McCarthy: Abbrederis' injury not knee-related

Second-year receiver Jared Abbrederis left midway through Thursday's first training-camp practice, but Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy doesn't believe it's related to his surgically repaired knee.

The Wautoma native and former Wisconsin standout look sharp early in camp last year before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. He left practice after falling down hard in a team period. Cornerback LaDarius Gunter picked off the pass from Aaron Rodgers that was intended for Abbrederis.

"The way he fell, I don't think it was his knee," said McCarthy afterward.

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media following practice on Thursday. Here are some highlights:

On getting off to a fast start in training camp:

Definitely off to a fast start. The tempo we're looking for early on. There were nine pre-snap penalties, 12 overall, so there's still a lot to work on. Playing at that speed.

On wide receiver Jared Abbrederis' early exit from practice:

Jared is getting evaluated right now. He fell on the interception. I don't know if it's the tail bone or what it is. ...

On cornerback Sam Shields' situation, coming in and out of practice:

Sam was going through some shoe issues.

On when tight end Andrew Quarless will be back:

Andrew, I don't know when he'll be back. He has an extremely difficult family situation going on and he'll be gone as long as he needs to be. He's with his family.

On rookie cornerback LaDarius Gunter:

He's gone in there and done well. He's flashed, but we're in Day 1.

On wide receiver Jordy Nelson picking up where he left off:

I think Jordy can. He's so consistent. Today the little I watched him one-on-one. Tomorrow and next day, how he feels as he progresses through camp will be the first hurdle he needs to get over. I thought the staff took the right amount of time.

On linebacker Nate Palmer working on the inside:

He's making the transition very well. He's a natural football player. His ability to play multiple positions will really help us and help him.

On linebacker Mike Neal's injury:

I don't think long. I know Mike feels he's ready to go.

On running back John Crockett's ankle injury:

A little longer than we all hoped based off his workout.