Shields, Bulaga practice; Bakhtiari, Raji out

Sam Shields progressed enough in the concussion protocol to be back on the field when the Green Bay Packers returned to practice Wednesday.

Shields missed the last two games after banging his head on the sideline during the second quarter of the Packers' 28-7 win over Dallas on Dec. 13. A possible return against the Minnesota Vikings would provide a major lift for a defense that's started rookie cornerbacks Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins outside the past two weeks.

Righttackle Bryan Bulaga was also back on the field after leaving in the second half of Sunday's 38-8 loss to Arizona with an ankle injury. His replacement, Josh Walker, struggled on the next two series before being replaced by backup center JC Tretter.

Guards T.J. Lang (shoulder) and Josh Sitton (back) were also working Wednesday, but the Packers were again without left tackle David Bakhtiari, who missed Sunday's game with a sprained ankle. Coach Mike McCarthy was vague about Bakhtiari's situation when asked about his starting tackle on Wednesday morning.

"Getting better," McCarthy said. "Hopefullyhe can do something today at practice."

Bakhtiari and defensive tackle B.J. Raji (concussion) were the only players not present at practice. Defensive lineman Mike Daniels (hamstring), outside linebackers Mike Neal (unknown) and Jayrone Elliott (quad), and tight end Justin Perillo (hamstring) were held out of practice, but all four performed conditioning drills off to the side.

The full injury report will be released later Wednesday afternoon.

whodkiew@pressgazettemedia.com and follow him on Twitter @WesHod.