Tuesday tryouts, possible signing

The Packers worked out two defensive ends, two tight ends and a punter today, according to the NFL transaction wire that is sent to all 32 teams but not released to the public.

The defensive ends were: Patrick Chukwurah of Wyoming and Kenneth Pettway of Grambling. A source said the Packers signed Pettway, but the source did not know if that was for the 53-man roster or the practice squad.

The tight ends were: Jason Goode of Maryland and Jason Husband of Mississippi.

The punter was Ricky Schmitt of Shepherd.

-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

Jenkins out for the year

Packers defensive end Cullen Jenkins will need season-ending surgery on a torn pectoral muscle, one of his agents said this afternoon.
"He’s going to have to go on injured reserve," said Brian Levy, whose firm Goal Line Football represents Jenkins.
Check back later for the complete story.

-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

Mandarich comes clean

Former Packers tackle/bust Tony Mandarich finally is admitting what everyone long ago figured out:

He was a steroid user.

In an interview that will air at 8 p.m. Wednesday on Showtime's "Inside the NFL," Mandarich told Armen Keteyian he used anabolic steroids while at Michigan State and was also addicted to pain killers and alcohol even before the Packers drafted him.

That addiction -- which he (surprise!) is detailing in a book ("My Dirty Little Secrets - Steroids, Alcohol & God - The Tony Mandarich Story") to be released in March -- continued during his three seasons here.

Here are some excerpts CBS e-mailed out:

(On no one knowing he entered the NFL addicted to pain killers and alcohol, assuming his poor performance was a result of a stoppage in steroid use):

Mandarich: There’s other factors that were involved that nobody knows about that were way more of an effect on why I had the huge downfall in Green Bay than steroids (such as) drug and alcohol abuse…I was injecting a drug called staydal...and it was euphoric. I went from doing one injection on that one day, and a week later I was doing between 5-7 shots-a-day for the next three years.

Keteyian: You went into Green Bay essentially a drug addict?

Mandarich: Mmm hmm, not the same, not the same person they drafted…I got to the point where it was a struggle to workout three or four times-a-week because the priority of getting high was above the priority of working out.

(On reports that seven Michigan State players participated in faking a drug test prior to the Rose Bowl while at Michigan State):

Mandarich: I can’t speak for other players. I can only speak for myself because I am the only one that witnessed what I did. But yeah, there is validity to that.

Keteyian: So in essence a fake urine (sample) was supplied to the NCAA during the course of a bowl game, the Rose Bowl game, by you?

Mandarich: That is correct. You got to improvise. You got to improvise.

(On repeatedly and often heatedly denying ever using anabolic steroids and how he answers that question now and why he lied for so long):

Mandarich: I used them. I used them…and this is the first time I ever said it…If I would have come out and said it, I think it would have affected a lot of other people that were doing the same things.

(On whether he will name names in his book like Jose Canseco did in his book):

Mandarich: I don’t think that you should benefit off other people’s short-comings. In my opinion, Jose Canseco is an (expletive) for what he did, the way he did it. I mean that’s chicken (expletive)

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

McCarthy speaks

Here are the highlights from coach Mike McCarthy's day-after media conference at Lambeau Field:

* The injury list from Sunday: LT Chad Clifton (hamstring strain), LB A.J. Hawk (groin strain), DE Jason Hunter (hamstring strain), DL Cullen Jenkins (pec strain), QB Aaron Rodgers (shoulder sprain), CB Will Blackmon (quad contusion), S Aaron Rouse (knee sprain).

* Rouse is being examined as he speaks.

* On Rodgers: No major structural damage. Will rehab today and Tuesday. Wednesday's practice will be key -- how he throws, then how he recovers on Thursday morning. Coaches will get Matt Flynn ready regardless; reps will be split.

* McCarthy went through something similar with Aaron Brooks in New Orleans. Doesn't recall whether he missed a game.

* Work OL Josh Sitton in this week? Not thinking personnel changes at this point; thinking about improving parts already there.

* Hawk has "a pretty good strain." Can't say whether could be available this week. Know more on Wednesday.

* How Rodgers feel this morning? "Pretty positive. He wants to play. ... His mindset's strong, very positive."

* Throw to Greg Jennings after injury was "very impressive." Toughest coverage could have faced on that pass concept.

* On P Derrick Frost: Combination of punting and three-and-outs was bad. Need to punt better and protect better. Last two weeks is as bad as special teams have been in awhile.

* On CB Tramon Williams: "Played very well." Couple run fits can clean up. Played OK in special teams.

* On Jenkins and S Nick Collins: Jenkins scanning now. Collins feels same as did out of Dallas. Has back contusion. Gutted it out at Tampa. See where Collins is Wednesday; sure practice will be limited.

* On CB Charles Woodson's toe: Didn't talk about him this morning. Doesn't feel good until Wednesday or Thursday each week. Will be wearing boot again. Thinks week will go similar to last two weeks. Have not discussed taking a week off.

* Any positions feel need to sign someone? Right now, no. But don't have all the medical information.

* Running game struggles, o-line vs. Grant: It all fits together. Cohesiveness is important, and it's not there. Nothing can't be fixed. "Their pads were lower than ours. ... Our footwork needs to be better. Our finishing needs to be better." Must spend more time in pads and individual work than did last two weeks.

* Clifton in question for Sunday? Not as of today.

* On WR Donald Driver's lack of production: Thought played well. Couple of times other things not done right, affected his route. Opportunities weren't there. Need more production out of offense in general.

* How much smaller playbook get with Flynn? Haven't operated on high volume all year. Not sure how would change.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Injury update: Rodgers' shoulder separated?

The initial diagnosis of Aaron Rodgers' injury is a bruised throwing shoulder, coach Mike McCarthy said after today's game.

The Packers' starting quarterback no doubt will be examined further upon the team's return to Green Bay this evening. UPDATE: At various points in his postgame press conference, Rodgers said he thought the shoulder might be separated or dislocated, but wasn't sure. Again, tests will occur tonight or Monday morning.

