Offensive line rotation

Be prepared for a second string defensive line that you aren't usually accustomed to seeing for tonight's game versus the Buffalo Bills.

Watch for usual-center Scott Wells to take the place of Adrian Klemm when the first string gives way says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Since Wells will not be heading for center straight away, Grey Ruegamer will take over for starter Mike Flanagan.

Taking the spot of rookie Will Whitticker will be Matt O'Dwyer.

No word on if either Well will eventually play center or if Ruegamer will eventually play guard.

Defense without five starters for tonight's game

The Packer defense will be shorthanded tonight as five starters are injured and sitting the game out, six if you count Joey Thomas.

More than likely the starting defensive tackle starting combo will be James Lee and Donnell Washington. They take the place of usual stalwarts Cletidus Hunt and Grady Jackson.

Cornerbacks Michael Hawkins and Ahmad Carroll will start in place of Al Harris and Joey Thomas.

Veteran safety gets the nod at safety for the injured Mark Roman.

And Ray Thompson/Hanibal Navies will start at linebacker tonight while Na'il Diggs recovers.

Ex-Packer Update

Ever wonder where former Packer Bill Schroeder is?

A CBS channel 5 newscast in Green Bay informs that Schroeder will be a coach at St. Norbert College in DePere right outside of Green Bay.

Now you don't have to wonder anymore.

Trimming the roster: Linebackers

The Packers might keep five but probably six linebackers.

Starters Nick Barnett and Na'il Diggs will be among the backers they keep. Barnett, in particular, may be headed for a breakout year under defensive coordinator Jim Bates.

Veterans Hannibal Navies and Ray Thompson will most likely stick around because of their experience. Hopefully Thompson gain regain the form he had in Arizona when he was making over 100 tackles in a season.

Just one or two roster spots remain. One of them goes to undrafted rookie Roy Manning for sure. Make no doubts about it, Manning has earned a place on the team and will get playing time if only on special teams.

If they keep six linebackers, look for them to stick with rookie Brady Poppinga. Though hurt early in training camp, he has shown flashes of being an impact player. His pass rush experience could help the Packers in the future. Think of a Bryce Paup type player in a couple years.

I like the motor on Paris Lenon, but unless he can produce as a starter can, make way for the young'ins.

You'll see seventh round draft pick next year at training camp as he spends the season on injured reserve.

It won't be long until Zac Woodfin and Nick McNeil are handed their pink slips.

Trimming the roster: Defensive Line

The Packers will most likely keep nine or possibly 10 defensive linemen including Pro Bowler Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and fellow defensive end Aaron Kampman.

I wouldn't say there's any other locks to make the roster except that perhaps that holdovers Corey Williams and Cullen Jenkins will most likely make the cut. Neither of the two is great by any means. Their experience and hard work will see them through.

Veteran defensive tackles Grady Jackson and Cletidus Hunt will probably also make it, but you never know. Jackson is over weight, unhappy with his contract, and oft-injured. His positives are the facts that he plays hard when he actually plays, and he will do everything in his power to get a lucrative contract by playing his butt off. But why would you want a malcontent on your team?

Hunt will probably make it because of the sizable contract he received a couple of years ago. He has always had potential, but it has always been just that - potential. Potential never realized.

Rookie Mike Montgomery has hustled from day one of training camp and stood out so much during the first exhibition game that he probably has earned himself a roster spot and potential regular season playing time.

Here's where the cuts get tough. There's a couple defensive tackles have spent a couple years grooming in James Lee and Donnell Washington. Their development has yet to come to fruition, though. Both are rather large specimens, but it remains to be seen if the Packers will keep both.

Kenny Peterson has a shot to stick around, but he better start producing. His time is running out. The fact that the Packers have more defensive tackles than defensive ends works in his favor. He may be the biggest of all the true defensive ends on the roster, but size alone won't do much. It helps that he also has some experience at defensive tackle.

R-Kal Truluck will not make the squad unless he gets some sacks during the remaining exhibition games. He has been injured throughout training camp, and that can't help his cause.

Colin Cole started off training camp well, but has leveled off.

Say goodbye to Seante Williams, A.J. Lindsey, and Quintene Newhouse.

The Railbird Central predicition who will make the cut: KGB, Kampman, Corey Williams, Jenkins, Hunt, Jackson, Montgomery, Washington, and Peterson. James Lee was the toughest cut followed closely by Colin Cole. This could change by August 30th certainly.

Adrian Klemm works at left tackle

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that usual-guard Adrian Klemm took a couple snaps at left tackle yesterday at practice.

The change was due to a couple players being absent while taking part in another drill, but Packers offensive line coach Larry Beightol wouldn't rule out taking a look at Klemm at left tackle before training camp is done.

Scary moment in practice

Yesterday during practice cornerback Ahmad Carroll went down like a sack of potatos and had people fearing the worst.

As it turns out, he had his Achilles' tendon stepped on by a teammate. But you would have guessed he had blown out his knee by his (over)reaction says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The article called his reaction a "near death experience" and also had this to say about it:

Carroll made it appear that he had just sustained one of the worst training camp injuries since Elbert Watts blew out every ligament in his knee, short-circuiting his career, in a 1987 scrimmage.

Packer reporter takes on new role

An article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that WTMJ channel 4 in Milwaukee will have Lance Allen anchor the sports for the 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts in place of Kevin Hunt.

Allen is also the station's primary Packers reporter. He will continue to the WTMJ-TV's primary Packer reporter "while trying to fit in as many 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts as covering the Packers beat will allow," says the article.

Trimming the roster: Running backs

I will go out on a limb and say that the Packers will keep six running backs this year. The reason? Walt Williams.

Walt Williams is too talented to cut. I know he's injury prone, but you can't deny his speed. He already has one year learning the Packer offense, so that's to his credit. He had one memorable game last season where he rushed six times for 42 yards. You must also keep in mind that both Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport have injury histories as well, so it's also nice to have a capable backup ready. Besides, it would be nice to have Williams around next year when surely either Green or Davenport will be gone.

The other roster spots will go to Green, Davenport, William Henderson, and Tony Fischer. None of them have to prove their worth to the team. They already have in seasons past.

That leaves one roster spot for a backup fullback. Since Vonta Leach is injured, I would have to say the spot goes to Nick Luchey by default. I do not think Luchey is the heir apparent to Henderson, but he is experienced. And he can double as a halfback in an emergency.

I know the Packers kept three fullbacks on the roster for a period last season. And I know that Leach is a good special teams player. But if they keep Williams, someone has to be the odd man out. Sorry Leach. If you hadn't gotten hurt, you might have had a chance. If you get healthy soon enough, you have shot to unseat Luchey.

Thanks for playing Joey Harris and Derrick Johnese. I doubt the Packers have any parting gifts for you, though.

Trimming the roster: Offensive line

You have to think that the Packers will keep nine or possibly ten linemen on the roster.

Among those that they will keep will most definitely be starters and potential Pro Bowlers Mike Flanagan, Mark Tauscher, and Chad Clifton.

Two other roster spots will go to the bookend backups in Kevin Barry and Brad Bedell (as long as he stays healthy).

Two more roster spots will go to the starting guards. Most likely these will be Adrian Klemm and Will Whitticker, although nothing is set in stone as of yet. This most likely spells doom for veteran guard Matt O'Dwyer. Unless he can nail down a starting spot, the Packers can ill afford to keep a man of his age and salary around as a backup.

One more roster spot will go to utility man Scott Wells who was last year's Packers offensive Rookie of the Year. He will be the top backup at center and has been practicing at guard a little as of late.

That leaves one or two roster spots remaining. The person with the best chance of getting one of those precious spots is veteran Grey Ruegamer. He knows the offense and can play either guard or center. He has been a starter for the Packers in the past. It helps that he can also long snap in a pinch. If he could only get his temper under control.

The possible last roster spot will go to a rookie whom they deem worthy of developing. The one who has proved himself most worthy at this point is undrafted rookie Chris White. White can played all three positions along the line at some point or another throughout his life, but he is a tad undersized. The other most likely possibility is fifth round draft pick Junius Coston. The Packers would hate to give up on a draft choice, but so far he hasn't shown as much as the other rookie linemen on the team. At the very least, either White or Coston should end up on the practice squad.

