Jordy Nelson does pregame warmups in full pads

GREEN BAY - Jordy Nelson isn’t playing Thursday night, one of 13 players placed on the Green Bay Packers no-dress list, but that didn’t stop the receiver recently cleared for football activity from putting on his full jersey and pads.

Nelson, cleared from the physically unable to play list Wednesday, went through the Packers entire pregame script before their exhibition against the Oakland Raiders. He didn’t just stretch, either. Nelson participated in individual position drills, even receiving passes against defensive backs.

He smiled throughout the pregame activities, and for good reason. Nelson had not worn pads on a football field since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Packers second preseason game a year ago. The last time he played a game that counted was the NFC championship match in Seattle in January 2015.

It is unusual for players on the no-dress list to partake in pregame warmups. By kickoff, Nelson was back in his Packers T-shirt, watching from the sidelines. Still, the Packers got a reminder of their top receiver's imminent return.

Clearly, Nelson can't wait to start playing football again.

rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood