, but the team continues to be cautious with him.
-- Receiver Robert Ferguson (mid-foot) and running back DeShawn Wynn (calf) could practice next week.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

QB numbers

Your mostly meaningless passing statistics from today's team, blitz and 7-on-7 periods: Brett Favre 10-for-18, INT; Aaron Rodgers 10-for-17; Ingle Martin 6-for-8, INT.

Favre seemed to have more zip on his passes than in the mandatory minicamp earlier this month. With Favre and Rodgers fully participating, Jerry Babb and Paul Thompson were limited to individual work.

Calvin Russell and Donald Lee had drops -- Lee's was caused by a light bump from safety Charlie Peprah -- and Carlyle Holiday had two more. Holiday's second drop came on the day's final play and led to an easy interception for Will Blackmon.

Patrick Dendy also had a chance for a pick but couldn't handle Rodgers' throw during the 7-on-7 period.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

The blitz: OTAs Week 1

Other notes ...

-- In the first public, team special-teams period of the spring, Jon Ryan and David Lonie each launched a series of punts from the plus 45-yard line at Ray Nitschke Field. For the most part, Ryan's kicks were better -- his first bounced at the 1, and he dropped four of 10 inside the 10. But it's worth noting that Lonie was battling the erratic long snapping of rookie Clark Harris, whose first four attempts all sailed high and to Lonie's right.

-- On a day with few offensive highlights, Brett Favre probably made the best play when he threaded a bullet pass to Carlyle Holiday on the right hashmark during the second team period.

-- Linebacker A.J. Hawk had the defensive play of the day, a one-handed interception on a Favre pass to Donald Driver during the final team period. Hawk also picked Favre during the mandatory minicamp earlier this month.

-- Frank Walker, who worked as the nickel cornerback with the first team, made an exceptional 1-on-1 play to bat an Aaron Rodgers deep ball away from Holiday in the second team period. How Walker did it with his pants resting completely below his posterior throughout practice is a bit of a mystery.

-- Will Blackmon, Greg Jennings, James Jones and Shaun Bodiford battled a south wind during punt return drills. Blackmon took the first rep during the team period, but only Bodiford handled all his punts without a muff.

-- Kickers Mason Crosby and Dave Rayner went inside for about a half-hour but did no work in front of reporters and the roughly 150 fans watching from behind the fence.

-- Two brief scrums erupted after plays. Teammates had to pull apart defensive tackle Daniel Muir and rookie guard Allen Barbre after a Vernand Morency run. Then, minutes later, tight end Zac Alcorn threw a shoulder into end Jason Hunter after being bumped downfield.

-- Cornerback Tramon Williams made an athletic play to knock a pass away a pass from Jones during the blitz period.

-- Donald Driver drew a few shouts from fans by juking safety Atari Bigby after a shorrt catch.

-- Rookie receiver David Clowney made an exceptional catch in tight coverage during the final team period.

-- Coaches temporarily pulled nickel end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila from the second-team defense after he jumped offsides during the final team period. He also spent time with the third unit.

The latest installment of mostly meaningless passing statistics coming later this afternoon ...

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Call it ball security

Teammates seemed determined to strip the football from rookie running back Brandon Jackson throughout today's practice.

That led to a scary moment in the first team period, when the Packers' second-round draft pick dropped to all fours after catching a swing pass and running through traffic. After practice, Jackson said someone hit him in the groin.

Asked if it was a cheap shot, he smiled and said: "I saw the hand go down there, so I can't call it right now."

Vernand Morency took all the initial reps with the first unit. But Jackson, who missed the mandatory minicamp earlier this month because of an NFL-sponsored commitment, also worked in with the starters during team periods.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Roll call

In addition to the four defensive players noted in an earlier post, tackle Junius Coston missed today's practice. Coach Mike McCarthy made no specific reference to the whereabouts of any of the players in his post-practice remarks except Charles Woodson, who is training in Houston. It seems likely veterans Al Harris and Ryan Pickett also made arrangments to train elsewhere.

Many of the usual suspects participated in few or no drills. That included first-round pick Justin Harrell, defensive end Aaron Kampman, receivers Chris Francies and Robert Ferguson, linebackers Marcus Randall and Abdul Hodge, tackle Kevin Barry, guard Tony Palmer, safety Marviel Underwood, and running backs DeShawn Wynn and Arliss Beach.