The toughest of the remaining cuts goes to Atlas Herrion who started out training camp very well, but has leveled off. Steve Morley has run out of time and could only be saved by playing the games of his life in what remains of the exhibition season for him. Even then, it's unlikely he would be kept. Joe Hayes always was just another body at training camp, but at the very least he has received no bad press among the mainstream media.

Tailgate with Bart Starr

Actually, you would only be tailgating with a statue of Bart Starr, but who knows? Maybe the ol' Hall of Famer will show up.

An advertisement in the Appleton Post-Crescent for Ticket Star boasts tickets to tailgate parties at the Bart Starr Plaza of the Resch Center at all home Packer games.

The parties take place three hours before game time.

Trimming the roster: Quarterbacks

There isn't a whole lot to talk about here.

There is probably over a 95% chance that Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Craig Nall will be the three QBs on the Packers roster this season.

The only way anything could possibly change is if Craig Nall is traded away, and the chances of that look slim. (Don't the Bears need a QB?) Only then would J.T. O'Sullivan make the roster.

Perhaps the only argument is who will be the number two quarterback? Aaron Rodgers has probably outplayed Nall thus far through camp. But if Brett Favre gets injured the first game of the regular season, do they really want a rookie quarterback taking over the reins?

Trimming the roster: Tight ends

If there is one position where a player who is not currently on Packers roster might eventually end up on it, tight end is the position.

The Packers will definitely keep three tight ends. David Martin will be one of them by default. He, at least, has a knowledge of the offense and has semi-reliable hands even though he sometimes seems absent on the field. Also working in his favor is that he could line up at wide receiver if there is an emergency need at that position.

After Martin, here's where things may get tricky. Bubba Franks will sign sooner or later. If Franks signs after the season starts, Ben Steele will make the roster due to his knowledge of the offense and decent speed even though he has the most suspect hands on the team.

If Franks happens to get into training camp sooner than the start of the season, the Packers might let go of Steele due to his unreliability. On a side note, if Ben Steele is unreliable - what does that make David Martin?

So if Franks and Martin are on the opening day roster, here is where an as-of-yet-unknown player may appear. Neither of the rest of the tight ends on the Packers current roster has shown much of anything. Sean McHugh, Tory Humphrey, and Steve Fleming just seem to be bodies on the field and not much more. After other teams start cutting their own rosters, the Packers could pick up another tight end. But if all other things fall through, don't doubt that either McHugh or Humphrey are kept as the number three tight end begrudgingly.

Steve Fleming may be a practice squad candidate. The undrafted rookie out of Arizona practices hard and seems to have decent hands and overall size. Perhaps a year's development could benefit him. The chances look slim, though, as Fleming has not received much press in the mainstream media.

Morning practice: Defenseless backfield

The defensive backfield looked particularly inept today at practice. With both Al Harris and Joey Thomas sidelined with injuries, there is little to look forward to as far as cornerbacks go.

Ahmad Carroll looked poor as usual today. In one on one drills versus some of the third tier wide receivers he looked like he had a hard time adjusting while the ball was in the air.

During the team portion of practice, the first two cornerbacks to take the field were Michael Hawkins and Jason Horton. There could be several reasons for those two players to take the field, but you have to wonder why Ahmad Carroll was not among the first corners on the field. He must really be in the dog house.

If you can find a silver lining, it might be that cornerback Chris Johnson seems to be making progress after recently returning to practice after not playing for two consecutive seasons. Considering where he has been, I think it is a positive that he is out there practicing hard and trying and learning.

Morning practice: Laidback

It was a laidback day at Packer's practice this morning. There was little to no hitting even though the team was in pads. The dreary day probably accounted for some of the laidback attitude. The clouds were dark and it even drizzled for a time at the beginning of practice.

As a sign of the day, wide receivers Donald Driver and Robert Ferguson put on a little show for the fans. Driver and Ferguson took turns playing punter and long snapper and booted the ball back and forth about 10 yards away from each other.

