Tolzien's Family Night play earns praise from McCarthy

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy was impressed by what he saw from third-string quarterback Scott Tolzien during Family Night.

In the final two-minute period, Tolzien was 4-of-6 for 41 yards before the drive ended with running back Michael Hill's fumble, though he might have been down.

A slow start to camp has Tolzien trailing veteran Matt Flynn for the No. 2 job, but McCarthy has seen strides. During Monday's night practice, the 26-year-old had two nice touchdown strikes to receivers Alex Gillett and Gerrard Sheppard in team red-zone periods.

There were still moments of inconsistency. He nearly threw an interception to linebacker Sam Barrington against a heavy blitz in the same period and also missed a center exchange during team run.

Either Flynn or Tolzien is still a preferable option compared to last year at this time when Graham Harrell, B.J. Coleman and Vince Young were rotating behind Aaron Rodgers.

"I thought Scott really took a step Saturday night," McCarthy said. "I liked the way he played. I thought he played quicker, which he needs to do with the things he's been asked to do from a footwork standpoint and the changes that have taken place in his developing."

Extra point

McCarthy was pleased with the tempo of the eighth and final install Monday night, which wrapped up 10 minutes early.

McCarthy gave credit to the quarterbacks for being able to squeeze in as many plays as they did, particularly in the red-zone periods.

"I thought the work was outstanding," McCarthy said. "In all my years here, we keep track of every practice, from a tempo-gauge; we've never ever had an installation practice be plus-10 in the tempo scale."

Injury report

New injuries: RB Michael Hill (concussion).

Still out: TE Colt Lyerla (knee), DL Jerel Worthy (back surgery), DL Letroy Guion (hamstring), WR Jared Abbrederis (knee), S Tanner Miller (ankle).

Returned: WR Jeff Janis (illness).

-whodkiew@pressgazettemedia.com and follow him on Twitter @WesHod.