Rodgers missed one series in the second half, a three-and-out after which Tampa Bay drove for the winning field goal, then returned briefly before leaving for good. He finished 14-for-27 for 165 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

McCarthy did not immediately provide additional information on the other players who left today's game, including safeties Nick Collins and Aaron Rouse and defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins.

UPDATE: LB A.J. Hawk told Rob Demovsky that he hurt his groin.

UPDATE: Here's the additional injury info from McCarthy, per Mike Vandermause: Will Blackmon (quad), Jason Hunter (hamstring), Cullen Jenkins (shoulder), Nick Collins (reinjured lower back), Aaron Rouse (knee). Only Blackmon finished the game.

On whether Rodgers can play next week: "I have no idea. It’s too early to tell. He was able to go back in and play the one series, so I think tomorrow morning like a lot of cases will have a lot to do. Pat McKenzie has not had a chance to put him through a thorough examination."

On why Rodgers was held out for that one series: "I think they were still checking him out. It was clearly a medical decision to hold him that one series, then he was ok to go back in. then they felt it wasn’t ok for him to go back after the interception."

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

FINAL: Buccaneers 30, Packers 21

SCORING PLAYS
PACKERS -- Charles Woodson, 62 yd interception return (Mason Crosby kick is good), 13:43.

BUCCANEERS -- Matt Bryant, 24 yd field goal, 2:28. Drive: 10 plays, 30 yards in 6:02.

BUCCANEERS -- Earnest Graham, 1 yd run (Matt Bryant kick is good), 1:56. Drive: 2 plays, 48 yards in 0:15.

INJURY UPDATE
* DT Cullen Jenkins suffered an apparent chest or shoulder injury. His shoulder pads are off on the sideline.

* QB Aaron Rodgers (shoulder) is not returning for now. Seventh-round draft pick Matt Flynn is on in his place. UPDATE: Rodgers is being held out as a coach's decision. He may return. Seems like a precarious place to make a coach's decision, but the Packers always are cautious with injuries under Mike McCarthy.UPDATE: Rodgers is back in with 2:26 to play.

* S Aaron Rouse was injured on a running play with 7:03 to go. Trainers appear to be working on his left knee. He'll be replaced by Charlie Peprah.

NOTES AND ANALYSIS
* Woodson has done it again. The Packers rushed four on the Bucs' third-and-3 play from the Packers 41. Bucs QB Brian Griese tried to hit Warrick Dunn on an outbreaking move from the backfield, but Woodson jumped it in match coverage and ran down the right sideline for the score -- much as he did on his return for a touchdown two weeks ago at Detroit. And just like that, Green Bay leads 21-20.

* Griese has been awful in the second half, throwing three interceptions in a little more than a quarter. For the day, he's 12-for-26, 115 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

* Desmond Bishop is playing some in place of WLB A.J. Hawk. That doesn't appear to be injury-related, though; the Packers are rotating linebackers heavily.

* Flynn's first snap yielded a false start on Allen Barbre, who was on as an extra blocker and promptly was pulled. His first series was as ugly as could be expected too -- two runs, two penalties and a woeful throw behind WR Greg Jennings on a slant that had a chance to be picked off. Combine that with a 38-yard punt by Derrick Frost and 19-yard return by Dexter Jackson, and it's on all on the defense once again. Those guys have to be dying; they've been on the field close to 60 percent of the time today.

* The Packers' depleted defense made another valiant stand on a short field, with Bishop getting a stop on third down to force a field-goal attempt. But that was enough to give Tampa a 23-21 lead.

* Rodgers took a beating all day, and what likely was his final play of the afternoon was no different. On second-and-10 from the Packers' 40, DE Greg White got a free shot on Rodgers from the blind side, and fellow DE Gaines Adams -- who had dropped in coverage -- got a cheap interception off the affected pass.

* The Packers' defense finally broke on the next play, as Earnest Graham ripped off a 47-yard run before finishing it off with a 1-yard TD plunge. Graham and Warrick Dunn have a combined 174 rushing yards on 36 carries. And this one's all but over.

* Rodgers' day indeed is over, leaving Flynn to run things the rest of the way. Which consisted of a four-and-out in which he didn't throw a ball more than 3 yards downfield.

So, the Packers fall to 2-2 and are awfully beat up. Bring your questions to the postgame chat by clicking here. I'll be back around 5 p.m. with answers.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

End of 3: Buccaneers 20, Packers 14

SCORING PLAYS
BUCCANEERS - Jermaine Phillips, 38 yd fumble (Matt Bryant kick is good), 6:00.

PACKERS - Greg Jennings, 48 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick is good), 1:46. Drive: 3 plays, 42 yards in 1:32.

INJURY UPDATE
* S Nick Collins appeared to aggravate his bruised back when he tackled Antonio Bryant to end the Bucs' second drive of the half. UPDATE: Collins stayed in.

* Rodgers might have suffered an injury to his shoulder or throwing arm on or just before the touchdown pass to Jennings. Matt Flynn is warming up on the sideline. UPDATE: It's a shoulder injury, and his return is questionable. Rodgers is throwing on the sideline.

NOTES AND ANALYSIS
* The Packers got the momentum shift they needed, thanks to a big mistake by the Bucs. Tampa Bay opened the half with a 45-yard kick return by Dexter Jackson and were jamming it down the Packers' throats before WR Mark Clayton couldn't handle a low cross -- and bobbled the ball into the hands of CB Tramon Williams, who returned it 39 yards the other direction to the Packers' 44. That's the biggest play in this game so far.

* The Packers' third-and-short offense killed them again. A slow-developing run left for Ryan Grant was stuffed on third-and-1, forcing a punt. Grant said this week he was feeling up to speed, but with the exception of an early 8-yard run, he has 11 carries for 12 yards. The offensive line isn't doing him many favors, either, though he did have the cutback lane on that third-down play and didn't take it.

* Brett Goode's snap was high again, and Frost booted it 47 yards into the end zone. That operation isn't looking good at all today.

* DE Aaron Kampman's defensive holding penalty was the third against the Packers defense on third down today. They've handed the Bucs one-fourth of their first downs today.

