Jets' trade talks for Favre heat up

The New York Jets are in serious talks with the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre’s agent about acquiring the legendary quarterback, a source said today.

The Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only teams that have permission to speak with Favre about a potential trade for now. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, has been in talks with the Jets, who have shown a growing interest, but Cook has not been working closely with the Buccaneers, according to two sources.

For more on this story, click here.

-- Pete Dougherty and Tom Pelissero

Favre's flight cancelled

It doesn't look like Brett Favre will be coming to Green Bay tonight after all.

The flight plan for the plane that was supposed to bring Favre here no longer is on the books. UPDATE: It's back again, but at a time doesn't make sense since it's not in the air. The site is beginning to make my head hurt.

It originally was supposed to land at 6:45 p.m., then was bumped back as late as 8:01 p.m. before disappearing altogether. It's possible it could be rescheduled or go to and from different airports, but as of now, there's nothing heading this direction from Hattiesburg, Miss.

UPDATE: Which could be related to the fact that Favre's agent, Bus Cook, said his client is prepared for the media frenzy surrounding his return but won't come here until he's reinstated. "He’s prepared to deal with it," Cook told the Associated Press. “He’s ready to go back, but he can’t go back until the commissioner reinstates him.”

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

NFL: Reinstatement won't come today, either

Brett Favre is set to take off for Green Bay within the hour, but it doesn't appear he'll be reinstated in time to join the team Friday morning.

"The Packers and Brett Favre are continuing their discussions," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a e-mail to the Press-Gazette. "The commissioner preferred to let those discussions continue rather than act on the reinstatement petition today."

There seemed little possibility Favre would be on the practice field for Friday's morning practice session, which begins at 8:45 a.m., because he would need to go through procedural stuff -- a physical, conditioning tests, etc. Also, coach Mike McCarthy has said Favre probably would start out working on the side with the rehab group rather than practicing.

The longer Roger Goodell waits, though, the longer it would take for that process to begin, and thus the longer it would take for Favre to actually take the field -- the scenario the Packers hope to avoid. In essence, Goodell's delay is buying the team time.

-- Pete Dougherty and Tom Pelissero

Favre on his way

Brett Favre apparently is coming to Green Bay today.

NFL Network and ESPN reported today Favre has chartered a plane to come to Packers training camp. Within the past hour, a flight from the smaller, regional airport in Hattiesburg, Miss., to Green Bay appeared on the Web site FlightAware.com. The plane is scheduled to take off at 4:10 p.m. and land at Austin Straubel International at 6:45 p.m.

UPDATE: A source confirms it's a plane belonging to a friend of Favre's agent, Bus Cook, and Favre has used it before.

SECOND UPDATE: Another source confirmed that Favre indeed is taking that flight to Green Bay today.

That would put Favre in town in plenty of time to attend practice Friday; the first session begins at 8:45 a.m. Favre would have to go through a physical and running test, among other things -- and the NFL has yet to take action on his request for reinstatement from the reserve/retired list.

But it's safe to say it's time to put up the tent. The circus really is coming now.

UPDATE NO. 3: The flight has been delayed. It's now scheduled to take off at 5:15 p.m. and land at 7:51 p.m.

UPDATE NO. 4: Add another 10 minutes on to that. It's now to depart at 5:25 and land at 8:01.

UPDATE NO. 5: And now, the flight is back to its original time, but isn't listed as being in the air.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
-- Pete Dougherty, pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com

Favre more interested in Jets than Bucs?

Brett Favre's agent, Bus Cook, has been taking calls from the New York Jets -- but so far, Cook has not been working closely with the Tampa Buccaneers, according to sources with knowledge of the two teams' dealings regarding Favre.

That might change if Jeff Garcia's injury is significant. As it stands, though, the Jets have the more tenuous quarterback situation. Chad Pennington never has been the same since suffering a shoulder injury in 2005, and Kellen Clemens was ineffective in 10 games (eight starts) last year, throwing 10 interceptions and only five touchdown passes.

-- Pete Dougherty, pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com

Bucs' Garcia carted off field

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have downplayed the possibility of trading for Brett Favre in part because they have a veteran starter Jeff Garcia.

At least, they did.

Garcia was carted off the field after suffering a right calf injury in practice today. Though coach Jon Gruden downplayed the injury, calling Garcia day-to-day, an extended absence for Garcia would seem to make it more likely the Bucs would actively pursue Favre.

The Bucs and New York Jets have been given permission to speak with Favre about a trade, but the Jets have shown more interest, sources have said. With the Packers and Favre at a standoff, this might be the sort of break needed to jumpstart talks.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

No practice today

There is no public practice today.

On Friday, the Packers will practice at 8:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Clarke Hinkle Field, weather permitting.

Urlacher on Favre: Bears no, Vikings maybe

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was on Dan Patrick's radio show this morning and was asked whether he could see Favre playing for a couple of NFC North rivals.

On the possibility of Favre joining the Bears, Urlacher said: "Ooohh, no. I don’t see how that would be possible. No way."

When Patrick asked why, Urlacher said: "Why? … First of all, we’re in the division. Ummm, we got two good quarterbacks as it is. … I just don’t see how that would be a possibility."

But on the possibility of Favre joining the Minnesota Vikings, Urlacher said: "I could see him in a Viking uniform, though. I guess they’re going after him pretty hard. OK, well, if they got him, they’d be, uh, they’d be tough. The way they run the ball and with him … they’d be real, real tough."

Urlacher went on to say he thought the Vikings could be a Super Bowl contender with Favre at quarterback.

"Yes, I would definitely think so. I mean, their defense is good. They have a great running game. I mean, nothing against Tarvaris Jackson, but they really haven’t thrown the ball that great, you know, the last couple of years. So if you put him in there, it automatically upgrades their passing game right there."

-- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com

Evening wrap-up

Some more from the night practice, which lasted 2 hours, 25 minutes ...

