Bostick's leg 'felt fine' in first practice since camp

Green Bay Packers tight end Brandon Bostick returned to practice Wednesday, but he said the real test will come Thursday.

The Packers were merely in shells during their first practice of the week. Bostick, who was limited, said he's looking forward to seeing how he does Thursday when players practice in pads.

"It felt fine," Bostick said of his fractured right fibula that has sidelined him since the preseason's second week. "Like I said, tomorrow will be the real test. We'll be in full pads. So we'll see and just go from there."

If everything goes well, Bostick said he hopes to return for the Packers' home opener 3:25 p.m. Sunday against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field.

He said he's unsure whether he'll return, that the decision is up to the team's medical staff. Bostick's goal had been to play in Green Bay's opener last Thursday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Bostick said he needs to regain confidence in his knee before he can play in a game, but that's not the only obstacle between him and the field.

"Getting my wind back, first thing," Bostick said. "Just get that confidence back, knowing that I can just do anything without having to worry about it."

Bostick participated in team drills and special teams Wednesday. Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy was pleased with what he saw but reserved any definitive opinions until he watched the film.

"I'm encouraged to see the video just to see the long running," McCarthy said. "But I thought in the team work he did some good things. But we'll see how he is tomorrow. The padded work will be the most important part for Brandon because he hasn't done it in a couple of weeks."

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