Players back on the field who had injuries during camp included defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, tight end Zac Alcorn and guard Jason Spitz.

Bueller? Bueller?

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Favre, Rodgers work out in 11-on-11 drills

Quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers participated in today's first team period, their first action in 11-on-11 drills during an open practice this spring. Both quarterbacks were limited to 7-on-7 passing drills at minicamp earlier this month.

In the first team period, tight ends Donald Lee and Tory Humphrey again worked with the first team, while veteran starter Bubba Franks worked with the second team.

In the absence of four defensive starters, cornerbacks Will Blackmon and Patrick Dendy and defensive tackles Johnny Jolly and Colin Cole worked with the first-team defense.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

4 key players missing on defense

The Green Bay Packers' defense is noticeably shorthanded at today's first organized team activity practice.

Defensive tackles Corey Williams and Ryan Pickett and cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Al Harris aren't on the field.

The most notable of the group may be Williams, who hoped to sign a contract extension in the offseason. It's unclear why he's not in attendance.

Coach Mike McCarthy will meet with reporters after practice.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

On to OTAs

The first of the Packers' four open OTA practices begins today at 11:15 a.m. at Ray Nitschke Field, weather-permitting. (Right now, it appears to be permitting just fine, though today's Press-Gazette tells me storms are a-brewin'.)

For everyone who can't ditch work/school/reliving old glories long enough to attend, refresh the blog all day for the latest.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Hawk: Wedding photos 'an issue'

When it comes to wedding photographers, A.J. Hawk feels he got sacked.

The Packers linebacker married Laura Quinn, sister of now-Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn, in March. A series of photos from the wedding recently appeared in a gallery on Harcar Photography's Web site. They included several of Brady Quinn and others dressed as members of the Village People -- shots Hawk said Sunday have "been an issue a little bit."

"It's tough," Hawk said. "I guess you have to watch every single thing you do, because everything's public now."

The page since has been removed from the Web site, but downloaded photos are easy to find elsewhere on the Internet. Some are harmless; others could be considered a little embarrassing.

Hawk said the photos were posted without permission.

Don't want it to happen to you?

"Don't use her for your photographer if you're having a wedding," Hawk said.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

McCarthy, Woodson not on the same page?

Veteran cornerback Charles Woodson made it clear all weekend that he plans to train in Houston over the next month rather than attending the Packers' organized team activities.

He laughed when a reporter asked about the importance of minicamp, said "there's always consideration" about skipping even mandatory workouts and missed the last two practices because of a prior engagement.

But coach Mike McCarthy seemed to imply after practice today that he expects Woodson to be in Green Bay again sometime before training camp.

"I talked to Charles, and my conversation was different than the one you had," McCarthy said, "but we'll talk about OTAs when OTAs are here."

Woodson did not attend OTAs last year, his first with the Packers. Unlike minicamp, those practices technically are optional.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Sunday roundup

Today's minicamp finale was the shortest practice of the weekend, lasting a little more than 90 minutes.

-- Offensive and defensive linemen caught punts from a machine as part of a ball security drill. Guard Junius Coston was the only player to muff his chance, though defensive tackle Corey Williams fumbled while running the gauntlet.

-- Receiver Robert Ferguson dunked a ball over the crossbar in the north end zone while teammates went through passing drills. Coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week that Ferguson, recovering from a mid-foot sprain, should be cleared to participate in organized team activities.

-- Fullback Corey White, an undrafted rookie from UAB who turned heads all weekend with his speed, took most of his reps today at halfback.

-- With starting cornerbacks Charles Woodson (excused absence) and Al Harris (back) out for the second consecutive practice, Will Blackmon and Patrick Dendy again practiced with the first-team defense. Frank Walker and Jarrett Bush got time at nickelback.

-- Guard Jason Spitz sat out again. McCarthy had said Spitz tweaked his back during the first minicamp practice Friday but said today that Spitz is nursing a calf injury.

-- Tight end Donald Lee took all the first repetitions with the starting offense, and Tory Humphrey also was ahead of veteran Bubba Franks at times.

-- A large group of running backs and receivers rotated in with the first-team offense during team periods. Vernand Morency continued to take all first reps, with rookie Brandon Jackson absent for the third straight day.

-- Rookie James Jones had an ugly drop during the first team period. After breaking free from coverage, his body became twisted, and Ingle Martin's pass bounced hard off his hands as Jones fell to the ground.