* If Grant has had one repeated problem with the Packers, it's ball security. Those mistakes are magnified when Grant isn't effective running the ball either. C Scott Wells allowed DT Chris Hovan to guide the play outside, and RG Jason Spitz failed to block LB Derrick Brooks at the second level on the zone right run. It was Brooks who put his helmet on the ball and forced the fumble Phillips picked up and returned for the touchdown.

* Predictions: The Packers will take a hard look at punters this week. Frost's latest, a 28-yarder from near midfield, was his worst yet.

* Collins seems fine health-wise -- and came with another huge interception, making a great read to intercept Griese on a downfield throw for TE Jerramy Stevens.

* A couple of mistakes on big plays have haunted S Aaron Rouse the past two weeks. This week, it could be the 33-yard pass interference call on a deep ball for Antonio Bryant, who Rouse bumped into before turning to see Griese's wobbler in the air.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Halftime: Buccaneers 13, Packers 7

SCORING PLAYS
BUCCANEERS - Alex Smith, 9 yd pass from Brian Griese (Matt Bryant kick is good), 12:09. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards in 2:38.

BUCCANEERS - Matt Bryant, 23 yd field goal , 6:43. Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards in 4:12.

BUCCANEERS - Matt Bryant, 36 yd field goal , 1:07. Drive: 10 plays, 27 yards in 3:26.

INURY UPDATE
* Will Blackmon was injured while blocking on a kick return with about 12 minutes left in the quarter. He was called for a personal foul for a low block on the play. Trainers appeared to be working on a lower leg. UPDATE: Blackmon has a quadriceps injury and his return is questionable. Rookie Pat Lee has taken over nickel duties, and Jarrett Bush is playing in the dime defense. UPDATE: Blackmon returned on the ensuing kickoff.

NOTES AND ANALYSIS
* Aaron Rodgers' first interception of the season was the result of another Packers drop. On third-and-long, Rodgers checked down to RB Brandon Jackson, who had it bounce off his chest and into the hands of veteran LB Derrick Brooks. TE Donald Lee had a bad drop earlier, and WR Greg Jennings also failed to handle a catchable ball. That's haunted the Packers on and off since training camp.

* The Packers are going to their nickel front more often than usual on second down. That means Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila at right end and Cullen Jenkins playing more inside; Jenkins already has delivered a lick on Brian Griese and forced an incompletion from that spot.

* Another third-down illegal contact call against CB Charles Woodson -- and this time, a questionable one -- kept alive the drive that ended in a Tampa Bay touchdown. On another third down, it was Will Blackmon, playing nickel because of Al Harris' absence, who gave up a slant to Antonio Bryant for a first.

* The silver lining on another poor Packers drive -- a run for a 5-yard loss, a near interception and an overthrow on a route rookie WR Jordy Nelson appeared to cut shot -- was that P Derrick Frost caught a high snap by Brett Goode and got off the punt from the end zone. Then again, it was a 36-yard punt; his other today was for 41. Those aren't numbers the Packers want to see.

* WLB A.J. Hawk came up with a huge third-down play, breaking up a pass for TE Jerramy Stevens in the end zone and forcing the Bucs to kick a field goal. The way things have gone for the Packers, only giving up three in that spot is huge.

* DE Jimmy Wilkerson got a piece of Rodgers' arm on the quarterback's second interception -- a misfire on a cross for WR Donald Driver. Wilkerson got a push up the middle working against LG Daryn Colledge, and he got enough of Rodgers to make him throw a duck.

* Poor tackling on third-and-12 gave Tampa Bay to convert on fourth just before the 2-minute warning. Mark Clayton was only a yard beyond the line of scrimmage when he caught the checkdown pass from Brian Griese. But Woodson lost his footing and missed, Nick Collins -- who had dropped an interception on the previous play -- failed to wrap up, and then Clayton bowled over Blackmon.

* Once again, the Packers defense came up big playing the ball after a Tampa Bay drive started on the wrong side of the 50. Woodson batted down a pass off a slot blitz on second down, and Jenkins -- who might be the Packers' defensive MVP at this stage -- read Griese's eyes and got a piece of the ball on third. The score could be much worse than 13-7 at this stage.

* Colledge blocked no one on the blitz that stunted the Packers' 2-minute drive, as the Bucs rushed five including CB Ronde Barber and LB Barrett Rudd, who got the sack. That's three sacks already for Tampa.

* On the plus side, the Packers seem to be figuring out the screen pass. There was great blocking on the 18-yard gain for Brandon Jackson right after the sack.

* A drop by Jennings -- the third really bad one today -- probably cost the Packers a field goal to end the half. There only were 10 seconds left, but Jennings appeared to have a clear path to the sideline. Drops like that are inexcusable.

So, where did things go wrong in the second quarter? Allow me to present to you: field position. Tampa's scoring drives started at the Packers' 32, Packers' 41 and Packers' 45. The Packers started at their own 11, 22 and 28.

That's happens when you turn the ball over and commit penalties. The Packers need to tilt the field in the other direction after the break.

Yes, all things considered, a 13-7 deficit is good news for the Packers. Tampa Bay's offense isn't lighting it up, and the Packers have made some plays -- they've also just made some really bad ones. They're in fine position, but they could use a three-and-out on the Bucs' opening drive of the second half to set the tone.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

End of 1: Packers 7, Bucs 0

SCORING PLAYS
PACKERS - Greg Jennings, 25 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick is good), 10:24. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards in 4:36.

INJURY UPDATE
None.

NOTES AND ANALYSIS
* Anyone who accuses coach Mike McCarthy of calling the game too conservatively had to have liked his decision to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Bucs' 49. Aaron Rodgers picked it up by the nose of the football.

* It's clear McCarthy wants to establish the power game, too. The Packers opened in a two-tight set and had either two tight ends or two backs (or both) on the field for seven of 10 snaps on their first drive. Ryan Grant ran five times for 17 yards.

* Jennings is on the touchdown board, thanks to a quick move at the line of scrimmage that caused veteran CB Ronde Barber to lose his footing. Aaron Rodgers hit him along the left sideline and Jennings practically walked in.

* Tramon Williams may be a starter this week, but he's still running down on kick coverage. You don't see that too often.

* Williams promptly ended Tampa Bay's firs drive by breaking up a shallow cross for Antonio Bryant, who wanted a flag, on third-and-6 from the Bucs' 36.

