Packers practice: Starks, Cook get some work in

GREEN BAY - Running back James Starks and tight end Jared Cook made their return to practice Thursday, taking part in some individual drills at the start of the workout.

While their return signals they are making progress toward a return, it's unlikely it would happen this week against Indianapolis.

Starks, who underwent minor knee surgery on Oct. 16, and Cook, out since Week 3 with a high-ankle sprain, left practice before the team went into 11-on-11 drills. Their appearance was probably just another step in their rehab, allowing the training staff to see how they reacted to football work.

Cook did a blocking drill and didn't seem to have any problems before exiting. Starks did a couple of running back drills but nothing to test his burst or put excessive stress on his knee before he left.

Coach Mike McCarthy had said that guard T.J. Lang (hip) was not going to practice at all today, but Lang must have convinced him he was OK because he was in pads and taking part in drills early in practice.

Linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) looked to be ready to take part in 11-on-11 drills. He took some snaps during the walk-through and did all of the individual drills before the media was kicked out of practice.

Also, working extensively was WR/RB Ty Montgomery (illness). He didn't appear to be slowed at all and worked with the running backs in all their individual drills.

Assuming he's cleared to play, Montgomery will probably be the lead running back Sunday with Don Jackson and fullback Aaron Ripkowski also seeing action in the backfield.

Cornerback Quinten Rollins (groin) did some work in the walk-through and individual drills, but didn't appear to be doing much more than on Wednesday. Cornerback Demetri Goodson (concussion) was not present.

Cornerback Damarious Randall (groin) and center JC Tretter (knee) did not participate.