Midweek update

Making a quick tour around the Internet ...

* Retired QB Brett Favre made an appearance at a youth football camp in Virginia this week. He said it's the only camp he attends because it's run by longtime William & Mary coach Jimmye Laycock. Asked about his future plans, Favre said -- surprise! -- he's "not in a hurry to do anything." According to another report, Favre threw passes to some campers. And just to prove this isn't the only state where Favre gets blanket coverage, here's another report saying Favre didn't have time to throw passes -- but has a link to a video of Favre doing exactly that.

* The Vikings once again are selling tickets to their home game against the Packers as part of a package that involves a preseason contest, too.

* A man accused of assaulting and robbing ex-Packers receiver Javon Walker was in court today.

* The Sporting News ranks the Packers' current receivers second in the NFC.

As I noted in my chat on Tuesday, in response to a question about our coverage plans, I'm taking any and all suggestions. Shoot me an e-mail at the address below about what you'd like to see in training camp and beyond.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Monday whatnot

A few quick notes to start the week ...

* Free-agent QB Daunte Culpepper confirmed that he turned down the Packers' one-year, roughly $1 million offer, as the Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty reported last week. Culpepper said he's in talks with "a couple of different teams right now."

* If you missed it, check out Pete's excellent position-by-position breakdown of the Packers as they enter the five-week break before training camp.

* Click here to submit your questions for my chat on Tuesday.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

WR Harper waived

The Packers have waived receiver Rod Harper, an undrafted rookie from Murray State.

The team did not announce the move, but it was on the NFL transaction wire that was sent out to all 32 teams at the close of league business on Thursday.

The 6-foot and 209-pound Harper was on the field for the final minicamp practice on Thursday, meaning he was probably cut shortly after practice.

This leaves the Packers with 77 players under contract and a total of 87 on their roster. League rules allow teams to carry only 80 players under contract. Currently, none of the nine draft picks or running back Ryan Grant are under contract.

-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

The blitz: Minicamp finale

Highlights and other notes from the fourth and final practice of the Packers' mandatory minicamp:

* It was the most low-key practice of the three-day camp inside The Don Hutson Center, with minimal competition as the team focused on cleanup.

* DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) was the only player absent. All the usual suspects sat out. CB Kyle Ward (ankle) was out after participating some earlier this week.

* The No. 1 offensive line was the same group as Wednesday: LT Daryn Colledge, LG Allen Barbre, C Jason Spitz, RG Josh Sitton and RT Mark Tauscher.

* Fans were booted after about 55 minutes.

* The early team (11-on-11) periods focused on Hail Marys and cleaning up screens and deception. The only "live" team work a blitz period, in which Aaron Rodgers was 3-for-6 passing, Brian Brohm 2-for-3 and Matt Flynn 1-for-1.

* Rookie WR Brett Swain had two drops, one during team and another in 7-on-7. The latter was a little behind him, but a grab NFL players have to make.

* Coaches continued to mix in different secondary units with the starting front seven during team work. That should continue into training camp.

* Jordy Nelson and Tramon Williams worked as the top kick-return pairing, followed by Vernand Morency and Brandon Jackson, then various combinations of DeShawn Wynn, Kregg Lumpkin and Chris Francies. The top blocking unit consisted of: Jarrett Bush, Tory Humphrey, Desmond Bishop, Brandon Chillar, Charlie Peprah, Tracy White, Michael Montgomery, Allen Barbre and Jason Hunter.

* Unsigned RB Ryan Grant spent time running laps around the practice field. He seemed a little antsy all week, doing push-ups and other drills by himself while teammates practiced.

* A series of defensive breakdowns left receivers wide open throughout 7-on-7 passing. Rookie TE Joey Haynos had the best catch, an over-the-shoulder grab on a fade against starting S Atari Bigby at the right edge of the end zone.

That's it for this edition. Check the homepage at www.PackersNews.com throughout the day for more stories from the final day of minicamp.

Players are off until July 27, when they're scheduled to report to training camp. The first practice is set for 8:45 a.m. on July 28.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

McCarthy speaks

Some notes from coach Mike McCarthy's post-minicamp address ...

* He'll work for another week in Green Bay, then go to Texas to see his daughter and come back to move into a new house with his wife.

* He hopes all the injured players will be ready to practice at least once a day at the start of training camp. "That's my anticipation based on my conversations with the medical staff."

* He "clearly" thinks the new offseason format, with the mandatory minicamp at the end, is superior.