* Tampa Bay hasn't brought much pressure against Rodgers through two drives. The Bucs brought four on both the third-down TD strike to Greg Jennings and the third-down play Rodgers ended up throwing away, ending Drive No. 2. Rodgers seems to have decent protection, but for the most part, he's holding the ball a long time, indicating Tampa is covering well with seven downfield.

* With the exception of an illegal contact penalty on CB Charles Woodson that gave Tampa Bay its first first down, the depleted secondary has held up well. Give Williams credit for recovering to help S Nick Collins in match coverage on a play-action deep ball for Antonio Bryant.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Bucs have shaky quarterback history

Brian Griese has climbed into second place all-time for winning percentage among Tampa quarterbacks. The list of successful QBs in team history isn't all that impressive. Here's the top 6:

Shaun King 14-8 .636
Brian Griese 11-7 .611
Jeff Garcia 8-6 .571
Brad Johnson 26-23 .531
Trent Dilfer 38-38 .500
Doug Williams 33-33-1 .500

Griese rallied the Bucs to an overtime victory over the Chicago Bears last week. However, it should be noted it was Griese's three interceptions earlier in the game, including one in the third quarter and one in the fourth quarter, that put the Bucs in a hole in the first place.

Griese has a modest 71.3 quarterback rating entering this game.

-- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com

Heat may not be a factor

It's an overcast day in Tampa today, which could bode well for the Packers.

There were concerns the heat would give the Buccaneers a distinct advantage. The Bucs are wearing white jerseys and pants, with the Packers donning heat-absorbing dark uniforms.

However, the sun has not been seen all day. If the clouds linger, the heat will likely not impact the Packers much. Temperatures originally were supposed to be near 90, but that has been amended to a high in the mid-80s today. It's currently 81.

-- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com

Inactives

No surprises among the Packers' inactives: No. 3 QB Brian Brohm, S Atari Bigby, RB Kregg Lumpkin, CB Al Harris, FB Korey Hall, T Breno Giacomini, WR James Jones and DE Jeremy Thompson. John Kuhn starts for Hall and Aaron Rouse for Bigby.

The Buccaneers' inactives are: No. 3 QB Josh Johnson, FB B.J. Askew, LB Matt McCoy, G Davin Joseph, T James Lee, WR Joey Galloway and DT Ryan Sims. Michael Clayton starts for Galloway, Jeremy Zuttah for Davin Joseph and Byron Storer for B.J. Askew.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Collins ready to go

Safety Nick Collins participated fully in practice Friday and should be in the Packers' starting lineup Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Collins injured his back last week against Dallas, and if he'd been unable to play this week the Packers would have been without both starting safeties -- Atari Bigby won't play because of a strained hamstring.

The Packers listed Collins on their official injury report as "probable," which means there's a virtual certainty he'll be available for normal duty. Bigby is listed as "doubtful," which means he has a 25 percent chance of playing. Three other Packers players are doubtful: fullback Korey Hall (knee), halfback Kregg Lumpkin (hamstring) and receiver James Jones (knee). All three missed practice all week.

Cornerback Al Harris (ruptured spleen) is out.

-- Pete Dougherty, pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com

4 Packers doubtful for Sunday

No surprises here: Safety Atari Bigby, fullback Korey Hall, receiver James Jones and running back Kregg Lumpkin are doubtful for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

None of the four did much of anything in practice this week. Besides cornerback Al Harris (spleen), who is out, everyone else on the injury report is listed as probable.

Here's the full injury report:

Packers
Atari Bigby, S Hamstring Did Not Participate Doubtful
Chad Clifton, T Knees Full Participation Probable
Nick Collins, S Back Full Participation Probable
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, DE Knee Did Not Participate Probable
Korey Hall, FB Knee Did Not Participate Doubtful
Al Harris, CB Spleen Out
James Jones, WR Knee Did Not Participate Doubtful
Kregg Lumpkin, RB Hamstring Did Not Participate Doubtful
Aaron Rouse, S Knee Full Participation Probable
Josh Sitton, G Knee Full Participation Probable
Charles Woodson, CB Toe Did Not Participate Probable

Bucs
B.J. Askew, RB Hamstring Did Not Participate Doubtful
Derrick Brooks, LB Hamstring Limited Participation Questionable
Matt Bryant, K Not Inj. Related Did Not Participate Questionable
Joey Galloway, WR Foot Did Not Participate Out
Davin Joseph, G Foot Did Not Participate Doubtful
Ryan Sims, DT Groin Limited Participation Questionable
Aquib Talib, CB Hamstring Full Participation Questionable

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Injury report: Rouse, Sitton upgraded

Safety Aaron Rouse and guard Josh Sitton were upgraded from limited to full participation on today's injury report.

Rouse (knee) is expected to start Sunday's game at Tampa Bay in place of Atari Bigby (hamstring). Sitton (knee) has a chance to be active for the first time in a reserve role, coach Mike McCarthy said.

The rest of the injury report remained the same as Wednesday. Safety Nick Collins (back) remained sore and was limited again.

Quick hits
* RB Ryan Grant has had two solid practices, McCarthy said. Grant, who has been battling a strained hamstring, told reporters he finally feels comfortable opening it up -- coaches still are encouraging him not to do so in practice -- and could take 20 to 25 carries if needed on Sunday.
* RB Kregg Lumpkin sat out a second consecutive day, and the Packers probably will dress only two halfbacks on Sunday. Lumpkin said he practiced with a sore hamstring all last week, then pulled it against Dallas. Though he thinks he could play if needed, he's concerned about doing more damage. FB John Kuhn is the emergency halfback, McCarthy said.
* The guys who haven't practiced the past two days -- including Bigby, WR James Jones (knee), FB Korey Hall (knee) and Lumpkin -- will be tested on Friday, McCarthy said. There is "a sense of urgency" with Bigby, who pushed it during an inside rehab session today, McCarthy said. It doesn't look good for any of them, though.
* McCarthy left open the possibility of rotating Sitton in for a couple of series at some point, as the Packers did against Detroit with Allen Barbre, but that doesn't seem imminent.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Young son of Bucs kicker dies

Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant might miss Sunday's game against the Packers, but that's an afterthought for Bryant right now.