-- Martin connected with second-year receiver Shaun Bodiford on the play of the day. Bodiford outran Blackmon down the right sideline, and Martin hit him in stride inside the 10-yard line.

-- Reserve safety Charlie Peprah got an interception off a Dendy deflection during the first team period. Rookie quarterback Paul Thompson nearly threw another interception on his next pass, but Walker couldn't hold on. Walker also dropped a Brett Favre pass -- three throws after A.J. Hawk picked off Favre in the end zone -- during a 7-on-7 red zone period.

-- Hawk made an athletic play for his interception, stepping underneath Ruvell Martin and snatching the underthrown ball with both hands.

-- The competition between kickers Dave Rayner and Mason Crosby won't heat up until training camp, but they got their first and only chance of the weekend in a team period today. Working with the coverage units, each kicked off four times. Rayner's first kick was longer than Crosby's, but the rookie equaled or outdistanced the incumbent the next three times.

-- Not even Mike Stock puts, ahem, stock into his special teamers when they're wearing shorts. But for whatever it is worth, the first group on kick coverage consisted of: Jarrett Bush, Ruvell Martin, Atari Bigby, Jason Hunter, Tracy White, Walker, Aaron Rouse, Korey Hall, Michael Montgomery and Bodiford.

-- Ingle Martin was stripped as he tried to throw in a crowd during the final team period. Guard Daryn Colledge caught the ball on the fly and ran downfield, where he promptly fumbled into the hands of Cullen Jenkins.

-- Rookie tight end Clark Harris dropped a Jerry Babb pass at the goal line during the final team period.

-- Bush batted down a fade intended for Jones on the day's final play.

-- Finally, back by popular demand, here are some mostly meaningless passing statistics from today's team, blitz and 7-on-7 periods: Favre 3-for-5 (INT); Aaron Rodgers 3-for-5; Martin 5-for-10; Babb 2-for-6; Thompson 1-for-4 (INT). Like the rest of the weekend, Favre and Rodgers only participated in 7-on-7, and only Martin took part in all periods.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

QB Favre to attend 9 of 12 OTAs

Quarterback Brett Favre will attend nine of the Packers' 12 organized team activities practices over the next month, coach Mike McCarthy said today.

Favre, who was not planning to attend this weekend's minicamp before having extended conversations with McCarthy and General Manager Ted Thompson, was not available for comment after practice.

OTAs begin Wednesday, May 30. It was not clear which three sessions Favre planned to skip.

Cornerback Charles Woodson, who left town after Saturday's morning practice, and defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (personal emergency) were excused from today's final minicamp practice. Cornerback Al Harris also was absent because his back "locked up" during Saturday's morning practice, McCarthy said.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Afternoon wrap

Defensive end DeVon Hicks gets the game ball for today's afternoon practice.

An undrafted rookie from Northwest Mississippi, Hicks recovered a Paul Thompson fumble during the second period. Then, during the blitz period, Hicks drew roars from his teammates by snaring a Thompson pass at the line -- with one hand -- and fighting his way into the end zone.

Other odds and ends ...

-- Thompson and Jerry Babb again took turns running the second-team offense. Thompson had two interceptions and a fumble during team periods, while Babb ran into some trouble when his unit false started on two consecutive plays.

-- Bubba Franks took some initial reps with the first team after Donald Lee got almost all of them in two previous practices.

-- Spencer Havner, Aaron Rouse and others had cameos with the first-team defense as coaches substituted liberally during the late team periods.

-- Middle linebacker Nick Barnett appeared to jam a finger or his left wrist batting down an Ingle Martin pass, but he completed practice.

-- Tyrone Culver and Atari Bigby had interceptions during the team and 7-on-7 periods, respectively.

And here they are, your final worthless passing statistics from today's team, blitz and 7-on-7 periods:

-- Brett Favre 5-for-10
-- Aaron Rodgers 9-for-15, 2 INTs
-- Ingle Martin 16-for-28
-- Jerry Babb 5-for-12
-- Paul Thompson 7-for-15, 2 INTs

Favre and Rodgers participated only in 7-on-7, while only Martin participated in all three drills.

Last practice of minicamp begins at 10:15 a.m. Sunday.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Woodson absent

Veteran cornerback Charles Woodson was excused from today's afternoon practice for what a team spokesman called "personal reasons."

It was unclear whether Woodson, who also plans to skip OTAs the next month, would be at the Packers' final minicamp practice Sunday morning.