* Players met with Rock Gullickson and his staff to talk about goals for the break. Each has been assigned a target weight he is supposed to be at for training camp.

* His message to players before they left the field: "Be safe, be smart."

* Is this season Super Bowl or bust? "It's Super Bowl for me every day." He doesn't want to build up false confidence, but he feels the roster is the best it's been since he's been here. He doesn't believe in predictions, "but this team has a chance to be something special." He thinks the challenges and obstacles will be much different this year.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Minicamp over

The Packers' mandatory minicamp ended with a roughly 90-minute practice this morning inside The Don Hutson Center.

Back in a bit with a recap.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

The blitz: Minicamp practice No. 3

Highlights and other notes from this morning's roughly 1-hour, 35-minute practice inside The Don Hutson Center:

* C Scott Wells was sitting out for the second consecutive practice. Afterward, he said he's had some soreness in his back and hip, but he expects to be fine for training camp.

* The only players missing were DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who is recovering from knee surgery, and WR Shaun Bodiford. There was no official word on Bodiford's absence, but after practice, his locker was empty except for his playbook. UPDATE: That's not to insinuate Bodiford's been cut; he might have gone home early with an injury. UPDATE II: The official word is Bodiford sat out with a back injury. That's something that nagged him last year, too. Gbaja-Biamila was in the locker room for the first time since the surgery. "My knee feels great," he said. "I've just been in there rehabbing, getting the flexibility and strength back. I should be ready for training camp."

* With Wells and LT Chad Clifton (rest) sitting out, the starting offensive line was (left to right): Daryn Colledge, Allen Barbre, Jason Spitz, rookie Josh Sitton and Mark Tauscher. The past two practices could be a sign of things to come for Colledge, who was a standout tackle in college but has been inconsistent at guard.

* Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin was getting audibly frustrated with sloppy work from the offense during the initial jogthrough. At one point, rookie TE Joey Haynos failed to turn around for a pass and got hit in the back of the neck.

* The usual suspects were in the rehab group: Colin Cole, Kyle Ward, Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell, Junius Coston, Will Blackmon, Cameron Stephenson, Clifton, Wells and RB Ryan Grant, who said he remains completely confident his contract situation will be resolved before training camp.

* Fans were allowed to watch nearly an hour of practice.

* There were several outstanding catches.

-- During a red-zone blitz period, WR Greg Jennings ran a fade to the left side of the end zone and got his hands on Aaron Rodgers' pass. CB Jarrett Bush knocked the ball out of Jennings' hands and into the air, but Jennings caught the carom and dragged both toes in bounds.

-- During an all-go drill during 7-on-7 passing, S Charlie Peprah slapped away a pass from Swain -- and directly to rookie WR Jake Allen, who was running across the end zone.

-- But the catch of the day went to the defense and CB Charles Woodson, who dived over TE Donald Lee to pluck a low Rodgers pass off the turf during a no-huddle drill. Woodson rolled over and onto his feet, then sprinted down the right sideline with an index finger in the air.

* During his no-huddle drive, QB Brian Brohm led the No. 2 offense 40 yards to set up a 38-yard field goal for Mason Crosby. Rookie J.J. Jansen was snapping again.

* No. 3 QB Matt Flynn's no-huddle drive ended with a "sack" by blitzing LB Spencer Havner, who came untouched.

* Rookie TE Jermichael Finley was pulled after a false start. Tory Humphrey consistenly is working ahead of Finley as the second tight end with the starting offense.

* Dropping 'em like they're hot: WR Brett Swain, Lee, Humphrey, Jennings, RB DeShawn Wynn.

* S Atari Bigby mistimed his jump while working against the second-team offense in the blitz period, allowing undrafted rookie WR Taj Smith an uncontested catch in the end zone.

* Bush and rookie CB Pat Lee each got limited work in the nickel package with starters Al Harris and Charles Woodson.

* Rookie WR Jordy Nelson continues to get the first rep on punt returns. Swain and Jennings also caught balls from the machine today.

* Once during team (11-on-11) and again during 7-on-7, Humphrey showed off his healed wheel by catching a pass deep down the seam from Rodgers.

* And your passing stats for the team periods: Rodgers 5-for-9, Brohm 10-for-15, Flynn 2-for-4.

Might be back with more later, but with practice cancelled, this will be the longest post today. If there's nothing more in the next couple of hours, come back Thursday afternoon for the minicamp wrap.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Afternoon practice canceled

The Packers have canceled today's afternoon minicamp practice in favor of an undisclosed team-building exercise. That means there will be only one more practice in the minicamp, at 10:15 a.m. Thursday.