Bryant's 3-month-old son, Matthew Tryson Bryant, died on Wednesday morning, apparently in his sleep, coach Jon Gruden said.

"We're shocked and very saddened by this," Gruden said. "It's just a horrible tragedy, and I can't explain it."

Matt Bryant kicked the winning field goal four days ago at Chicago. Gruden said he wasn't sure whether the kicker would be in uniform on Sunday.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Practice notes: Collins, Rouse get work

Safety Atari Bigby (hamstring), fullback Korey Hall (knee), receiver James Jones (knee) and running back Kregg Lumpkin (hamstring) all remain out of or extremely limited in practice today, while safeties Nick Collins (back) and Aaron Rouse (knee) appeared to be participating in most drills that were open to reporters at Clarke Hinkle Field.

Collins and Rouse seem the most likely safety duo to start Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Both players were listed as limited on Wednesday's injury report and probably will remain in that category today.

Cornerbacks Al Harris (spleen) and Charles Woodson (toe) were absent; Harris has been ruled out for Sunday.

Tackle Chad Clifton (knees) and guard Josh Sitton (knee) were participating.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Harris hoping to play

The agent for cornerback Al Harris says there's still hope the Green Bay Packers cornerback will be able to play later this season despite the torn spleen he sustained last week against Dallas.

Jack Bechta, Harris' agent, says doctors will be extremely cautious with Harris because of the delicate nature of internal injuries, and that Harris' return this season will depend on how his spleen heals over the next several few weeks as determined by CAT scans. Harris has sought the opinions of several specialists, and the feedback thus far leaves at least a possibility of him returning sometime this season.

Here's a link to Bechta's blog that details what he's learned as of this afternoon.

-- Pete Dougherty, pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com

McCarthy: Harris could be back; Wells to start

Here's the Packers' Wednesday injury report:

S Atari Bigby (hamstring) DNP
T Chad Clifton (knees) limited
S Nick Collins (back) limited
FB Korey Hall (knee) DNP
CB Al Harris (spleen) out
WR James Jones (knee) limited
RB Kregg Lumpkin (hamstring) DNP
S Aaron Rouse (ankle) limited
G Josh Sitton (knee) limited
CB Charles Woodson (toe) DNP

Notably absent from the injury report: RB Ryan Grant (hamstring) and WR Ruvell Martin (finger).

Here are the highlights of what coach Mike McCarthy had to say about the injuries and other issues at his post-practice media conference ...

* On Harris' torn spleen: It's a different type of injury. They'll take a cautious approach. Harris can't do anything for seven days. Still gathering information on second and third opinion to try to put together timeline. There is "a good chance we can avoid surgery. ... If Al was standing here, he'd tell you he'd want to play this week. ... I'm hopeful that he'll be back. The timeframe just hasn't been established yet." Hopeful it won't be a couple of months.

* On C Scott Wells: He will start at center. Jason Spitz will start at right guard.

* Scenario where rotating offensive linemen in game? "There's some merit to it." Don't want to stop development or flexibility. If do, would do so in limited sense.

* On CB Tramon Williams, who will start in Harris' place: Been a great surprise. "We won't even blink with him in there." Has long arms, tremendous work ethic.

* Try to convince TE Joey Haynos to stay? Had long conversation before he left. It's unfortunate. "I just wished him the best."

* On Tampa Bay's defense: Not playing as much Tampa-2. "It's a defense we get a lot of work on" because three opponents in division play it. Adjusting fronts, coverages, playing more 3-deep.

* On Jarrett Bush: Will work in, as all defensive backs will, as Packers look at different combinations this week in practice because of injuries.

* Hourlong jogthrough this morning was all work on Tampa. Practice schedule was adjusted because of the injuries.

* On tight ends: Donald Lee has played at high level, blocking better than last year. Pleased with production of group.

* On Grant, who is not on the injury report: Was a little rough but was a full participant today. Approach his hamstring day to day, but expects full participation again on Thursday.

* On Tampa Bay's offense: "There's a lot of experience there." Scheme is a challenge, lot of shifting, motioning, attempt to make defense adjust. Coach Jon Gruden does good job using personnel.

* Any value in watching Brian Griese's play for Chicago last October at Lambeau Field? Sure. Will watch it. Point of release, eyes, rush lanes, etc.

* On rookie CB Pat Lee: He'll be up and play on special teams on Sunday.

UPDATE: Here's the Tampa Bay injury report:

B.J. Askew, RB Hamstring Did Not Participate
Josh Bidwell, P Not Inj. Related Did Not Participate
Derrick Brooks, LB Hamstring Limited Participation
Matt Bryant, K Not Inj. Related Did Not Participate
Warrick Dunn, RB Not Inj. Related Limited Participation
Joey Galloway, WR Foot Did Not Participate
Brian Griese, QB Not Inj. Related Limited Participation
Davin Joseph, G Foot Limited Participation
Ryan Sims, DT Groin Did Not Participate
Aquib Talib, CB Hamstring Full Participation

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Wednesday practice report

Practice opened with an unusually long jog through period that lasted 60 minutes. That period is typically spent on corrections from the previous game.

The following players were either out of practice or were limited:

S Atari Bigby
CB Charles Woodson
RB Kregg Lumpkin
CB Al Harris
S Nick Collins
WR James Jones
WR Ruvell Martin

FB Korey Hall, who missed last week's game against Dallas, appeared to be participating in most -- if not all -- of the drills.

A full injury report will be available after practice in less than hour.

-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

Packers-Cowboys game draws big crowd

The Dallas Cowboys' 27-16 victory over the Green Bay Packers on "NBC Sunday Night Football" drew 22.2 million viewers and stands as the second most watched Sunday Night game in NBC's two-plus year history of prime-time football telecasts, trailing only the much-hyped "Manning Bowl" between the Colts and the Giants on the first Sunday of the 2006 season (22.6 million), according to data provided by Nielsen Media Research.

Packers lose Haynos, sign DT Bledsoe

The Packers today signed DT Fred Bledsoe to their practice squad after tight end Joey Haynos terminated his practice-squad contract, the team announced.