* It was the red-zone install, and coach Mike McCarthy said he was impressed with the offense's performance in the first- and second-down portions. The blitz drill was where it got sloppy.

* TE Donald Lee had the catch of practice, a one-handed stab at the right sideline. TE Tory Humphrey was a close second with a spinning grab in the back of the end zone with LB Desmond Bishop all over him during 7-on-7.

* FB Corey White had a bad gaffe during team when he tried to one-hand a screen pass in the flat for no apparent reason. Former Pro Bowl receiver Cris Carter had a field day with that as he watched from the sidelines.

* GM Ted Thompson spent a couple of extended periods speaking with Russ Ball, the Packers' negotiator, on the sideline.

* TE Jermichael Finley had a rough practice, ending with a false start on the final play.

* And your passing stats in team periods: Aaron Rodgers 15-for-20, INT; Brian Brohm 9-for-15; Matt Flynn 3-for-8; Brandon Jackson 0-for-1.

No practice on Thursday, but I'm sure there will be some updates here. Good night, folks.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Practice over; Fleischer next

9:10 p.m.

Practice is over. Thursday is the first day without practices in camp, but players will go through walk-throughs and meetings and then will be addressed in the afternoon by guest speaker Ari Fleischer, the former White House press secretary. Head coach Mike McCarthy swears Fleischer was booked far in advance, but he noted, "We'll get our money's worth."

The Packers remain relatively injury-free. McCarthy said it's the healthiest camp that he can recall being a part of. He hopes Tramon Williams might return Friday. Ryan Pickett's return is day-to-day, but McCarthy said if it were up to Pickett, he'd be practicing already.

8:42 p.m.

A brief skirmish, the first of camp, broke out after a play during team drills.

It appeared as if defensive tackle Johnny Jolly was in the middle of the shoving match, but it was unclear who else was involved because the altercation ended quickly.

8:24 p.m.

In one-on-one pass-rushing drills, rookie Jeremy Thompson produced his best two reps of camp.
Thompson absolutely smoked guard Tony Moll on two rushes. He beat Moll on a quick outside move in which he was never touched, and then he beat him again on a quick inside move.

Later in the session, Moll redeemed himself somewhat by making a pancake block on defensive end Michael Montgomery. Thompson continued his good session when he won another rep against Breno Giacomini.

Kicker Mason Crosby converted on 5 of 6 field-goal attempts. He made kicks from 35, 35, 36, 36 and 43 yards. He had an attempt from 43 yards blocked.

Contributing to that miscue was a low snap by Thomas Gafford and a shaky hold by Ruvell Martin.

8:09 p.m.

Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.

During a red-zone team drill, the Packers' first-team offense managed the following: One presnap penalty, one fumbled snap by Aaron Rodgers, one interception by Rodgers — although it wasn't his fault because the ball was tipped off of Donald Driver's body by Aaron Rouse — and two near-interceptions, one by Rodgers and one by Brian Brohm.

7:48 p.m.

In one-on-one competition between receivers and defensive backs, rookie Jordy Nelson was the star of the show.

Nelson had a pair of nifty touchdown grabs in which he leaped over the defensive back to make the catch. His first victim was rookie Pat Lee, and his second catch came over cornerback Condrew Allen.

7:28 p.m.

In a team drill, defensive tackle Alfred Malone batted down a Matt Flynn pass at the line of scrimmage.

In the tight end vs. safety one-on-one matchups, the first nine passes were completed before the defense won the final four matchups. Tight end Donald Lee dropped a pass during the drill. The session ended when Aaron Rouse threw rookie Jermichael Finley to the ground.

7:15 p.m.

Aaron Rodgers was the winner of the deep pass accuracy drill tonight. He launched a long pass of at least 40 yards into a target net, the only quarterback to do so.

In a brief goal-line defense drill, backup linebacker Abdul Hodge generated a pair of big hits. On one, Hodge forced a fumble by running back DeShawn Wynn. On the other, Hodge stuffed running back Kregg Lumpkin. Brandon Chillar played with the first unit on goal-line defense.

Receiver Chris Francies was stripped in the ball-security drill by a pair of defenders including Desmond Bishop.

Will Blackmon took first-unit reps on punt returns. Also returning punts Taj Smith, Brett Swain, Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings.

6:50 p.m.

Practice is under way on a sunny and hot night at Clark Hinkle Field.

Once again, no surprises on the roll call. Justin Harrell, Ryan Pickett and Tramon Williams are not in pads, and unsigned running back Ryan Grant is the only player absent.

The stands are full for this evening's practice, and it's standing room only along Oneida Street.

-- Mike Vandermause, Tom Pelissero, Pete Dougherty and Rob Demovsky

Morning wrap-up

More quick hits from a morning practice that featured few competitive periods ...

* The only extended team (11-on-11) period came at the end of practice, with each quarterback running a dozen scripted plays. Starter Aaron Rodgers and the No. 1 offense had the most success. Rodgers threw only failed to complete two passes -- one that was nullified by a pass interference call on CB Jarrett Bush and one he threw away -- and finished 7-for-8. No. 2 QB Brian Brohm struggled, as noted in an earlier post, and finished 5-for-9 with an interception, one tipped ball and two near-picks. Matt Flynn had three passes tipped -- DTs Daniel Muir and Alfred Malone each batted down one, and another caromed to WR Taj Smith -- and finished 4-for-8.

* Veteran CBs Al Harris and Charles Woodson spent more than 20 minutes on the field after practice speaking with former Pro Bowl receiver Cris Carter.

* There was no 7-on-7 passing or 1-on-1s in the morning. There surely will be tonight. Final passing stats for team drills: Rodgers 8-for-9, Brohm 6-for-10, Flynn 4-for-9.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Brohm shaky during team period

11:50 a.m.
After practice, Coach Mike McCarthy said he hasn’t spoken to Favre and is leaving the situation in the hands of Murphy and GM Ted Thompson, so he can focus on football.