The canceled practice wouldn't have been open to the public.

Press-Gazette assistant sports editor Tom Pelissero will be back shortly with recap of this morning's practice.

The blitz: Minicamp practice No. 2

Today's afternoon practice session inside The Don Hutson Center was the longer of two today, lasting nearly 2 hours. Some highlights ...

* CB Charles Woodson was on the field as expected, leaving DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila as the only player missing.

* Each of the three quarterbacks ran a 2-minute drill.

-- Aaron Rodgers and the starters took over at their own 40-yard line with 1:31 to go and two timeouts, needing a touchdown. They needed four plays and 50 seconds to go 13 yards, converting a free play on fourth-and-3 when Cullen Jenkins jumped offside and Rodgers connected with Brandon Jackson for a 6-yard gain. Rodgers hooked up twice with Greg Jennings -- who was visible all day -- for a pair of big gains to give the offense first down at the 9 with 23 seconds left. But Rodgers threw incomplete on the next five plays, including on first-and-goal from the 4 after a defensive holding call against MLB Nick Barnett. The extra play was a back-shoulder toss for Ruvell Martin, who was well-covered by Tramon Williams and couldn't get his hands around Rodgers' bullet.

-- Facing a similar scenario -- a 14-10 deficit, ball at the 40 and 1:54 to play with two timeouts -- Brian Brohm marched the 2s down the field for a touchdown. He was 6-for-7 on the drive, including a beautiful touch pass to Jordy Nelson that gained 16 yards and an out to TE Evan Moore on first-and-goal from just inside the 10. Moore got a step on SLB Brandon Chillar, who took a bad angle, and turned up the right sideline to run in for the touchdown with 27 seconds on the clock.

-- Matt Flynn was 1-for-4 in his drill and completed his only pass to himself, after Daniel Muir batted it into the air.

* C Scott Wells joined LT Chad Clifton on the sideline for the afternoon practice, leaving the Packers with a starting offensive line of (left to right) Orrin Thompson, Allen Barbre, Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge and Mark Tauscher. Later, during a 2-minute drill, Colledge worked at left tackle and rookie Josh Sitton replaced him at right guard.

* TE Joey Haynos and CB Kyle Ward appeared to be full participants.

* Tramon Williams stripped WR Chris Francies during a ball-security drill.

* Rookie J.J. Jansen continues to work in front of Thomas Gafford as the long snapper. However, Gafford got two reps to Jansen's one during an afternoon "game situation" field-goal drill. Mason Crosby drilled all three attempts from 40 yards.

* With Woodson back, Williams worked outside in the nickel package and Woodson played the slot.

* Brohm tossed three interceptions during competitive drills. He slipped during the team run period, fluttering a pass into Williams hands; S Atari Bigby jumped underneath Shaun Bodiford on a crossing route during the blitz period (Brandon Chillar came untouched) for No. 2; and Woodson got in front of Francies during 7-on-7 passing.

* Rookies' families attended practice, and coaches took time to speak with them afterward.

* Pass break-ups during team (11-on-11) periods: Jarrett Bush, Williams, Jason Hunter.

* A bunch of players caught balls from the machine during punt-coverage drills. The list included Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, Taj Smith, Brett Swain, Bodiford, Joe Porter and Johnny Quinn.

* RB Noah Herron briefly left the punt-coverage drill with a right leg issue, but he returned.

* The offensive play of the day belonged to Flynn and Swain, who hooked up on a long completion down the left sideline during the blitz drill. However, CB Pat Lee blitzed on the play and might have sacked Flynn if it were a game. The other P.O.T.D. candidate was Greg Jennings, who made a great sprawling grab under tight coverage in the corner of the end zone during 7-on-7.

* RB Ryan Grant remains sidelined from team drills while he awaits a contract resolution. But he was more involved than usual, casually throwing some passes during position work.

* Dropping 'em like they're hot: Swain, Jake Allen.

* The No. 2 nickel defense during the 2-minute drill was: Hunter, Alfred Malone, Conrad Bolston, Jeremy Thompson, Tracy White, Desmond Bishop, Lee, Porter, Condrew Allen, Charlie Peprah and Aaron Rouse.

* And your passing stats for team periods: Rodgers 11-for-20, Brohm 8-for-14, Flynn 2-for-6.