The Miami Dolphins have signed Haynos to their 53-man roster, according to Shawn Smith, one of Haynos' representatives.

Bledsoe -- a 6-foot-3, 329-pound rookie who was a four-year letterman at Arkansas -- had a tryout with the Packers in May. An ankle injury ended his chances for being signed then.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

McCarthy speaks

Coach Mike McCarthy's regularly scheduled Monday media conference is to begin any moment. I'll post the highlights here ...

* Here are the injury updates: RB Kregg Lumpkin (hamstring strain), CB Charles Woodson (toe seemed to come out OK), LB Nick Barnett (elbow strain), S Nick Collins (low back contusion), CB Al Harris (having tests now, checking for everything), WR James Jones (knee sprain, trainers also looking at his wrist).

* Coaches will talk tonight and Tuesday about whether to reinsert Scott Wells. RG Tony Moll "did some good things but struggled in some things." He'd be the odd man out if Wells returns, with Jason Spitz moving back to right guard.

* Lumpkin's hamstring injury isn't as severe as Ryan Grant's was when he first did it.

* S Aaron Rouse had a lot of production, but his performance was a lot like football team's. As a whole, team wasn't as detailed as you'd like.

* Only ran one or two inside zones against Dallas. Mostly outside zones. Goal is to be around 30 carries. Didn't accomplish that. Thought running game was "OK," but zero explosive gains isn't good.

* The status of S Atari Bigby (hamstring) for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay remains up in the air.

* On P Derrick Frost: "He needs to do a better job," particularly with ball placement inside the 20. He declines to speculate on whether the Packers will look at other options.

* Dallas was the more physical football team on Monday.

* On Grant: "He's further ahead this week than he was last week." Hope can get more work in practice this week and get more carries.

* On inserting Brandon Chillar as starting strong-side linebacker: Thought both Chillar and Brady Poppinga played well. Indicates the decision was based on matchups.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

FINAL: Cowboys 27, Packers 16

SCORING PLAYS
* COWBOYS -- Miles Austin, 52 yd pass from Tony Romo (Nick Folk kick is good), 9:09. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards in 3:49.

* PACKERS -- Aaron Rodgers, 1 yd run (Mason Crosby kick is good), 2:11. Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards in 3:23.

INJURY UPDATE
* S Nick Collins apparently has a back injury. Still no word on what's wrong with CB Al Harris; it can't be cramps.

* WR James Jones is on the sideline with ice on his right knee. That's forcing the Packers to go three-wide, rather than four-wide, throughout their hurry-up drive.

NOTES AND ANALYSIS
* The Cowboys are really mixing up their rush. On the Packers' first four plays of the quarter, Dallas brought five, five, three and six. Rodgers completed 1 of 2 passes and scrambled on the other two plays. Tough for coach Mike McCarthy to counter by running the football at this stage, but it might be worth a shot.

* Austin might have gotten away with a push-off against CB Tramon Williams, but a beautiful throw by QB Tony Romo and good positioning by Austin gave the Cowboys what might be the clinching touchdown in this one. Austin appeared to be running a go on the right sideline, and help came too late for Williams. The Packers were sitting back on third-and-20 and only rushed four. Once again, a lot of bluster about a more dynamic blitz package has been just that tonight -- bluster.

* Surprisingly, no audible boos here after the Packers went three-and-out following Jones' touchdown. Rodgers threw incomplete on all three plays, including one high off rookie WR Jordy Nelson's hand on a post on third down. This is Rodgers looking like a first-year starting QB: 10-for-20 for 153 yards.

* So much for that Terrell Owens vs. Al Harris matchup. Harris has been out since the earlygoing, and Owens has only two catches for 17 yards.

* The Packers' defense is depleted. They look demoralized now, too. The Cowboys have all sorts of room to work with no matter what they do. The safeties are doing almost all the tackling, and that's never good. But a fumble by Marion Barber deep in Packers' territory, recovered by Will Blackmon, kept the Packers alive, barely, with 5:34 to play.

* The Packers are mounting their best drive of the game in their hurry-up offense, but the building couldn't be more dead.

* Williams recovered the onside kick after Rodgers' touchdown, but he was just shy of the 40-yard line, drawing a flag for illegal touchdown. That'll do it.

* CB Jarrett Bush took over as the No. 3 cornerback as Charles Woodson's night is over. Despite all the missing parts, the Packers got a stop to get another possession beginning at their 25 with 1:52 to play.

* With the stadium half-empty, the Packers managed two first downs before finally failing to convert on fourth-and-long when RB Brandon Jackson ran out of bounds short of the marker with 10 seconds to go.

Go to the front page and submit your questions for the postgame chat. I'll be back with answers beginning around midnight.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

End of 3: Cowboys 20, Packers 9

SCORING PLAYS
* PACKERS -- Mason Crosby, 33 yd field goal , 5:58. Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards in 6:33

* COWBOYS -- Marion Barber, 2 yd run (Nick Folk kick is good), 2:53. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards in 3:05

INJURY UPDATE
* CB Al Harris (cramps) still is out. Tramon Williams is in his place.

* LB Brandon Chillar was injured on the third play of the quarter. UPDATE: He's back.

* S Nick Collins is out for the second time.

NOTES AND ANALYSIS
* S Aaron Rouse was the last line of defense as he tackled RB Marion Barber on the first two plays of the second half. Rouse made an ankle tackle each time to prevent big runs.

* For the second time tonight, Cowboys CB Anthony Henry sacked QB Aaron Rodgers in the red zone. This time, it was on third-and-goal from the Dallas 7. The result was the same: a promising drive ending in a field goal.

* Collins slipped, allowing WR Miles Austin to get free on a play-action post for a 63-yard gain that set up Barber's touchdown. The Packers appear to be playing more match coverage than usual with Harris out.

* RG Tony Moll was burned again as the Cowboys recorded their fourth sack. NT Jay Ratliff took down Rodgers for an 8-yard loss, ending another Packers' drive.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

HALFTIME: Cowboys 13, Packers 6

SCORING PLAYS
* PACKERS -- Mason Crosby, 38 yd field goal, 12:42. Drive: 7 plays, 23 yards in 2:19.