10:35 a.m.
Practice is over and the media is waiting to speak to McCarthy and other coaching assistants.

10:28 a.m.
Brohm nearly had two more passes picked off during the same team period. Two plays after his first interception, Will Blackmon dropped a potential pick thrown by Brohm intended for James Jones. Then cornerback Condrew Allen got his hands on a Brohn pass intended for Chris Francies, but he couldn’t hang on either.

10:25 a.m.
Brian Brohm threw his first interception of camp during a team period, in what can only be described as a terrible pass. He was picked off by Desmond Bishop, while attempting to hit John Kuhn in the flat.

10:20 a.m.
Aaron Rodgers completed 7 of 8 passes during a team period drill. Left guard Allen Barbre was yanked after committing a false start. Safety Nick Collins stripped James Jones of the ball after a catch with A.J. Hawk recovering the fumble.

10:15 a.m.
Sitting out practice again today were Ryan Pickett (hamstring), Justin Harrell (back) and Tramon Williams (hip flexor).

Also, Kabeer Gbaja Biamila and Chad Clifton did not practice, per usual (rest), but are expected to be at the pads practice tonight.

10 a.m.
Mason Crosby isn’t perfect after all. After converting on the first 14 field-goal attempts during the first three days of training camp, Crosby missed on two consecutive tries this morning from around 40 yards.

One was wide left and one wide right. Overall during the morning session, Crosby made five of seven kicks – all from around the 40-yard range. His three-day totals are 17 of 19 successful kicks.

Jon Ryan and Ruvell Martin alternated holding for Crosby this morning.

-- Quarterback Brian Brohm won the contest for deep ball accuracy. Brohm, Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn were throwing passes ranging from 45 to 55 yards. They were aiming their throws at what best can be described as a fishnet setup on a platform. Brohm was the only QB to put a ball into the net from about 48 yards. Rodgers and Flynn each had a pass that grazed the side of the net.

7:30 a.m.
With a forecast of 87 and sunny today, it'll be a hot one for both players and railbirds.

Already at 7:30 a.m., it's 65 and humidity is at 88 percent.

Practices are at 8:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. today.

Check back often for live updates from our reporters at camp.

-- Mike Vandermause, Tom Pelissero, Pete Dougherty and Rob Demovsky

Practice wrap-up

Some extra nuggets and stats from practice ...

* Aaron Rodgers was 16-for-21 passing during team (11-on-11 drills), but he admitted he didn't have his best practice as the team heavily worked third-down situations. During the blitz period, Rodgers was 2-for-5 with an interception and two overthrows. In team (11-on-11) periods near the end of practice, Rodgers threw a pair of passes that went through CB Jarrett Bush's hands. He also was flushed from the pocket on several occasions and got away with some ill-advised passes into double-coverage. And in 7-on-7 passing -- usually target practice for QBs -- Rodgers was 7-for-14. Basically, he looked like a guy on Day 2 of training camp.

* Elsewhere in the passing game, Brian Brohm was 8-for-12 and Matt Flynn 8-for-11. In 7-on-7, Brohm was 6-for-7 and Flynn 2-for-4.

* With Tramon Williams (hip flexor) sitting, Bush again worked as the No. 3 cornerback. Will Blackmon paired with Bush as the second team CBs.

* CB Charles Woodson, who intercepted Rodgers, almost had another during 7-on-7. Flynn was trying to throw a slant for Donald Driver, and Woodson once again cut underneath and deflected the throw.

* Undrafted rookie WR Taj Smith was invisible throughout offseason practices, but he stood out today. First, during the blitz drill, he had a great, sliding catch on a beautiful touch pass from Rodgers down the right sideline, just beyond Bush. In 7-on-7, Rodgers made another good throw and hit Smith down the left sideline on a go route. Smith finished with three catches in team drills, all from Rodgers.

* LB Desmond Bishop took a couple of plays off because of a bloody nose.

* GM Ted Thompson spent time on the sideline with both Mark Murphy, the team's president and CEO, and chief negotiator Russ Ball.

* There were roughly a half-dozen flags and, again, several presnap penalties.

* Dropping 'em like they're hot: Tory Humphrey, Jermichael Finley.

* With Ryan Pickett and Justin Harrell sidelined, DT Colin Cole is getting extended action with the first team, and he made a couple of notable stuffs today.

* Rookie TE Evan Moore had a couple of head-turning plays. He beat Abdul Hodge down the seam for a catch during 7-on-7 passing drills, and he made a nifty, one-handed grab in traffic on a low throw from Rodgers during a team period.

* Humphrey's long catch down the seam also came with Hodge in coverage. Hodge has a way to go to earn a roster spot and hasn't stood out in a positive way so far. However, he's on the No. 1 punt and punt return units. So are Desmond Bishop, Jason Hunter, Tracy White, Humphrey and Michael Montgomery. Pat Lee and Charlie Peprah are playing outside on both units.

* During the last team period, FB Ryan Powdrell and TEs Joey Haynos and Jermichael Finley opened with the starters. Later in the same period, DEs Jeremy Thompson and Jason Hunter got work with the No. 1 defense. Such mixing-and-matching is common during camp, but it's interesting nonetheless to see who gets the opportunities.

Wednesday is a two-practice day, with a shells session beginning at 8:45 a.m. and a padded workout at 6:30 p.m. As usual, keep it tuned here for updates throughout the action.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

UPDATE: Here are some highlights from the one-on-one pass rushing drills:
* Tony Moll, who moved from guard to tackle this season, struggled. He lost reps against defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and rookie Jeremy Thompson.

* Rookie tackle Breno Giamcomini also is struggling. He continues to give up too much ground by backpeddling and allowing defensive ends to get a good push.

* Veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher looks strong as usual. He won a rep against arguably the team's best pass rusher, Aaron Kampman.

* Second-year guard Allen Barbre went 3-0 (beating Michael Montgomery twice and Alfred Malone).

