Lacy working on his pass-catching

The Packers already know what Eddie Lacy can do carrying the football, but now want to get more out of the 24-year-old running back in the passing game.

While it's something they want to work on with all their running backs, new position coach Sam Gash routinely has been firing passes to Lacy individually off to the side during the offseason program and early stages of training camp.

Lacy feels good about his hands – he playfully nicknamed himself "Moss" in homage to former NFL receiver Randy Moss – but it's still been an area of emphasis in the offseason for the NFL's reigning offensive rookie of the year.

Lacy had 35 catches for 257 yards as a rookie, but was also hit for two drops on 37 catchable passes, according to Pro Football Focus. In his bid to become a complete back, the next step for Lacy seems to be in his pass-catching and pass protection.

"I definitely caught more passes in practice this offseason than last season," Lacy said. "I think it's a big emphasis this season going into the season, to catch the ball, be where you're supposed to be."

EXTRA POINTS

-- In a recent Sports Illustrated story on Lacy, former Packers running back Johnathan Franklin is quoted saying he'll be working for the team in an undisclosed role.

Franklin attended practice again on Thursday, but has not been made available to local reporters. McCarthy said over the weekend he hopes to find a non-football opportunity for the 2013 fourth-round pick out of UCLA.

"I mean it always sucks that he's not able to play anymore, but he's a great guy," Lacy said. "It looks like he's going to be around for a while, so that's definitely cool."

-- Receiver Gerrard Sheppard, who was claimed off waivers from Baltimore Wednesday, practiced Thursday and was assigned No. 9. The former Towson receiver spent last season on the Ravens' practice squad before being released this past week.

-- Packers coach Mike McCarthy didn't have an update on the severity of either safety Morgan Burnett or Tanner Miller's ankle injuries.

INJURY REPORT

Still out: S Morgan Burnett (ankle), S Tanner Miller (ankle), WR Jeff Janis (illness), DL Jerel Worthy (back surgery), DL Letroy Guion (hamstring).

Returned: OLB Nick Perry (foot/knee).