Back Wednesday for two more practices. Peace.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

The blitz: Minicamp No. 1

Highlights and other notable stuff from the first of five practices at this week's mandatory minicamp ...

* LT Chad Clifton (rest) continues to sit out, giving Orrin Thompson -- and, to a lesser extend, Tony Moll -- opportunities with the No. 1 offense. Daryn Colledge worked with the first unit at left guard.

* Moll (knee), FB John Kuhn (groin) and TE Jermichael Finley (knee) returned to practice. Finley said he's full-go after the scary-looking injury he suffered June 4.

* Offensive linemen participated in a new drill in which they had to dig for a ball buried under a stack of blocking pads.

* Fans were allowed to watch the first 45 minutes or so. WR Greg Jennings spent time encouraging them to cheer for completions during unguarded passing drills.

* The rehab group included no surprises: DTs Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell and Colin Cole; OLs Clifton, Cameron Stephenson and Junius Coston; RB Ryan Grant (contract); and CBs Will Blackmon and Kyle Ward.

* The starting defensive line was, from left to right, Aaron Kampman, Ryan Pickett, Cullen Jenkins and Michael Montgomery.

* With Charles Woodson (personal) absent, Tramon Williams worked alongside starting CB Al Harris. Jarrett Bush played in the nickel.

* The No. 2 secondary was: CBs Bush and Pat Lee and Ss Aaron Rouse and Charlie Peprah. With the 3s, it was Joe Porter and Condrew Allen, and Peprah and Tyrone Culver. Coaches also played the second secondary some with the starting defense, as they did throughout training camp last summer.

* TE Donald Lee had a false start on the first play of the blitz drill and was replaced by Tory Humphrey.

* The No. 2 offensive line was, left to right, Moll, Allen Barbre, Ryan Keenan, Josh Sitton and Breno Giacomini. With the 3s were: Orrin Thompson, Ryan Considine, Brennen Carvalho, Sitton and Giacomini.

* Carvalho and Allen, both undrafted rookies, were making their first appearances since rookie camp because of the NFL rule regarding academic schedules.

* Dropping 'em like they're hot: Shaun Bodiford, Ruvell Martin, Humphrey.

* Undrafted rookie WR Jake Allen had a nifty, toe-dragging catch along the sideline on a pass from Matt Flynn during the blitz period. Flynn, who has struggled to complete passes against the blitz in recent practices, was 2-for-2 today.

* There was a field-goal period, but little could be drawn from it, as coaches were mixing in fakes and there was no rush on some kicks. Mason Crosby's only miss was wide left from 27 yards with J.J. Jansen snapping and Jon Ryan holding. Crosby was solid from long range and ended with a 52-yarder down the heart, with at least 10 yards to spare.

* LB Brady Poppinga had a batted pass during 7-on-7 passing.

* TE Mike Peterson had an athletic, leaping catch on a bootleg pass from Brian Brohm during third-and-short work.

* And your mostly meaningless passing stats for team (11-on-11) periods: Aaron Rodgers 7-for-11, Brohm 6-for-8 and Flynn 2-for-5.

Check back a little after 5 p.m. for updates from the afternoon session.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

More from McCarthy

Some other quick hits from coach Mike McCarthy, who spoke after the morning practice ...

* Middle linebackers and safeties are training in on the newly approved defensive helmet radio system. Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders is the communicator from the sideline. "It's really gone very smooth."

* The morning practice finished about 10 minutes ahead of schedule.

* DT Justin Harrell (back) "really has picked up his rehab-type schedule" and feedback from the training staff remains positive. "I anticipate at some point he'll be ready for training camp."

* OL Junius Coston is being held out to rest a sore lower back. "If this was a game week, I think Juice ... could have gone today."

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Rodgers: I'm not married

Aaron Rodgers had some fun with a WLUK-TV report that he got married on Saturday.

Sporting a new, much shorter haircut, Rodgers acknowledged he attended a wedding back home in California -- but he said it was a close family friend getting married, not himself.

"It's all funny to me," Rodgers said. "It's all good stuff. Better than maybe a different story. It's all positive stuff, except for the wedding stuff. They're trying to kill my game in Green Bay, I think."

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Woodson, KGB only players absent

Cornerback Charles Woodson and end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila were the only players missing from this morning's opening practice of minicamp.

Woodson was absent because of a personal matter and will practice this afternoon, coach Mike McCarthy said. Gbaja-Biamila continues to recover from knee surgery.