-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

McCarthy on Favre

Here is some of what coach Mike McCarthy had to say (read: not much) on Brett Favre faxing in his letter for reinstatement.

On his reaction:
"Jeff (Blumb, the Packers' media maven) just made me aware of the reinstatement letter. That's obviously the first step in Brett coming back, so we'll deal with that when he's reinstated, and we'll definitely have a plan in order."

On how they'll approach practice/competition if Favre shows up:
"We'll address everything as far as details of Brett Favre fits into our future plans when he arrives here in Green Bay."

On whether he's happy about it:
"Brett Favre is still a very good football player. He's an asset to our football team, and once again, I'm going to answer this question for the last time. The plan for Brett Favre will be discussed with Brett Favre first, and then we'll (make it) public."

On a potentially divided locker room:
"I'm not concerned about it. We've talked about it as a football team. ... We're about playing football. We're about getting ready for our season upcoming. Everybody's aware of everything that's going on. We have no ill feelings toward Brett Favre, and he would be welcome back in our locker room."

Back shortly with more from, you know, that practice nonsense ...

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Practice ends, McCarthy confirms Favre faxes reinstatement letter

4:14 p.m.

The practice wrapped up at 4:14, with coach Mike McCarthy getting hit with numerous Brett Favre questions. McCarthy confirmed that Favre has faxed his reinstatement later to the NFL and essentially said the team will move forward as soon as its finalized.

More wrap-up to follow.

3:32 p.m.

Quarterbacks aren’t supposed to get hit during training camp practices. They wear red jerseys, which means they are off limits. However, that didn’t stop Aaron Rodgers from taking a shot today.

Just after he unleashed a deep pass completion to Taj Smith, he was hit in the pocket by an unidentified player.

-- Smith also was part of another notable pass play when he collided with a referee after making a nice catch near the sideline. Smith remained standing while the referee tumbled to the ground, but was unhurt.

-- On the first play of a blitz period, Aaron Rodgers was intercepted by cornerback Charles Woodson on a slant pattern intended for Greg Jennings. Linebacker A.J. Hhawk was blitzing on the play and Woodson jumped the pass route and the ball hit him in the shoulder.

-- Mason Crosby continues to be a model of consistency. He nailed five of five field goal attempts ranging from 22 to 36 yards. Longsnapper J.J. Jansen had one low snap during the drill.

3:14 p.m.

Allen Barbre is lining up at left guard with the starters today. On Monday, Daryn Colledge lined up in that spot. The Packers appear to be alternating Barbre and Colledge day-to-day.

-- Punt return reps were handled by Will Blackmon, Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings and Taj Smith. Thomas Gafford and J.J. Jansen appear to be evenly matched so far in the long-snapping competition. Tackle Ryan Considine was a poor third today after snapping one over Ryan’s head.

2:44 p.m.

Jon Ryan had a productive punting session today. In seven punts, he averaged 49.0 yards and 4.4 seconds of hang time. His best punt sailed 60 yards and hung in the air 4.75 seconds.

-- During an early team drill, Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Tory Humphrey on an impressive looking completion over the middle in tight coverage. Rodgers lofted the ball just past the outstretched hands of linebacker Abdul Hodge and into Humphrey’s waiting arms.

-- General Manager Ted Thompson was spotted on the sidelines talking on his cell phone. Could he have been engaged in trade talks for Brett Favre? We can only speculate.

-- The crowd surrounding Clarke Hinkle Field appears slightly larger than it was during Monday’s morning session, but the overall attendance still seems smaller than the early stages of training camp last year. There are several railbirds today carrying pro-Brett Favre signs.

2:14 p.m.

Practice is underway in pads at a slightly soggy Clarke Hinkle Field. The skies are overcast and the forecast’s suggestion of rain could move practice indoors.There are no surprises in the roll call. Running back Ryan Grant is absent and three players are sitting out with injuries: cornerback Tramon Williams (hip flexor), defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring) and defensive tackle Justin Harrell (back).

12:40 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Ashwaubenon, there’s a 50 percent a chance for heavy rain, strong wind and large hail between 2 and 6 p.m. in Northeastern Wisconsin. At 12:40 p.m., however, radar showed storms to the north of the Green Bay area, but none right in the Green Bay area.

-- Mike Vandermause, Tom Pelissero, Pete Dougherty and Rob Demovsky

Evening wrap-up

Some more notes and stats from the evening practice ...

* Abdul Hodge was a notable member of No. 1 punt-blocking unit. Hodge, coming off a season lost to double knee surgery, needs strong special-teams play to make the roster.

* Will Blackmon remained the top punt returner, although Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Brett Swain and Pat Lee also have worked in. Don't look for Lee to win the job. In two chances, he whiffed completely on one punt and the next bounced off his chest.

* Lee also had a rough go in one-on-one passing. He lost three of five matchups, with his only "wins" a drop and a tackle that somehow didn't get flagged.

* When Tramon Williams (hip flexor) and Al Harris (apparent equipment issue) both were out, Jarrett Bush worked opposite Charles Woodson with the starting defense. Bush replaced Williams in the nickel after his injury.

* Cramps were a big problem during the evening session, particularly for the defensive backs. S Charlie Peprah suffered the worst and waved trainers onto the field after going down during a 7-on-7 passing drill. He was smiling as they stretched him out, though; he's dealt with cramps before. Coach Mike McCarthy said they'll emphasize prevention again.

* Daryn Colledge worked at left guard with the No. 1 offense again; McCarthy indicated nothing should be read into it.

* Swain, the rookie seventh-round draft pick, had another hands issue, getting stripped from behind by Will Blackmon after a catch during 7-on-7.

* There is no live tackling, but that doesn't mean people don't get popped now and then. LB Brady Poppinga had the hit of the night, decking rookie TE Joey Haynos after a catch at the right sideline. On offense, RB DeShawn Wynn gave Peprah a good shot on a cutback run.