The Packers' other starting cornerback, Al Harris, also sat out this afternoon's workout but was on the sideline. Patrick Dendy and Will Blackmon worked with the first team.

Chad Clifton, who sat out the morning practice, participated in all drills in the afternoon.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

This one's for the stats geeks

... or anyone in the mood to overanalyze quarterbacks in May.

Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers were a combined 0-for-5 in their first time through the 7-on-7 passing drill, their only significant action of the morning. Rodgers, who also was picked by Patrick Dendy, settled down on his second try and completed the pass of the day so far, finding a streaking James Jones just beyond double coverage down the right sideline.

Ingle Martin misfired on his first three passes -- including two simple tosses to Vernand Morency out of the backfield -- in the team and blitz periods. He was 4-for-4 in the last team period.

Paul Thompson took some reps with the second unit ahead of Jerry Babb, who continues to look comfortable only when he's on the move.

All told, here are the totals in the team, blitz and 7-on-7 periods:

-- Brett Favre 1-for-4
-- Aaron Rodgers 3-for-6
-- Jerry Babb 3-for-6
-- Ingle Martin 9-for-13
-- Paul Thompson 4-for-6

Also notable in those periods were: Will Blackmon handling most nickelback duties with the first team; Frank Walker and Dendy playing cornerback with the twos, with Rory Johnson, Tracy White and Spencer Havner at linebacker; and Travis Leffew briefly replacing Junius Coston at right guard with the first team after Coston false started during the second team period.

Practice No. 3 starts at 3 p.m. and runs until around 5. Refresh the blog for more tonight.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Odds and ends

-- Rookie receiver David Clowney was the only player stripped during a gauntlet-style ball security drill. Clowney, a fifth-round draft pick who ran the 40 in 4.29 seconds indoors at his campus workout, also is working as a gunner with the punt coverage unit.

-- With top draft pick Justin Harrell sitting out contact drills again, Corey Williams and Colin Cole split time with the first team roughly evenly.

-- Rookie running back DeShawn Wynn (calf), one of the Packers' two seventh-round draft picks, said he will be ready to participate when organized team activities resume May 31.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Saturday's morning notes

Tight end Zac Alcorn sat out today's morning practice with a bruised right knee, the product of his collision with two teammates Friday afternoon.

That meant increased reps for rookie Clark Harris and Tory Humphrey. Donald Lee once again took the majority of reps with the first team, with Bubba Franks occasionally rotating in but playing primarily with the twos.

Guard Jason Spitz (back) and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamilia (thigh bruise), both injured Friday, did not practice and likely are done for the weekend.

Josh Bourke spent the majority of practice at left tackle in place of Chad Clifton, who sat out as a general precaution. Receiver Chris Francies watched most of practice with a wrap on his right hand.

Rookie linebacker Desmond Bishop, who missed Friday's practice because Cal-Berkeley still is in session, participated and dropped an interception during a team drill.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Gone Campin'

Some more observations from first minicamp practice:

-- Bubba Franks rotated in with the first-team offense during later 11-on-11 portions of practice today. Donald Lee, however, got the first rep in each series.

-- With Justin Harrell (arm) sitting out, Corey Williams got the lion's share of action alongside Ryan Pickett with the first-team defense. Colin Cole also rotated in. The absence of Aaron Kampman (knee) gave Michael Montgomery extended action at left end.

-- Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (broken foot) sat out all team drills, but he looked confident throwing the football -- and moving in the pocket -- during other portions of practice. The most memorable throw was a spiraling strike to Carlyle Holiday that traveled 55 yards in the air. Rodgers rolled to his left on the play and did not appear to have any hesitation or difficulty setting his feet.

-- Not as impressive: third-string quarterback Ingle Martin, who could not have looked more uncomfortable running the starting offense while Rodgers and Brett Favre sat out the 11-on-11 periods. At various points, Martin hit Donald Driver in the back with a pass; was intercepted by Nick Collins on a pass off James Jones' fingertips; hummed another pick directly into the chest of Brady Poppinga, who returned it into the end zone; airmailed P.J. Pope on a simple route out of the backfield; and rolled directly into a blitzing Nick Barnett.

-- Favre threw an interception of his own during a 7-on-7 passing drill, underthrowing Donald Driver badly enough that Charles Woodson camped under the ball for a second or so before grabbing it.