Nine players other players sat out while rehabbing injuries, but there were no surprises in that group. RB Ryan Grant (contract) remains out, as expected. FB John Kuhn (groin), OL Tony Moll (knee) and TE Jermichael Finley (knee) returned to practice.

Back with a full report later ...

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Mandatory minicamp preview

The final three days of offseason practice begin Tuesday morning, when the Packers open their mandatory minicamp.

Who: The Packers' entire roster, though close to a dozen injured players and unsigned running back Ryan Grant are expected to sit out.

Where: The Don Hutson Center.

What's open to the public: Parts of practices at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Fans probably will be booted around 11 a.m. each day.

What's closed: Afternoon practices Tuesday and Wednesday.

We'll have full updates from all five practices -- plus coach Mike McCarthy's media conferences -- here in the Insiders Blog, so stay tuned.

Quick hits
* The Press-Gazette's media reporter, Warren Gerds, has an update on agreements to broadcast Packers games in HD.
* The Sporting News has the Packers' running backs ranked ninth in the NFC.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

ESPN ready to take over Green Bay

If you're not a fan of pregame overkill, stop reading now.

ESPN's Bill Hofheimer e-mailed me this afternoon with the network's plans for the Monday Night Football/Brett Favre number retirement/Packers-Vikings opener extravaganza. The plans are extensive, to say the least.

Per Hofheimer:

"Wanted to let you know that ESPN will be sending its entire 'Monday Night Countdown' crew to Green Bay for Vikings-Packers MNF opener on Sept 8. We have not done this since the first MNF season on ESPN in 2005, but with the Packers set to retire Brett Favre's jersey -- and this being ESPN's first visit to Lambeau Field for a MNF game -- the decision was a no-brainer. We will have multiple shows originating from site throughout the day.

Here's the planned lineup of ESPN programs for Monday, Sept 8 (All times CT):
Mon 12:30 PM NFL LIVE
Mon 01:00 PM NFL PRIMETIME
Mon 02:00 PM AROUND THE HORN
Mon 02:30 PM PARDON THE INTERRUPTION *
Mon 03:00 PM SPORTSCENTER MONDAY KICKOFF (segments *)
Mon 04:00 PM MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN *
Mon 06:00 PM MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL -- MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS
Mon 09:15 PM MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL -- DENVER BRONCOS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS (halftime segments *)
Tue 12:30 AM SPORTSCENTER (segments *)
Tue 02:00 AM NFL PRIMETIME (UPDATED W/ HIGHLIGHTS FROM MNF GAMES)

* will originate from Lambeau Field in Green Bay

In addition to the MNF crew that will call the game (Mike Tirico, Rob Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser), the Monday Night Countdown team of Chris Berman, Stuart Scott, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, Steve Young, Emmitt Smith and Chris Mortensen will all be on-site, as well as reporter(s). Michael Wilbon is also expected to be on-site for Pardon the Interruption w/ Kornheiser."

Should be a circus. I just hope PTI isn't done from the press box. I value my hearing too much.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

OTA No. 4: The blitz

Everything else from practice not covered in the earlier notes ...

* LT Chad Clifton sat out again to rest his body, giving Orrin Thompson another run with the starters.

* With Junius Coston (lower back) absent, first-year pro Ryan Keenan, who is listed as a guard, worked at center with the second unit.

* TE Jermichael Finley (bruised knee) and CB Kyle Ward (ankle) were the only new faces in the rehab group since the last OTA open to reporters. The rest consisted of: Clifton, OL Tony Moll (knee), OL Cameron Stepheson (calf), DT Justin Harrell (back), DT Johnny Jolly (shoulder), FB John Kuhn (groin) and RB Ryan Grant (contract). TE Joey Haynos (hamstring) didn't seem to be doing much either.

* DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila was absent for the third straight week since undergoing minor knee surgery. Portland State rookies Condrew Allen and Brennen Carvalho remain barred from attending because of NFL rules regarding academic schedules.

* With so much of the starting defense missing, it was tough to draw much from the rotation there. Second-year pro Desmond Bishop filled in for Barnett at middle linebacker, while Abdul Hodge worked with the 2s. Tramon Williams and Jarrett Bush worked as the starting cornerbacks, with rookie Pat Lee and Joe Porter each getting opportunities in the nickel package. The starting line for the most part was (from left to right): Michael Montgomery, Ryan Pickett, Conrad Bolston and Jason Hunter.