Kenny Peterson quietly making noise

Defensive linemen recently back to practice from injury has been practicing at both defensive end and defensive tackle at practice says the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Peterson's play has not stood out thus far, but the fact that he is being tried out at defensive tackle must be good news to him. The Packers must be clearly displeased with the play of their other defensive tackles on their roster who thus far have underachieved.

Peterson played some defensive tackle in college at Ohio State.

Morning practice: Wide receiver woes

If you haven't heard already, rookie wide receiver Terrence Murphy is injured again. He sprained his MCL at practice yesterday. Today's Green Bay Press-Gazette reports that Murphy will almost definitely miss the last three exhibition games this preseason.

During this morning's practice, wide receiver Jamal Jones was being tended to by Packers trainer Pepper Burris. The extent of the injury is unknown, but Jones was able to limp to the sideline under his own power.

Brett Favre seen in Michigan

Well, Brett's not really in Michigan, but his likeness is.

An article in yesterday's Green Bay Press-Gazette talks about the travels of a Sensodyne toothpaste truck bearing the quarterback's picture. The truck arrived at the Michigan State Fair yesterday.

The truck is driven by Tanya Sautebin, a DePere native and Green Bay Packers fan. Her duties will end when the truck rolls into Jackson for the Mississippi State Fair in October.

The article also mentioned how to win a free Brett Favre football or jersey by entering to win online at us.sensodyne.com/events.aspx

Curtin shown the curtain

The Packers have released third year pro and tackle Brennan Curtin according to the Packers official website.

Curtin simply wasn't playing up to par with his peers. He is much slower than the others playing at his position, and his past injury history certainly hasn't helped.

The mammoth Curtin was thought to have helped the Packers with his sheer size. Yet it has become apparent that size alone cannot help you along much in the NFL.

Scott Wells practices at left guard

According to a JSonline report, usual-center Scott Wells has been practicing at left guard as of late.

Wells has impressed since day one he arrived to the Packers. The Packers, no doubt, love his ability and think if he isn't going to start at center that he still may be valuable elsewhere.

In a related report, Grey Ruegamer was taking snaps at center during practice also.

Trimming the roster: wide receivers

On Tuesday both the Green Bay Press-Gazette and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel offered their opinions on who would make the Packers 53 man roster. Thus I thought it would be a good time to offer my own opinions on the topic starting with wide receivers.

The Packers will keep five, or possibly six if they deem one valuable enough to double as an exceptional return man.

Javon Walker, Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson, and second round draft pick Terrence Murphy are locks to make the roster.

Antonio Chatman has proved himself as both a wide receiver and a capable if not flashy return man. He can flat out catch passes and punts with the best of 'em.

That's already five wide receivers right there. Now what do you do with the rest of the remaining talent?

There's always the possibility that Robert Ferguson could be traded. That would free up one roster spot. That spot would probably go to free agent rookie Vince Butler who is a better wide receiver than return man. Right behind Butler is rookie Craig Bragg who is a better return man than a wide receiver. If either one of them could have a breakout exhibition game, it would probably vault himself ahead of the other.

Sorry Andrae Thurman. I know you spent part of last year on the Packers regular season roster, but you just don't have as much upside as either Bragg or Butler. You'll, no doubt, find work elsewhere, though.

Jamal Jones, Sam Breeden, and Chad Lucas will all most likely be cut when rosters are first reduced to 65 players on August 30. Of the three, Jones has impressed the most and has the best chance of ending up elsewhere with another team. Try Philadelphia, Jamal. I hear they're looking for any able-bodied male than can walk and chew gum at the same time.

Slowly but surely

Two Packers were able to return to practice on a limited basis on Tuesday after nursing injuries says the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Cornerback Joey Thomas practiced Tuesday morning, but did not participate in the afternoon session.

Left tackle Brad Bedell participated in some individual drills, but failed to take part in any contact exercises.

Down and out

A pair of Packers left Tuesday morning's practice after being injured in cornerback Al Harris and defensive tackle Corey Williams reports the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

The extent of either injury was not reported, but the Chris Havel column in the same edition of the newspaper said, "The Packers veteran cornerback eventually got up and walked it off."