-- Fullback Corey White could be the undrafted rookie to watch. After two catches, the UAB alumnus showed an impressive burst for a guy who stands 6-foot-1 and 239 pounds. And with only Brandon Miree seemingly certain to be in the rotation, White might carve out a niche in the coming months.

-- Perhaps in an attack on his "fake tough" image, tight end Clark Harris has shaved his head and face. The seventh-round draft pick also did some long snapping during a brief special teams period.

-- Allen Barbre is an offensive lineman, but that didn't stop Favre from razzing the rookie after drawing him offsides during an offensive drill. Barbre saw the majority of his action at left guard, the same spot the college tackle played for much of the rookie minicamp.

-- The No. 30 jersey looks strange when it's inhabited by Arliss Beach.

-- Robert Ferguson (foot) switched jerseys, from No. 89 to No. 87, but was in a familiar place: watching much of practice by himself from an end zone.

-- Jason Spitz grimaced as he tried to run after tweaking his back early in practice. It seems unlikely the coaching staff will let him do anything else this weekend if he feels any discomfort Saturday morning.

-- P.J. Pope fumbled in a crowd during one of the 11-on-11 periods.

-- Patrick Dendy got his first interception of camp on a bad-idea floater from recent pickup Paul Thompson.

-- Five players caught balls during a punt drill: Woodson, Will Blackmon, Shaun Bodiford, Greg Jennings and Jones.

-- The accidental hit of the day came courest of safeties Marquand Manuel and Nick Collins, who sandwiched tight end Zac Alcorn on a seam route.

-- Quarterback Jerry Babb drew cheers from his teammates by juking end Jason Hunter out of his shoes after scrambling toward the right sideline.

-- Running back Brandon Jackson wasn't the only rookie draft pick missing from practice. Linebacker Desmond Bishop was absent because California is on the quarter system. McCarthy said Bishop should practice Saturday.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

First-round pick Harrell at practice but skips 11-on-11 drills

The Packers continued to be careful with defensive tackle Justin Harrell at the team's first minicamp practice Friday. The first-round draft pick was at practice but did not participate in any 11-on-11 contact drills.

The same goes for quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, who Coach Mike McCarthy said are both in the final stages of their injury rehabilitation. McCarthy said guard Jason Spitz left practice after tweaking his back and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila left after taking a shot to his thigh.

McCarthy also said wide receiver Robert Ferguson should be ready for the team's organized team activities, while defensive end Aaron Kampman probably will not participate until training camp.

Ferguson has a mid-foot injury, while Kampman underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee this offseason.

-- Tom Pelissero, Press-Gazette assistant sports editor

TE Franks works with second team

Quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers sat out the first 11-on-11 team period Friday.

Other notes:

-- Guard Jason Spitz was replaced by Junius Coston.

-- TE Bubba Franks worked with the second-team offense, while TE Donald Lee worked with the firstteam.

-- Tom Pelissero, assistant sports editor, Press-Gazette

Players not participating listed

The following players are not practicing at Friday afternoon's minicamp session:

S Marviel Underwood
RB Arliss Beach
RB Brandon Jackson
RB DeShawn Wynn
LB Marcus Randall
LB Abdul Hodge
LB Desmond Bishop
G Tony Palmer
T Kevin Barry
G Jason Spitz
DE Aaron Kampman

-- Rob Demovsky, Press-Gazette reporter

Favre, Rodgers participate in walk-through

Quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers participated in the walk-through portion of practice Friday at the Don Hutson Center.

Neither player showed any noticeable limp, though players were moving at half speed at best.

A number of players were not participating, including linebacker Abdul Hodge and defensive end Aaron Kampman. Guard Jason Spitz left practice early and trainers appeared to be working on one of his legs.

General Manager Ted Thompson, who Favre criticized last weekend, was on the field.

-- Tom Pelissero, assistant sports editor

Practice in an hour

The Packers' first full-squad minicamp practice is scheduled for 3 p.m. today. Refresh the blog throughout the afternoon for more.

Quote board

More quotes from Brett Favre's press conference this morning at Lambeau Field:

On participating in today's practice:
"My concern is throwing 50 balls and not being able to lift my arm (Saturday)."

On what he'd like to accomplish in minicamp:
"Obviously, (there are) a lot of new faces, and not that you can get all your timing down today or through Sunday, but just try to get a feel for ... these guys."