* The battle of the long snappers was on display today. There were four "live" field goals attempted. First, there were three 40-yard field goals attempted in a game situation period. Mason Crosby hit both attempts with the combination of long snapper J.J. Jansen and regular holder Jon Ryan, but missed wide right when it was Thomas Gafford and Kenny DeBauche. The snap might have been a little inside on the miss, but Crosby also might have just pushed it. Jansen and Ryan handled the only field goal attempt in a later 2-minute period, and Crosby was true from 32 yards. It's early, but Jansen simply seems to have more velocity on the ball. Gafford's have floated a little.

* Ryan Considine got his shot at long snapping during a scout punt drill and ... let's just say he's not going to push Jansen and Gafford. Coach Mike McCarthy and General Manager Ted Thompson were among the near bystanders during the period.

* The 2-minute drills were interesting. Aaron Rodgers and the No. 1 offense took over at their own 40 with about a minute to work with, needing a touchdown. They drove to the 20, but Rodgers' heave to the end zone bounced off Donald Driver's hands. For long throw against a three-safety look, though, it was pretty close to an incredible completion. Brian Brohm and the No. 2 offense also took over at their 40 with 1:31 on the clock and a 7-6 deficit. They drove to the 14, setting up the 32-yard field goal Crosby hit. However, on second down from the 32 with less than 30 seconds remaining, the defense blitzed and Brohm held the ball too long. In the game, it would have been a sack. Brohm's longest completion was 16 yards on an out to Chris Francies; he was wide open after Porter slipped and fell.

* Fans were allowed to watch about 45 minutes of practice.

* Dropping 'em like they're hot: Chris Francies, Ruvell Martin and Johnny Quinn.

* DT Alfred Malone had another batted pass during team (11-on-11) drills, this week with Rodgers at QB. Malone is only (only?) 6-foot-4, but he seems to get his hands on a lot of balls.

* Bush also was visible, batting three passes during team drills.

* Rodgers made one of the prettier plays of the day when he executed a play-action fake and found TE Tory Humphrey, who had released over the middle, in the end zone.

* Though McCarthy praised his rookie QBs -- and he's right when he notes how much they've been handed in a short period -- seventh-round draft pick Matt Flynn appears to be scuffling to find his rhythm. He was 1-for-7 passing during team drills today and had at least two bad exchanges from center, including a fumble that killed a play.

* Rodgers was 16-for-24 passing during team drills, Brohm 11-for-17.

* Rodgers also had the notable play of 7-on-7 passing drills, hitting Donald Driver on a go route down the right sideline. Williams was with him step-for-step until Driver got separation at the last second.

* Porter defended two passes during a four-play span in 7-on-7. LB Spencer Havner had another on a ball that shouldn't have been thrown by Flynn, who was 1-for-3 in the drill. Rodgers was 10-for-12 and Brohm 4-for-6.

That's it for this one, kids. Look for stories later tonight www.PackersNews.com. The Blog returns at full throttle for the mandatory minicamp Tuesday through Thursday.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

McCarthy: Jolly, other injured players out for minicamp

Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell, Will Blackmon and probably Colin Cole will continue to be sidelined through next week's mandatory minicamp -- and perhaps longer.

"We anticipate those guys at some point in training camp being ready to go," coach Mike McCarthy said in his OTA wrap-up media conference this afternoon.

It had been believed all four would be ready when training camp opens July 28.

McCarthy later said he's "hopeful" Harrell, the often-injured former first-round drat pick, will be 100 percent for the start of training camp. "That's the medical outlook," he said.

Some other notes from McCarthy ...

* TE Jermichael Finley suffered a bruised knee in a collision with teammates last week but shouldn't be sidelined for an extended period. "I think he's going to be fine. It didn't look very good on film." He sat out today.

* OL Junius Coston missed practice today because trainers were looking at his lower back.

* There is no indication RB Ryan Grant, who has been sitting out while awaiting a contract resolution, will practice in minicamp. "I don't anticipate it's going to change. I don't know what the timeframe is, but there's been nothing said to me that would indicate for his situation to change." McCarthy reiterated Grant has "done the best that he possibly can based on their approach. That's really what I keep focused on. I think it would be hypocritical for me to say otherwise."

* After a productive OTA period, the emphasis next week will be on cleanup. They've kept track of issues over the past four weeks and will address those. The offense will hit all the different pressure packages they believe they'll see.

* Rookie QBs Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn are finding their comfort zone. "Brian's been exceptional. Matt's really turned it on. It's a lot of information to process in four weeks."