* For the evening session, Rodgers was 11-for-16 passing in team (11-on-11 drills), while Brohm was 4-for-8 and Flynn 4-5. So, for Day 1, Rodgers finished 19-for-28, Brohm 14-for-21 and Flynn 10-for-12.

That's it for tonight. Tuesday's lone practice will be in pads beginning at 2 p.m. As usual, this is your spot for the roundup.

Seeya.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Evening practice is sloppy, too

9 p.m.

Cornerback Tramon Williams has a hip flexor injury. Coach Mike McCarthy offered no information on his status.

Running back Brandon Jackson had a "special" day, McCarthy said.

Mc Carthy thought the evening practice was sloppy, as the morning practice was. There again were many penalties before the snap. That's no surprise on Day 1, though. "As a whole, I thought the pad level was high on both sides of the ball. I thought the footwork was sloppy. It looked like we were in mud at times. So, we'll look at the film." The pace of the practice was excellent -- 14 minutes ahead of schedule.

8:51 p.m.

In the second set of one-on-one pass-rushing drills, the battle at left guard resumed with Daryn Colledge getting beaten by defensive end Michael Montgomery and Allen Barbre stopping defensive tackle Conrad Bolston.

Rookie offensive tackle Breno Giacomini had a rough stretch in the second session. Giacomini, who appears to back-pedal too much in pass coverage, was called on to take four consecutive snaps. Montgomery beat Giacomini on two straight bull rushes. Then Giacomini fought to a draw with Jason Hunter before being beaten by Hunter on the next snap.

Practice ended at 8:47 p.m.

8:22 p.m.

Kicker Mason Crosby has no competition at training camp, but that didn't stop him from nailing from six of six field goals ranging from 24 to 35 yards during a field-goal block drill.

8:15 p.m.

In the one-on-one pass blocking session, rookie guard Josh Sitton looked impressive. On his first snap, he stuffed defensive tackle Daniel Muir. On his second snap, he stuffed Jason Hunter, who had moved to defensive tackle after beating right tackle Breno Giacomini from from the left end on the previous snap.

In the battle for the starting left guard spot, both Daryn Colledge and Allen Barbre won their one snap. Both effectively handled defensive tackle Johnny Jolly.

Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila had the most decisive win among pass rushers when he blew past Tony Moll on an inside rush.

8:09 p.m.

On the injury front, cornerback Tramon Williams left practice with an unknown ailment. It doesn't look like he will return. It didn't look serious.

Cornerback Al Harris also left practice briefly, but has returned and is participating.

Offensive linemen Tony Moll and Chad Clifton both had false starts during the blitz period. Penalties have been an issue all day.

Clifton and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila participated fully in the night practice after sitting out the bulk of drills in the morning.

Wide receiver James Jones got wide open on a deep pass for a long completion from quarterback Aaron Rodgers after cornerback Charles Woodson gave up on coverage about 15 yards downfield.

7:23 p.m.

Punter Jon Ryan produced considerably lower numbers in the night practice. Kicking seven times again, Ryan avgd 46.7 yards with 4.05 seconds of hang time. His second punt was his poorest, when he had a 37-yarder with 2.9 seconds of hang time.

Will Blackmon, Tramon Williams and Greg Jennings all worked on the punt return team. Rookie Brett Swain also took two turns as a punt returner.

Through two team periods, the passing stats look like this: Aaron Rodgers 1-for-3, Brian Brohm 0-for-1 and Matt Flynn 2-for-2.

Looking for reasons why the Packers chose Rodgers over Brett Favre? Here's one: Rodgers was flushed out of the pocket during a team-period play and instead of attempting to force a pass into coverage, he wisely threw it away out of bounds.

6:48 p.m.

There were no surprise absences at the night practice at Clarke Hinkle Field. Players were working in pads as expected. The only player absent is unsigned running back Ryan Grant. The only players not in pads appear to be defensive tackles Ryan Pickett (hamstring) and Justin Harrell (back).

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com, and Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com

Goodell on Favre situation

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke to the media today during a visit to Buffalo Bills training camp. He was asked several Brett Favre-related questions. Here's what he said ...

On Brett Favre and his involvement:

"I was asked to get involved. We had a charge as it relates to tampering , which is a very important rule from our standpoint. And then I was asked to be involved with some various discussions between the parties, which is an issue that is important for the Green Bay Packers. They have rights here. It’s important for Brett Favre. He has rights also. And I’m glad to see that they’re all productive discussions and they’re talking directly to one another. They’re both important to the league going forward and hopefully they’ll reach a proper resolution."

"On having any input in Brett’s decision to hold off for a couple of days:

"I didn’t, and from my standpoint these are decisions that the team and Brett are going to have to make individually based on what their desires are. The most important thing is that they’re communicating properly and they both understand what’s important to one another."

On status of tampering investigation:

"We’re in the middle of the investigation. Hopefully, we can finish it up quickly, but as soon as we get to a conclusion we’ll announce it."

On the concerns of the allegation:

"We take every tampering charge seriously. As you know, we did discipline a club earlier this year for a violation of the tampering policy. It’s been an important policy so we will enforce it."

On importance of Brett Favre if he decides to come back:

"Brett Favre’s a great player, a great competitor, and I think it’s been a great reflection on the Packers and the NFL. So if Brett Favre wants to return and play , I think that would be a great thing for the fans and for the league."

On any indication that Favre has made a commitment to coming back:

"I’ll let Brett Favre speak for himself. I think Brett is very capable of doing that. He doesn’t need a spokesman."

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Thompson speaks

Running notes from Packers GM Ted Thompson's weekly training camp media conference ...