On whether he still is upset with the organization:
"I think I get over things fairly quickly. ... I expressed how I felt, and it's over and done with. Had a good talk with (coach Mike McCarthy) and Ted this week. We don't always agree, and not just Ted and Mike -- we're all to blame. But we have a good working relationship. We're able to talk about things. Ultimately, it comes down to me wanting to play and help this team win, and that's the one thing I can control. By being here, that's what I'm doing. ... The team aspect is very important to me. I've always had that. I'd like to think that I'm ... not only a good teammate but a great leader. "

On whether he agrees with the team's direction:
"Agreeing with one philosophy or this or that really doesn't matter. What matters is ... I'm the quarterback of this team until they tell me different. I enjoy doing it. What's done is done -- it's over with, and it really is more of a non-issue than it's made out to be."

On why he wasn't planning to attend minicamp:
"To be totally honest with you, (after) 17 ... years, I just really didn't want to come. ... They're boring, to be honest with you. ... Especially knowing they're going to limit what I (participate in), and understandably so."

On the current roster:
"Last year, I was saying that this team is as talented a team as I've played on, and I still stand by that. (But) there is no substitute for experience. The only way these guys will get better is by playing and experiencing the game and working with them. And that's true. But with that in my mind, we have to get better, we have to get better in a hurry, and yeah ... you take me out of the picture, this is really the youngest team in football. But that's where I'd like to think that I can ... be the difference-maker. I do have the experience and should be able to lead these guys where we want to go, and I believe that. ... I think they can play. I really do. Never once did I think they couldn't play."

On the offensive line:
"I think our offensive line could be as good an offensive line as we've ever had here. I think as the season progressed last year, you saw that. Now they have to kind of take it to the next level."

On how much longer he'll play:
"I don't have five years left. ... That's been documented. And that's true. I'm not blowing smoke -- it's true. A lot of these guys here could potentially have 15 (years left). And I do want to win now. But the one thing I can control is how ... I'll lead this team on and off the field."

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Favre: Feud with team 'over and done with'

Brett Favre made two things clear in his hastily called press conference this morning: He never asked for a trade, and he considers his brief public feud with Green Bay Packers management "over and done with."

"I do want to clear up this trade issue, or nonissue, as I call it," Favre said. "Never was a trade ever mentioned (or) requested. I just don't know where it came from. That's not true."

Last Saturday, Favre criticized the Packers for not completing a trade for receiver Randy Moss and questioned whether the team just didn't know how to tell him he's the odd man out. A trade request appeared on the Fox Sports Web site the next day.

But the veteran quarterback backtracked earlier this week in a press release issued by the team and denied asking for a trade. He said today he is "ready to move forward."

Favre hopes to participate in minicamp practices the next three days even though he hasn't thrown a ball since undergoing offseason ankle surgery. It's unclear how much the team will allow him to do.

He said he won't address his teammates about his remarks and denied his statements criticized their ability.

"I don't know what they say when they go home," Favre said. "But you show me where I said anything about the guys I play with. I want you to ... show me. Not once did I say anything about the guys I play with."

"Now, if it keeps getting brought up, these statements that you guys are making," Favre added, "then maybe they start believing it. But I believe in these guys.

"Once again, you guys were criticizing me because I said this was one of the more talented teams. You thought I was crazy. ... I still stand by that."

-- Tom Pelissero and Mike Vandermause

Free-agent news

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed defensive tackle Kenderick Allen, who spent one injury-shortened season in Green Bay. Brett Favre has not yet commented.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Slow day for national sports news ...

It's amazing how much Internet chatter can be generated by one emotional, passing trade demand (one Brett Favre now seems to be denying.)

Here are some of the opinions offered the past 24 hours:

Favre is overreacting.

The Packers should appease Favre by making a trade.

This is all Favre's fault for running Javon Walker out of town.

Favre should have been dealt already.

The Packers would be better off if Favre left town.

Favre will have a tough time getting his foot out of his throat.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Thompson mum on trade demand

A day after Brett Favre lashed out at Green Bay Packers management, General Manager Ted Thompson responded to his quarterback's criticisms on the team's Web site.

"I think it's natural for a player to be frustrated from time to time -- that's simply being human," Thompson said. "Everyone knows that Brett Favre is all about winning. As an organization, we share that commitment. And we want to win now."