* COWBOYS -- Felix Jones, 60 yd run (Nick Folk kick is good), 6:04. Drive: 4 plays, 88 yards in 1:49

* COWBOYS -- Nick Folk, 39 yd field goal, 0:07. Drive: 10 plays, 29 yards in 4:10

INJURY UPDATE
* Packers MLB Nick Barnett has an elbow injury but will return.

* Packers CB Al Harris went to the locker room with cramping. He also is expected to return.

* Charlie Peprah is on for S Nick Collins. There's been no update on an injury for Collins, but he's not on the sideline. UPDATE: Collins is on the bench again, but he isn't going back in, for now. Still no info on his injury. UPDATE: Collins is back in.

NOTES AND ANALYSIS
* QB Aaron Rodgers made another incredible throw to convert a third down. RG Tony Moll was whipped by NT Jay Ratliff, but Rodgers stepped past and threaded the needle across his body for a 14-yard gain to WR Greg Jennings.

* WR James Jones dropped a slant on the next third down. CB Adam Jones might have gotten a piece of the ball to break it up, but that's two drops for James Jones today. He has struggled with that.

* Peprah had no chance of getting off WR Terrell Owens' block on Felix Jones' long TD run. TE Jason Witten sealed off RE Michael Montgomery on the edge, giving Jones a huge hole. CB Charles Woodson missed an arm tackle just short of midfield, and then Owens kept Peprah away from Jones and provided an escort all the way down the left sideline.

* QB Tony Romo cost the Cowboys a good chance at a TD to close the half with a bone-headed play. Facing second-and-goal from the 4, Romo rolled straight back ... and back ... and back ... and finally was dragged down by Cullen Jenkins all the way back at the 21. Jenkins stripped Romo, too, but LT Flozell Adams shoved off DT Colin Cole and fell on it. Had Romo merely unloaded the ball, Dallas would have had another good shot at six. Instead, Romo had to throw away the ball again on third down and the Cowboys settled for three.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

End of 1: Packers 3, Cowboys 3

SCORING PLAYS
* COWBOYS -- Nick Folk, 25 yd field goal, 13:14. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards in 1:25

* PACKERS -- Mason Crosby, 36 yd field goal, 8:02. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards in 5:12

INJURY UPDATE
* Packers CB Al Harris was injured in a collision on an incomplete pass on Dallas' second drive. His status is unclear. UPDATE: Harris had the wind knocked out. He's back in.

* Packers MLB Nick Barnett has left with what appears to be a left arm or hand injury.

* Harris has left the game again, this time with a possible right arm injury.

NOTES AND ANALYSIS
* Jason Spitz indeed got the start instead at center of Scott Wells.

* Credit CB Adam Jones with the hit and fumble recovery on the Packers' second play from scrimmage, a run right to Ryan Grant that gained 9 yards before the fumble. It's awfully reminiscent of the way the Packers, and Grant, started in last year's playoff game against Seattle.

* In a surprise move, Brandon Chillar, not Brady Poppinga, started at strong-side linebacker. That most likely has to do with defending Cowboys TE Jason Witten.

* WR Greg Jennings made CB Anthony Henry look silly with a quick break to the sideline after catching a quick slant. Henry had help inside, but he overpursued and Jennings gained 26 yards.

* The Packers revealed a two-halfback set with Grant and rookie Kregg Lumpkin, who motioned out of the I-formation. The play was a run left by Grant that only gained 1 yard.

* It appeared Aaron Rodgers never saw the corner blitz on the third-down play that stalled the Packers' second drive in the red zone. RB Brandon Jackson did well to pick up the blitz, but after Rodgers danced away from inside pressure, he ran right into Henry, who dropped him for an 11-yard loss.

* Who says S Nick Collins can't catch? He came up with the pick on a dumb throw into double coverage for TE Jason Witten in the end zone -- and returned it 61 yards to the Dallas 43.

* Rodgers followed the interception by fumbling the final snap of the quarter. That's three times in three games.

PREGAME NOTES
* Game-time weather: 64 degrees, 83 percent humidity, winds from the southeast at 8 mph. Chance of fog later.

* Unlike in the season opener, the Packers' starting offense was introduced. The crowd -- issued green and yellow flags that are creating quite a sight as they're waved -- cheered loudest by far for QB Aaron Rodgers. Cowboys jerseys are few and far between in the stands.

* K Mason Crosby, CB Al Harris and RT Mark Tauscher are team captains.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Hall, Martin among Packers' inactives

Starting fullback Korey Hall and receiver Ruvell Martin are among the Packers' inactives for tonight's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Also not suiting up tonight are: safety Atari Bigby, cornerback Pat Lee, tackle Breno Giacomini, guard Josh Sitton and end Jeremy Thompson. Brian Brohm is the No. 3 quarterback.

Center Scott Wells is active for the first time this season after missing time with a lower back injury. It's unclear whether he or Jason Spitz will start at center, though, because Spitz remains the top center on the depth chart and the only lineup change announced was John Kuhn starting in place of Hall. Odds are Spitz will start and Wells will work in at some point.

Hall (knee) and Bigby (hamstring) were injured last week; Bigby was ruled out on Friday. Martin has been dealing with a broken bone in his hand.

Running back Ryan Grant (hamstring), tight end Tory Humphrey (knee) and CB Charles Woodson (toe) all are active. So is rookie TE Jermichael Finley, who had been inactive the first two games.

Inactive for Dallas are: WR Sam Hurd, CB Alan Ball, FB Deon Anderson, S Roy Williams, G Joe Berger, T Doug Free, LB Anthony Spencer and No. 3 QB Brooks Bollinger, the former UW standout.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Wells looks ready

Center Scott Wells made it through the week of practice healthy, though whether coach Mike McCarthy puts him in the starting lineup Sunday is uncertain.

Jason Spitz played center while Wells was out the last month because of a nerve injury in his lower back. When Wells returns to the starting lineup, Spitz will move to right guard, and Tony Moll will go back to the bench. McCarthy isn't saying whether Wells will start Sunday night against Dallas, but considering he was able to practice all week, that appears to be the most likely option.