* He starts with saying this morning's practice was good. He then addresses the Brett Favre saga: "Brett and I had a couple of converations on Saturday." Both about 45 minutes. "It was very professional, it was very cordial." Both acknowledged it's a unique situation; feels both sides are. Talked about options available. Both stated case about options. "We still have not gotten the point where we agree on what the best option is. We have sort of agreed to disagree." Favre suggested he would delay coming to camp. Favre asked Thompson to present reasoning about that -- that he doesn't want to disturb the team. No resolution or update yet. "We will continue to try to do the right thing for all parties. There's not any simple answers, but that's what we're tasked to do. ... As a leader here, I feel the responsibility to do this and do this in a proper manner. It's an ongoing thing that we're going to do the best we can."

* Favre coming back is an option, but commitment has been made to move forward, even if sides are not in total agreement. Different role? Would be determined if he comes back. "There are scenarios where he would come back, and he would be fine."

* Made clear to Favre they're going down the Aaron Rodgers path. Didn't want to be dishonest, so told him the way he felt. "We believe this is the path that we should be on. We believe this is in the best interest (of the Packers) in the long-term and the short-term."

* "To just offer a blanket release would just (be) relinquishing the club's business rights" and that wouldn't make sense.

* Consider trade to NFC North team? "No."

* Favre give deadline of when coming? "No. ... I think he used the term 'a couple days.'"

* Really say he'd get fired if Favre came? "That would not be my interpretation of that conversation."

* Feasible to get trade done by Wednesday? Doesn't know. Complications with iconic figure. Matter of all parties coming together and saying this is a good idea, and they're not there yet.

* Relieved when decided not to come? "We talked about this. I ... felt this had the potential to be ... a little bit more of a distraction than normal. I'm very proud of our team. ... I think we can handle it ... if it happens."

* From trade conversations so far, think can get fair value? "I don't know. ... I don't know if it's fair to speculate" about market value.

* How many teams, scenarios? Wouldn't care to comment, in keeping with normal policy.

* Fair to say ongoing? "There have been some kicking-of-tires type of conversations."

* Favre told what teams would go to? "No."

* Trade most desirable outcome? No ... that would be just getting to point where done trade and get Favre where he wants to be.

* Why not willing to trade player within division? Special bond and player-for-player within division is rare.

* Release just doesn't make sense. Hasn't heard many people say that's a good option, "even people who want to hang me in effigy outside."

* If confident in team, why not just let go? Doesn't think those issues are intertwined. "There's a business side of this, and there's a common sense of this that says just to relinquish all our rights doesn't make much business sense."

* Prepared for Favre to be backup for entire season? See when they get there.

* Has Favre said 100 percent he wants to play? Yes, in Saturday conversations.

* On cell phone thing: Never heard of any Packers cell phones for players since been back with team.

* On Ryan Grant's sitution (and I'm transcribing this one now because I had to win a five-man shouting match to get it off): "The Ryan Grant thing is, he is in a remarkably unique position year-wise. It's a negotiation. It's ongoing. We do not negotiate in the press. We don't think that serves a purpose. We don't necessarily (get) offended by the fact that some agents like to do that. But we're working through it. Ryan's a good man and a good player, and we're going to try to get him back in here." Do you have a timetable? "I don't. I think that's one of those things I think we spoke of before. It's sort of, the cake's cooked when it's cooked."

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Morning practice wrap-up

Some extra notes and stats from the early practice ...

* Tony Moll and Daryn Colledge took all the first-team reps at left tackle and left guard, respectively, during team drills. The rest of the line featured the usual suspects: Scott Wells, Jason Spitz and Mark Tauscher. The starting defensive tackles were Johnny Jolly and Colin Cole. There were no other significant changes to the first unit on either side of the ball.

* Williams broke up two passes, including a post corner intended for Donald Driver that he batted in midair.

* The No. 2 offensive line was (left to right): Orrin Thompson, Allen Barbre, Junius Coston, Josh Sitton and Ryan Considine.

* Starting QB Aaron Rodgers hit his hand on a player's helmet on his first pass in team drills, a dump over the middle to FB Korey Hall. Rodgers shook his hand after the play but seemed no worse for wear.

* J.J. Jansen handled the first long snap on punts, and Thomas Gafford got it on field goals.

* A bunch of players stumbled and/or tore up chunks of grass on Clark Hinkle Field. Spitz switched shoes early in practice.

* No. 2 QB Brian Brohm was all over the place in the passing-tree drill, firing high and behind TE Evan Moore on one pass and airmailing TE Jermichael Finley on the next.

* If Ruvell Martin was the practice MVP (see: post below), anti-MVP honors for the practice are split between Brett Swain and Tory Humphrey. Each player had a drop; Swain also was responsible for Rodgers' interception and mishandled a Brohm pass, and Humphrey had a false start.

* Passing stats for team (11-on-11) drills: Rodgers 8-for-12, INT; Brohm 10-for-13; Matt Flynn 6-for-7.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Locker room notes: Harrell suffered setback

Justin Harrell isn't jumping to conclusions, but he acknowledged this morning that it's possible he'll need more surgery after suffering a setback with his injured back.

Harrell had surgery in April after injuring a disc in his back lifting weights. He was back in the weight room by early June but had the setback last week.

"The best-case scenario, I could be out there in a couple weeks," said Harrell, who was visibly frustrated. "Worse-case scenario, who knows?"

That worst-case scenario is more surgery, which might land him on season-ending injured reserve. Either way, it seems Harrell will miss at least one preseason game, and possibly more.

"I trust my doctors, and I'm praying," he said. "That's pretty much all I can do."

Harrell arrived at practice about an hour in and watched from the sideline alongside starting defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, who coach Mike McCarthy said has a "slight hamstring pull."

Elsewhere ...
* DT Johnny Jolly declined to discuss his recent arrest on felony drug charges.

"I’m here, playing football," he said. "I can’t (be) worried about that. I’m worried about my job right now, while I’m here, and that’s all I can take care of right now."

Jolly, who had shoulder surgery in December, is cleared for contact, though coaches are limiting his reps. With Harrell and Pickett sitting and Corey Williams in Cleveland, having Jolly on the field is important just to avoid overworking the other interior linemen.