Back in an hour or so with more notes from practice ...

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

OTAs are over

The Packers concluded organized team activities with a 2-hour practice today inside The Don Hutson Center.

I'll be back with more details in an hour or so, but here are some quick hits ...

* As expected, a large number of veterans were absent. The list included CBs Charles Woodson and Al Harris, LB Nick Barnett and DE Aaron Kampman.
* DT Daniel Muir (pectoral) returned to practice. DT Ryan Pickett also was back after missing practice last week.
* The only peculiar absence belonged to OL Junius Coston. We'll know more on that after coach Mike McCarthy addresses the media.
* CB Kyle Ward has ankle injury and sat out.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Midweek roundup

The final OTA practice is Thursday, beginning at 11:15 a.m. As usual, fans will be permitted to watch for an hour or so inside The Don Hutson Center. Same goes for three of the five practices at the mandatory minicamp next Tuesday through Thursday. Each of those begins at 10:15 a.m.

In an otherwise slow week, here are a few quick hits ...

* According to a source with access to the NFL's internal transactions wire, San Francisco has signed OT Joe Toledo, who the Packers cut last week.

* Also according the wire, the Chiefs have waived ex-UW standout Luke Swan.

* Brett Favre says of Michael Strahan's retirement: "Tremendous player, good friend. I hate to see him go. He went out with a ring. Pretty awesome."

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Texans cut QB Gray

If the Packers have any lingering interest in quarterback Quinn Gray, they have another chance to land him.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the Houston Texans have cut Gray, a little more than two months after signing him to a one-year, $645,000 contract. The Chronicle said the move was related to Gray's slow adjustment to the system.

Gray, 29, visited the Packers on March 11. The team also brought in veterans Gus Frerotte, who ended up with Minnesota, and Daunte Culpepper but didn't sign either.

Since the team drafted Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn, Packers coach Mike McCarthy has said he's prepared to go into training camp with the two rookies backing up new starter Aaron Rodgers. It seems unlikely that would change with Gray's release, but if McCarthy likes his skill set, it's not out of the question the team might reconsider signing him to a minimum-salary deal.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Dolphins cut Rayner

Dave Rayner is out of a job. Again.

Rayner today was cut by the Miami Dolphins -- the fourth team that has let him go in a little more than nine months. The Packers cut him in September, and he since has bounced between Kansas City, San Diego and Miami.

The Dolphins have two other kickers on the roster, starter Jay Feely and rookie Dan Carpenter.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Offensive lineman released

The Packers have cut offensive tackle Joe Toledo, according to a source with access to the NFL transaction wire that is sent out to all 32 teams.

Toledo was not at the organized team activity practice that was open to reporters on Wednesday, but his status was not addressed.

The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Toledo spent all of last season with the Miami Dolphins but did not play. He began the season on the physically unable to perform list and was later transferred to injured reserve. He was released in February and signed by the Packers in March.

-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

OTA No. 3: The blitz

Quick hits from the 1-hour, 50-minute workout inside The Don Hutson Center today ...

* DT Ryan Pickett missed practice; it was known he'd miss time at some point because of family obligations. Also missing were DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who had knee surgery last week; CB Will Blackmon (foot); and the two Portland State rookies, CB Condrew Allen and C Brennen Carvalho.

* TE Joey Haynos sat out with a hamstring injury. Other players who still aren't practicing because of injuries but rehabbed were DTs Colin Cole, Daniel Muir and Johnny Jolly; FB John Kuhn; and OLs Tony Moll and Cameron Stephenson. RB Ryan Grant remains sidelined by his contract issue.

* Pickett's absence, combined with all the injuries, yielded a No. 1 defensive line of Aaron Kampman and Michael Montgomery at the ends and Cullen Jenkins and Alfred Malone inside.

* Malone, LBs A.J. Hawk and Abdul Hodge and DE Jason Hunter batted down passes during team drills.

* Montgomery elicited yells when he sent G Daryn into a backwards somersault during 1-on-1 pass rushing.

* MLB Nick Barnett returned to practice after skipping it last week.

* With starting CBs Charles Woodson and Al Harris on the field at the same time, Tramon Williams was the third CB in the nickel package.

* Orrin Thompson continues to work at LT while veteran Chad Clifton rests. Allen Barbre worked at LG with the first unit.

* TE Tory Humphrey, who made his OTA debut Tuesday, opened team (11-on-11) periods alongside starter Donald Lee in a two-tight set with the No. 1 offense.

