Packers cornerback Bashaud Breeland impressive in limited chances

GREEN BAY – Bashaud Breeland’s mind told him to run full speed. He was covering an over route in practice last week. When the receiver broke across the middle of the field, Breeland chased.

But the veteran corner was rusty after signing in Week 4. No training camp and preseason. Not even organized team activities in the spring. So while Breeland’s mind told him to push the throttle, he said his body wasn’t ready.

“My body wasn’t really used to opening up like that,” Breeland said. “So I kind of opened up before my body wanted me to, and it kind of tweaked on me.”

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Breeland’s sprained hamstring delayed his debut with the Packers. If not for the injury, Breeland said the plan was for him to play in Detroit. He already knows defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s playbook well enough to be trusted on the field, Breeland said.

The Packers would like Breeland to play as soon as he’s able, but they’re notoriously cautious with soft-tissue injuries. Breeland was a limited practice participant Thursday and Friday, part of the team’s rehab group.

“When he’s been out there in full go,” Pettine said, “he’s impressed. Even the reps on scout team. I think some of the younger receivers didn’t really know who he was. They just thought he was some other scout-team corner, and next thing you know, they’re getting beat down a bit.

“The reps he’s been out there, he’s been impressive.”