Packers practice in cold, rain Friday
GREEN BAY – The weather Monday night in Philadelphia is forecast to be significantly better than what the Green Bay Packers practiced in Friday afternoon.
The Packers split their time inside the Don Hutson Center and outside on Clarke Hinkle Field, where the temperature was 37 degrees with cold rain. Temperatures are expected to be in low 40s with dry skies around kickoff of the Packers' game Monday night at the Eagles.
Cornerback Damarious Randall, practicing for the second time this week, slipped on the wet grass while covering receiver Davante Adams, but got up without limping. It was perhaps a good sign his recovery from groin surgery is progressing well this week.
Inside linebacker Jake Ryan also practiced for the first time since spraining his ankle at Tennessee two weeks ago. During the early portions of practice open to media, Ryan stayed inside and worked through ankle rehab. He later joined the team outside and went through position drills, but the Packers are expected to be cautious with him Friday.
The Packers are still thin at inside linebacker and offensive line, but the roster could be nearing its healthiest point in weeks. Five players were unable to practice Friday: right guard T.J. Lang (ankle), center JC Tretter (knee), inside linebacker Blake Martinez (knee), outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (hamstring) and cornerback Demetri Goodson (knee).
The Packers’ depth chart has become more robust in the secondary, so long as Randall can play Monday, and also in the offensive backfield. Coach Mike McCarthy said he’s been impressed with how new running back Christine Michael has practiced since arriving from Seattle.
“Christine Michael is doing a really good job,” McCarthy said. “I really like the way he practiced on Wednesday. So he’ll get more (Friday). It’ll be nice to have him part of the rotation come Monday night. So we’ve just got to continue to work and plan.
“This is our workload day (Friday). So he’s fitting really nice. I’m glad he’s here, that’s for sure.”
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