* Junius Coston is getting a lot of work at center, including some today with the No. 1 offense. But he was yanked after an illegal snap during the blitz period. Rookie WR Jake Allen also had a false start and was pulled.

* S Nick Collins intercepted Rodgers over the middle during a team period. Rodgers was sandwiched on the play and ended up on the ground. It was tough to tell whether the contact affected the throw, but coach Mike McCarthy said it shouldn't have been made regardless.

* Rookie QB Matt Flynn started 0-for-4 passing during team drills before finally hitting Chris Francies, who slipped behind Jarrett Bush at the left sideline.

* Tramon Williams and rookie Jordy Nelson took the first reps as kick returners. A bunch of others rotated in, including Brandon Jackson, Vernand Morency, DeShawn Wynn, Brett Swain, Taj Smith and Kregg Lumpkin.

* It was a rather rough day for the rookie QBs. Not including the initial screens and deceptions period, Rodgers was 11-for-17 in team drills, while Brian Brohm was 4-for-9 and Flynn 2-for-7. Several times, Brohm waited so long to get rid of the ball he probably would have been sacked in a live environment. McCarthy noted the team was working a lot of jam, blitz and third-down stuff that challenged the quarterbacks and the protection.

* In 7-on-7 passing, Rodgers was 6-for-8, Brohm 4-for-6 and Flynn 2-for-3. Rookies Swain and Rod Harper had drops.

That's it for today in the blog, though stories will start being published online tonight. The final open OTA practice is next Thursday, June 12.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

McCarthy speaks

A few quick notes from coach Mike McCarthy's 10-minute media conference ...

* CB Al Harris, who practiced for the first time today, looks to be in good shape. "Al keeps himself in great shape. He's a player we don't concern ourselves with as far as getting out of shape. He has an offseason program that he has stuck to, and it definitely works for him. ... I don't have any concerns."

* OT Chad Clifton, who hasn't practiced during the past two open OTA practices, has "some nicks and things" and the team will continue to play it safe. That probably means Clifton won't practice much until at least the mandatory minicamp.

* RB Noah Herron is practicing days after he thwarted an invasion robbery at his home, but he remains shook up.

* CB Jarrett Bush at some point will begin practicing some at safety.

I'll be back in an hour or so with some notes from practice.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Finley says he's OK

It seems the Packers dodged a bullet with the collision that left Jermichael Finley on the ground.

Moving without a significant limp in the locker room, Finley said he lost his wind when his knee hit his chest and he doesn't believe the leg injury is significant. He didn't feel a pop or anything to make him believe it's something worse.

Coach Mike McCarthy said the training staff would check out Finley's shin and ankle. It's unclear whether he'll miss any practice time, but the team generally is extremely cautious, particularly during offseason practices.

Quarteback Aaron Rodgers and guards Jason Spitz and Allen Barbre also got up slowly after collisions during team drills, but neither appeared any worse for wear. All the contact was inadvertent.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Finley leaves practice; Harris attends

Rookie tight end Jermarcus Finley left today's organized team activity (OTA) practice after suffering a lower right leg injury.

Finley, the third-round draft pick from Texas, was injured while trying to catch a Matt Flynn pass during a team (11-on-11) drill late in practice. Finley was at the right sideline when he tried to adjust to the ball in the air, and he collided with Desmond Bishop and Aaron Rouse.

Trainers worked on Finley for several minutes, and he left the field under his own power. He watched the rest of practice with a wrap on the front of his right calf.

Quick hits
* Al Harris is at practice this week for the first time during the offseason. The Packers' other starting cornerback, Charles Woodson, is attending for the second straight week.
* TE Tory Humphrey (leg) returned to practice.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

OTAs roll on

The Packers resumed organized team activity (OTA) practices today.

The media's access for the week is Wednesday, so look for updates here in the Blog beginning sometime after 1:30 p.m.

UPDATE: The Packers announced this afternoon that the final open OTA will be June 12, not June 11 as previously scheduled. Both practices begin at 11:15 a.m. in The Don Hutson Center, and the initial periods are open to the public.

Noah Herron is expected to practice. If haven't seen it yet, check out this story on the scary ordeal Herron went through over the weekend.

It goes to show proximity to a big city (Sean Taylor outside Miami, Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry in Chicago) isn't necessary for this type of invasion robbery to happen. Here's a rundown of some other high-profile invasion robberies that have targeted wealthy people and families in recent years.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com