Speaking Saturday at his charity golf tournament in Tunica, Miss., Favre, 37, wondered whether he is "the odd man out" in the team's rebuilding plans and said a long-rumored trade for Randy Moss was "a done deal" before the Packers refused to guarantee part of the receiver's salary. The Oakland Raiders dealt Moss to the New England Patriots on draft weekend for a fourth-round draft pick.

Thompson declined to address an Internet report that Favre asked for a trade in the days after the draft, saying, "We never comment on the talks we have with our players or with their agents, in line with the long-standing policy of our organization.

"We try to encourage open and honest dialogue with players and their agents. But if those talks later are shared with third parties, the willingness of players to be open in future conversations may be compromised."

The trade demand was reported on Fox Sports' Web site early Sunday afternoon.

Favre is not expected to participate in this week's mandatory minicamp because he still is recovering from offseason ankle surgery. A source close to Favre told the Press-Gazette last week the 16-year veteran might not even attend.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Packers rookies conclude weekend practices

The Packers concluded their final day of practice today at their three-day rookie orientation camp.

"I thought practice today was the best of the three," said Packers coach Mike McCarthy. "I told them after practice it really served a purpose that we intended, it's an introduction to what's ahead. When they come back, they'll be a lot faster. Everybody's going to know what they're doing."

Practices on Saturday and Sunday were closed to the media. McCarthy spoke at a post-practice press conference in the team's media auditorium.

The 32 rookies and first-year players who participated in the weekend camp are scheduled to return on May 15, according to McCarthy, in advance of the Packers' mandatory minicamp, which will be held May 18-20.

-- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com

Fans now will only see four OTAs

The Green Bay Packers announced Tuesday that fans and media would be allowed to watch six days of their organized team activities this year, down from 14 a year ago.

That number now has dropped to four.

Citing an NFL rule requiring teams to open one in every three OTAs to the media, the Packers said today that media and fans also will be barred from watching practices June 4 and 11. That leaves only four open practices (weather permitting) between this month's minicamp and training camp: May 31 and June 7, 14 and 18.

Some veterans are expected to be excused from the two Monday practices the team closed today.

The Packers are the only team to open OTAs to the public, the team said Tuesday. The open practices will be at 11:15 a.m. at Ray Nitschke Field.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Media members outnumber players

* Members of the media outnumbered the players, 38-32, on the first day of the Packers' rookie orientation camp inside the Don Hutson Center Friday afternoon. Only rookies and first-year players are attending the three-day camp.

* Former Packers receiver Robert Brooks attended the afternoon practice and, according to a Packers spokesman, was supposed to address the rookies on Friday evening.

* John Jones, who will take over for Bob Harlan as team chairman at the end of the month, was in attendance.

-- Mike Vandermause

The Blitz: Rookie orientation camp

The powers that be only allowed media access for one practice during the Packers' rookie orientation camp this weekend, so here's the rundown from today's 90-minute workout at the Don Hutson Center:

-- First-round draft pick Justin Harrell was in uniform but did not participate in contact drills. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the team is "being smart" with Harrell, who missed most of his senior season at the University of Tennessee with a torn bicep.

-- Asked earlier today what he thinks coaches want to see, seventh-round draft pick DeShawn Wynn said "smartness and toughness." The latter came in question almost immediately as Wynn left practice early with a left calf injury. He had a wrap on it for an extended period and did not return. It's unclear whether he'll participate the rest of the weekend. While he was on the field, Wynn fumbled one handoff from John Stocco and fell flat on his face on another carry.

-- It's not saying much, but Stocco was the stronger of the two quarterbacks today. Neither he nor Jerry Babb (Louisiana-Lafayette) has great arm strength. But while Stocco seemed to find his rhythm during the 11-on-11 period, Babb threw a series of wobblers, including one that went directly to cornerback Tramon Williams.

-- Receiver David Clowney's speed is as good as advertised -- at least in shorts. The Virginia Tech product might have been a little overly anxious to show it off, taking one pass from Stocco and running the length of the practice field before coaches summoned him back to the huddle.

-- For what it's worth, running back Brandon Jackson (Nebraska) showed nifty moves in traffic during the team period. Twice, he got past the first level untouched. But again ... they're in shorts.

-- Former UW-La Crosse basketball player Joe Werner posted a perfect score on a team-conducted movement screen this morning, according to McCarthy. With no playing experience since early in high school, however, Werner didn't shock anyone by dropping at least two passes. He does take the prize for largest calves among his group in position drills. He's wearing No. 46.