* LB Brady Poppinga, who received a contract extension from the Packers last week, said he expects resolution in the team's increasingly ugly contract spat with starting RB Ryan Grant.

"Of course," he said. "I think both sides will come to an agreement. It'll work out. Like I was saying about the (Brett) Favre situation, same thing with Ryan Grant -- I'm sure by the middle of the year we'll forget this even happened. It'll all work out."

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Rodgers speaks

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers spoke at his locker for 23 minutes after the morning practice. Here are some highlights:

On how much attention he's paid to the Brett Favre situation: "It's hard not to. I've heard a lot of about it, obviously. But I'm just trying to control what I can control."

On whether he's talked to Favre in the last month: "No. I tried to at the ESPYs, but I couldn't get to him. Security wisked him away after the show."

On the first day of training camp practice: "It was a good day. I just tried to stay focused on what I can control and go out and play football."

Check back for more from Rodgers.


-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

McCarthy speaks

Running notes from coach Mike McCarthy's post-practice media conference ...

* DT Ryan Pickett has a slight hamstring pull. He is day to day. DT Justin Harrell (back) is week to week.

* It was a "good, solid practice" except for six presnap penalties. They were 10 minutes ahead of schedule.

* Strange to practice without Brett Favre? Not really, because did it all spring.

* One-a-day guys: Chad Clifton, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, perhaps Mark Tauscher and other older players.

* On Ryan Grant: Reiterates it's important. "My understanding is both sides are working diligently to make this work." Doesn't concern self with business matters.

* Which position most competitive battle? Througout team. Special teams as a whole is biggest, "because our depth has really improved."

* Thin with lack of competition at QB, specialists: Part of it is 80-man roster. Three QBs is by design with condensed camp schedule, McCarthy's idea and Ted Thompson agrees.

* Taken aback by Favre's latest remarks: "Brett Favre and I didn't agree on things, whether it was game planing and this and that. ... I didn't agree with what was in quotes" in Internet reports on Sunday. Doesn't think Thompson really said what Favre says he said. "I'm not going to sit here and referee." Staying on high road.

* McCarthy still have role in resolution with Favre? Yes, still involved. Speaks with Thompson throughout day.

* Notes 21 percent of players in locker room have never met Favre. Doesn't foresee Favre coming in being a problem. Favre "has been a big part of the past, and he may be part of the future."

* Have plan if Favre shows up? "We'll have a plan if we can cross that bridge, I can promise you that."

* Though Aaron Rodgers had very good day. Sharp in meetings. Also thinks QBs coach Tom Clements doing a good job. Rodgers had one of the presnap penalties. "How can you ignore all this? I think he's doing fine. ... He's doing everything he has to do internally." Spoke briefly about situation on Sunday.

* On Shaun Bodiford: Had surgery about 10 days ago. Still working through injury stuff.

* DT Johnny Jolly is taking limited reps because of his shoulder, but is cleared to practice. He got a little work long snapping this morning, too.

* Anyone show up out of shape? No. No one flunked conditioning test. This is lowest number of players not going through running test since McCarthy got here. Only one player cramped up.

That's it from here. Back after locker room.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

First practice ends

10:43 a.m.
Practice has ended. There were no visible injuries during the opening practice. Head coach Mike McCarthy will address the media shortly in the auditorium.

10:35 a.m.
Aaron Rodgers threw the first interception of training camp in team drills this morning, although the blame must fall on receiver Bret Swain. Rodgers threw a slant pass intended for Swain, who wasn’t looking for the ball, allowing Al Harris to make a spinning interception.

-- Receiver Ruvell Martin had a pair of spectacular catches. On the first, he beat cornerback Jarrett Bush on a fly pattern. His feet got tangled with Bush, but he still made the catch from Rodgers, who made an accurate delivery. A few plays later, Martin jumped and extended himself to snag another Rodgers pass on a hitch route.

10:15 a.m.
The Packers placed receiver Shaun Bodiford on season-ending injured reserve list because of his back. The move put the Packers at the league roster limit of 80 players.

9:46 a.m.
During the punting period, Jon Ryan averaged 54.7 yards and 4.39 seconds of hang time on seven punts. There were a total of 13 punts, but on the other six, a JUGS machine was used because the Packers only have one punter in camp and presumably don’t want to wear out Ryan’s leg.

Will Blackmon fielded most of the returns, although Tramon Williams also worked as a return man.

Four players served in the long-snapping role, including JJ. Jansen, Thomas Gafford, Ryan Considine and, believe it or not, Johnny Jolly. Both of Jolly’s snaps sailed over Ryan’s head.

-- During two team periods for passing, the stats looked like this: Aaron Rodgers, 2 for 2; Brian Brohm, 3 for 4; and Matt Flynn 1 for 1.

--Tony Moll was working at left tackle with starter Chad Clifton sitting out the morning practice, as is the usual custom.

-- As expected, Brandon Jackson was taking first-team reps at running back in the absence of Ryan Grant.

9:32 a.m.
It would be an exaggeration to say there are more media members than fans at this morning’s practice, but the fact is that are a hoard of press members lined up along the west side of the Don Hutson Center covering the first practice at Clarke Hinkle Field.

On the other side of the field lined up along Oneida Street, the attendance of fans, called railbirds, watching appeared down from last year.

The Packers also have another practice at 6:30 p.m. today.

9:25 a.m.
For the first time in 17 years, No. 4 Brett Favre is not listed on the team-issued training camp opening roster.

General Manager Ted Thompson was first spotted watching practice from the sidelines wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses. He later was mingling with staff members and a few players.

Also during the first half hour of practice, quarterback Aaron Rodgers took snaps with the No. 1 offense, which was running plays in shorts and no helmets.

9:05 a.m.
The offensive line will open training camp this morning as expected. Defensive tackle Justin Harrell (back) is absent – it’s likely he’s been placed on the physically unable to perform list.