McCarthy listed starting safety Atari Bigby as out. Aaron Rouse will start in his place

Though guard Josh Sitton practiced this week, McCarthy listed him as "questionable" (50 percent chance of playing). Sitton is returning from a sprained medial-collateral ligament in his knee, and might not be ready to play until next week.

Receiver Ruvell Martin also is questionable because of a broken finger. He missed last week's game because of the same injury. Other players listed as questionable are tight end Tory Humphrey (knee) and fullback Korey Hall (knee).

Everyone else on the Packers' injury list was designated "probable," which means there's a virtual certainty they'll be available for their normal duty.

-- Pete Dougherty pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com

Barnett fined ... and fined ... and fined ...

Nick Barnett is on a bad streak when it comes to keeping his paycheck.

As the Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty first reported last month, Barnett played the season opener against Minnesota for free, forfeiting his game check because of a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy.

In the season's first two weeks, Barnett has been fined twice more. An NFL spokesman confirmed this morning that Barnett was fined $7,500 for a play in each game -- a horse-collar tackle of Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson on Sept. 8, and "helmet to helmet contact" on a hit on Lions quarterback Jon Kitna last week. Neither play drew a flag.

Counting the loss of 1/17 of his base salary ($117,647) in Week 1, Barnett now has lost $132,647 in a matter of weeks, pending appeal. He's slated to make $2 million in base salary this season, plus bonuses totaling $775,000.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com

Guest blog posting from New York

When I spent a few days at Jets training camp in the days after Brett Favre was traded, I met Jane McManus, who covers the Jets for our sister paper in New York, The Journal News.

Last week, she suggested we trade blog posts, and I agreed. Check out her blog at http://jets.lohudblogs.com.

-- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com

What follows are some of McManus' observations after covering Favre the last month or so.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — It's been just five and a half weeks, and Green Bay's most famous ex-patriot has turned New York on its ear. First was the chaos of Brett Favre's arrival, then he started cramming for a series of 16 upcoming tests and, finally, in the wake of his first loss he makes the Jets coaching staff look bad.

First of all, Jets fans are ecstatic to have Favre, one of the best quarterbacks to play the game. Many just want coach Eric Mangini to let him do for them what he did for Green Bay — electrify the crowd with the possibility of greatness on every play.

It's something they simply haven't had before.

Which is why last weekend against the Patriots — a game the Jets were improbably favored to win — Jets fans were so disappointed when, on 1st and goal at the 3, Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer called three consecutive running plays.

They failed on each attempt to force the ball in, and Favre looked like a very expensive Ferrari parked in the garage.

"It was frustrating that we didn’t get the ball in," Favre said. "Hopefully these questions will subside at some point. You know, I have the utmost confidence in our offensive line."

Favre is in an odd spot. He absolutely can't complain about the coaching. After an offseason where he vented at Green Bay management, more complaining would just make him look like a malcontent no matter where he is playing.

He is renting a place near Morristown, N.J. near the Jets new training facility. It's not the big city. I walked out Monday to 10 deer grazing across the street.

It's not Hattiesburg, and it's not Green Bay. Favre has been wary to talk about his former team all that much, but there is definitely some ill will for the front office over there. I asked him today if he’d watched Aaron Rodgers play and what he thought. Here's what he said.

"I said from day one Aaron Rodgers would play well," Favre said. "Not once did I ever say this guy can't play. This is his fourth year. He's playing with a very talented football team. But he's got all the weapons, not only from a team standpoint but himself. I mean, he’s got a great arm. He's a real smart guy. He’s playing behind a pretty smart guy, maybe not as smart as him."

Favre laughed at the joke.

"There's no reason that the guy shouldn't succeed, none whatsoever. He's on a team that he can just dink and dunk it and to whoever. He can throw it down the field. We saw that last year. Along with the fact the guys around him, the coaching staff, team was 13-3 last year, he's inheriting a great football team. I'm not taking anything away from him. The guy can play."

What I found interesting about his answer was that he could've given it six months ago. Rodgers has spent the last two weeks proving that assertion, but Favre didn't address his current performance — or the Packers — in any detail.

Maybe Favre has football tunnel vision. There is a lot of pressure on him here, as much as the Jets enforce a cone of silence over the practice facility. He speaks on Wednesday and after the game. Reporters have been shoo-ed away if they tried to ask him a question at his locker. I'm pretty sure no other player here has gotten that kind of treatment.

And maybe at this point it's hard to look over at Green Bay and think about what might have been if it had worked out differently over there. Hard to see a young quarterback fit right in, hard to think that you aren't needed as much as you thought.

Because he is needed here. The question is whether a conservative coach with a philosophy of discipline can give Favre the freedom to play his game.

Practice notes: Wells works again

Center Scott Wells is practicing for a second consecutive day as the Packers continue preparations for Sunday's night showdown with Dallas.

Wells, who is trying to come back from a recurring lower back problem, seemed to be moving and absorbing contact well while getting banged around a little during the hour-plus of practice open to reporters. However, it was unclear how much action he would get with the starters during team periods, which are closed to the media. UPDATE: Coach Mike McCarthy said after practice that Wells took his "full reps;" however, it seems likely a good chunk of those reps were with the scout team.

Running back Ryan Grant (hamstring), tight end Tory Humphrey (knee) and end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) weren't in pads. Fullback Korey Hall (knee) was in pads but didn't appear to be doing much, as expected.

Safety Atari Bigby (hamstring) and cornerback Charles Woodson (toe) were absent. Bigby has been all but ruled out for Sunday.

Wells, tackle Chad Clifton (knees), receiver Ruvell Martin (finger) and guard Josh Sitton (knee) appeared to be taking part in most drills.

UPDATE: The only changes to the injury report are Gbaja-Biamila being moved from full participation to limited -- this seems like a precaution -- and Sitton and Wells being full participants. According to McCarthy: Humphrey, Hall and Grant will practice on Friday; Woodson won't practice but continues to rehab and could be available; TE Jermichael Finley likely will be active because of the injuries to Hall and Humphrey; and S Charlie Peprah, who is coming back from a pulled hamstring, looks good and could return to his special-teams role.

-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com