-- For Badgers fans, Stocco suited up in No. 10. His college number (7) belongs to Ingle Martin.

-- Stocco and Babb both were 3-for-4 in the 7-on-7 passing drill. In the 11-on-11 period, Stocco fired two strikes to Calvin Russell -- on a play-action rollout and a post, respectively -- while Babb threw the interception and airmailed Clowney with his only other pass.

-- McCarthy said Russell, a first-year player from Tuskegee, has added 8 to 10 pounds on his 6-foot frame since last season.

Practice continues Saturday, though reporters won't see another workout until the mandatory minicamp begins Friday, May 18.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Quote board

Quick hits from other rookies' first meeting with the media:

"I really didn't pay attention to the magazines. The magazines don't watch film on me, and the magazines don't come to my practice or the pro day."
-- Third-round draft pick James Jones, on being projected as a Day 2 selection

"He said, 'During football season, there's no other place in the country you'd want to be,' so that kind of fired me up to get over here."
-- Sixth-round draft pick Korey Hall, on former Boise State teammate Daryn Colledge's post-draft advice

"It's going to bring out the best in me and the best in ... the other guys. So it's going to be a good thing. It's going to be fun. ... It's a great thing about football -- kickers, we don't get one-on-one competition that much, and it's going to be a fun thing to go through."
-- Sixth-round draft pick Mason Crosby, on competing with incumbent place-kicker Dave Rayner

"I'm getting a chance right now, and in the end, that's all that matters. It just feels good to be here right now, but I've got a lot to prove."
-- Former Badgers quarterback John Stocco, on his weekend tryout in Green Bay

"Donald Driver has done a lot of things that I want to come out here and do the same ... just in a bigger aspect of the game, being able to go deep."
-- Fifth-round draft pick David Clowney, on what he brings as a receiver

"Just do what I've done my whole life -- just work as hard as I can any chance that I get and hopefully, can step in and help the team win some games and hopefully, win a Super Bowl."
-- Seventh-round draft pick Clark Harris, on what he has to do to get into the tight end rotation

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Harrell soaks in Packers history

Justin Harrell said he arrived in Green Bay Thursday afternoon and along with the Packers' other rookies, had dinner at Lambeau Field overlooking the field and viewed a team highlight film.

Harrell shrugged off the boos by Packers fans when the team selected him last Saturday. "It's not the first time I've been booed," he said.

As for his first visit to Wisconsin and Green Bay, Harrell said: "I compare it a lot to the first day of college."

Harrell was only healthy for one full season in college, but he doesn't consider himself injury prone. "My injuries, I look at them as unlucky," he said.

-- Mike Vandermause

Harrell: Green Bay 'a lot like home'

In his first Packers press conference this afternoon, first-round draft pick Justin Harrell said Green Bay "looks a lot like home."

A native of Martin, Tenn., Harrell hasn't taken a tour of town since arriving this week, but he said he is familiar with Packers culture -- most notable, Vince Lombardi, Lambeau Field, Reggie White and Brett Favre. Harrell met White while playing at the University of Tennessee, White's alma mater, and said there "couldn't be a better person" to model his career and life after.

Harrell said he weighs 310 pounds -- 10 pounds over his playing weight the past three years -- and hasn't decided at what weight he'll play this season.

Coaches began going through the defense with Harrell and other players this morning. The first formal practice of rookie minicamp is this afternoon.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Harrell to wear No. 91

Packers general manager Ted Thompson presented Harrell with a No. 91 jersey prior to the start of the press conference.

-- Mike Vandermause

Harrell press conference delayed

First-round draft choice Justin Harrell is completing what a Packers official described as "morning obligations," thus his scheduled 12:15 p.m. press conference has been delayed by a few minutes.

-- Mike Vandermause

First-round pick Justin Harrell in town today

Check back this afternoon after Packers General Manager Ted Thompson introduces first-round draft pick Justin Harrell to the media.

Our reporters will be at the 12:15 p.m. news conference at Lambeau Field and will update PackersNews.com readers through this blog.

In addition, check back often today, Saturday and Sunday for updates on the Packers' rookie orientation camp.

The camp is not open to the public, but our reporters will bring you updates from Lambeau on the camp.

Check out our Insider Blog

Keep up to date on the latest happenings with the Green Bay Packers -- including this weekend's rookies camp -- in this blog by Press-Gazette reporters Mike Vandermause, Tom Pelissero, Pete Dougherty and Rob Demovsky.