Ryan Pickett and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) are not participating but are at practice. It is unknown why Pickett is not practicing.

--- The only other players absent are Ryan Grant, who’s in a contract dispute, and receiver Shaun Bodiford, who missed the end of the minicamp last month because of back problems.

-- Daryn Colledge opened practice at left guard with the first team offense.

-- Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy is on the field.

-- Number change: Rookie tight end Evan Moore, has switched 8 to 44.

8:45 a.m.
Football is in the air -- the first Packers training camp practice begins this morning. Check back often for updates from reporters at practice.

-- Mike Vandermause, Tom Pelissero, Pete Dougherty and Rob Demovsky contributed to this report.

Brohm's deal finished, all draft picks signed

Brian Brohm's contract has been completed, according to one his agents Justin Schulman.

Schulman said the second-round draft pick agreed to terms this morning and reported to the Packers today. That means all nine of the Packers' draft picks are under contract.

The quarterback from Louisville the 56th overall pick in the draft. His deal was very similar to the one signed by former Michigan quarterback Chad Henne, who was selected No. 57 by the Miami Dolphins. Henne, who is represented by the same agency(Athletes First)as Brohm, reportedly signed a four-year deal worth $3.5 million, which included a $1.5 million signing bonus.

The only remaining contract issue now is running back Ryan Grant, who remains unsigned. As expected, Grant did not report to training camp on Sunday with the rest of the team, a team spokesman told the Associated Press.

-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

Favre not reporting to camp

UPDATE: Pete Dougherty has more on this story. Click here.

Brett Favre apparently won't show up to training camp -- at least not yet.

That's what he told Sports Illustrated's Peter King for a story posted at si.com this morning. Favre said Packers GM Ted Thompson asked him for more time to work toward a resolution. There are some other interesting notes in the story, including Favre's admission he spoke with Vikings coaches Brad Childress and Darrell Bevell (though he denies they tried to entice him into going to Minnesota).

Meanwhile, another national Favre stalker, ESPN's Chris Mortensen, writes that Favre has signed his reinstatement letter but won't send it until Monday or Tuesday. There are a bunch of interesting quotes from Favre throughout Mortensen's article, including Thompson saying Favre showing up might get him fired and Favre's circle telling him he's stupid for not showing up already.

Favre also expresses disappointment the Packers haven't squashed reports about him having a team-issued cell phone. "That's just bogus," Favre told Mortensen. "I don't have a Packers' cell phone. Never have. I told Ted [on Thursday] that he and (coach Mike) McCarthy needed to clear up this cell phone thing. I told him they needed to get in front of the media and admit that I don't have one of their cell phones. And Ted said, 'Well, I think somebody already squashed that (story).' But that isn't enough. They need to get up and admit it's ridiculous and bogus."

The Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty reported Wednesday that Favre does not have a Packers-issued cell phone.

Favre told both reporters he's hoping NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will step in to help resolve what Favre termed an impasse.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Wrapping up; check out the Podcast

I'm shutting down for the night, but first, I wanted to plug one of the new features we'll be doing throughout training camp.

It's our daily downloadable Podcast, the first installment of which just went live.

We'll do another Podcast every day the Packers practice throughout training camp. Regular features will include: highlights and lowlights, who's rising and who's falling, position breakdowns, a mailbag, expanded analysis of the news from the Press-Gazette team -- essentially, all the stuff you guys suggested in e-mail responses to what I posted in my chat last month.

You can send your thoughts and questions for the Podcast by clicking here. Also, we're soliciting music for the show; if you have an unsigned band and want some inexpensive (read: free) exposure, e-mail a clip or a link to your band's Web site to me.

Like the idea? Hate it? Lukewarm? Shoot me an e-mail and tell me how you feel. We've done one show. I'm not married to the format just yet.

Good night, kids.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Around the Web: Favre trade talks

Wow, just realized we had four posts in a row that didn't mention Brett Favre. Do you believe is miracles?

Anyway, skip past if you've heard enough, but here's the latest coming out of the two potential landing spots that have been tossed around most often this week.

The New Jersey Star-Ledger reported a potential deal by the Jets for Favre was "absolutely dead," but since has softened the post to say the chances are "very remote." Citing a source, the paper reports the deal was unlikely in the first place and the team was doing its due diligence -- and that "the Jets feel the only reason the issue came up is because the Packers and the Favre Camp are trying to drum up interest for the 38-year-old quarterback and they leaked the information to the media."

Meanwhile, Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden apparently wasn't thrilled to keep answering Favre questions.

Both teams reportedly have been given permission to speak with Favre about a trade.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Nelson's deal done

And then there was one.

The Packers have agreed to a four-year deal with their top pick, receiver Jordy Nelson, his agent Vann McElroy said. McElroy didn't disclose any financial terms.

That leaves only quarterback Brian Brohm, whose deal should be done soon if it isn't already after the player selected after him -- Chad Henne, another Athletes First client -- reportedly agreed to terms today.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

UPDATE: An source familiar with the contract said the four-year deal is worth slightly less than $5 million and includes slightly less than $3 million in guaranteed money.

-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

Finley signs

The Packers just announced the signing of tight end Jermichael Finley, leaving only their top two draft picks unsigned: second-rounders Jordy Nelson and Brian Brohm.

Terms were not disclosed, but Finley's agent, Peter Schaffer, indicated earlier today it would be a four-year deal. The player drafted immediately before Finley, defensive lineman Marcus Harrison, got a $690,000 bonus from Chicago as part of a four-year pact, so Finley probably got a little more than that.

In the same release with the Finley signing, the Packers announced the signing of fourth-round pick Jeremy Thompson and the release of tight end Mike Peterson, which we reported previously. We also reported earlier today that a deal had been reached with cornerback Pat Lee -- a contract the team has not announced.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Grant's agent optimistic after latest talk with Packers

Ryan Grant remains in New York while the Packers seek clarification from the NFL regarding his agent's latest contract proposal.

Agent Alan Herman