Neither player took part in the afternoon practice.

Packers sign linebacker

On Tuesday the Packers signed free agent linebacker Jeremiah Garrison says the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Garrison is a first year free agent who played his college ball at South Carolina. He spent two weeks on the New Orleans Saints practice squad last year, but was cut last week by his former team.

Packers gain $95,000 in salary cap room

Due to a provision in rookie linebacker Kurt Campbell's contract, the Packers will be able to save $95,000 in salary cap room this season reports the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

The provision in Campbell's contract says that Campbell will receive a partial salary if he is injured for the entire season. "Campbell will be paid $135,000 instead of his $230,000 base salary," the article says.

Campbell is to undergo surgery this week on his knee and will be placed on injured reserve shortly.

Round 4

On Monday, linebacker Nick Barnett and guard Matt O'Dwyer got into a little skirmish at practice. On Tuesday it was Grey Ruegamer and Donnell Washington's turn.

This marks the fourth time players have been at each other's throats since training camp began.

This also proves that Grey Ruegamer is not yet able to mature. If he would settle down and prove to the Packers community that he is not likely to get a penalty for unnecessary roughness, then he would be much more likely to make the Packers' opening day roster.

Whitticker in, O'Dwyer out

Matt O'Dwyer got to spend one day with the first string during training camp practice on Monday. Rookie guard Will Whitticker took his place on Tuesday.

This all but spells the end of O'Dwyer's run as a Green Bay Packer, ladies and gentlemen. It is highly doubtful that the Packers can afford to keep O'Dwyer on their roster if he isn't starting. Look for the Packers to cut O'Dwyer when they have to whittle down the roster to 65 players by August 30.

Ahmad Carroll receives criticism

In an article appearing in the Green Bay Press-Gazette, columnist Chris Havel took to criticizing defensive back Ahmad Carroll today saying:

The Packers didn't draft Carroll in the first round so he could run with the second unit and play special teams. They expect him to be a legitimate NFL cornerback. So far, he's not even close.

Ferguson is an unhappy-camper

In a article that made the front page of the sports section of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today, Packers wide receiver Robert Ferguson says that he's unhappy with his role on the team.

The article admits that Ferguson should in no way be considered a malcontent. He is a hard worker and no where near a "headcase." He simply wants a larger role in the passing game. Here are two interesting quotes of Ferguson's:

The only thing I am thinking about right now is being productive. Wherever I am productive at, I don't care. I want to use my talent. I don't feel I have been able to utilize all my talent since I have been in the NFL. I'm just focusing on training camp, and this is the best training camp I have ever had.

I've told the coaches here, I want the ball. I'm not a rookie anymore, I've been around, so I've earned the right to be vocal about my feelings.

Newspaper columnist and local radio host Chris Havel said on the air yesterday that the Packers flat out won't even trade Ferguson. I'm not so sure.

As long as the Packers are flush with receiving talent and as long as they could get a decent defensive player in return for Ferguson, go ahead - trade him. If you read into his comments, you know Ferguson would want it.

Mark Roman injured

Yesterday during practice safety Mark Roman injured his hamstring reports the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Veteran Earl Little replaced Roman in the starting lineup. This also meant that reps increased for people like Marviel Underwood and Todd Franz who are battling to make a roster spot.

The report makes no comment on the extent of the injury.

O'Dwyer practices with first team

Yesterday during practice veteran guard Matt O'Dwyer practiced with the first team offensive line ahead of rookie William Whittacker.

This is no blow to Whittacker. The Packers are simply testing the waters with O'Dwyer. I wouldn't doubt that O'Dwyer will get a shot to prove himself and get a start in Saturday's exhibition game.

Unless O'Dwyer proves he is worthy of starting, he probably will not make the team. He has a much larger contract than some of the younger players who have a much bigger upside than the veteran.

In the end, look for Whittacker to nail down the starting job and O'Dwyer to be cut. That's the Railbird Central prediction.

Defensive back released

Rookie free agent defensive back Charles Byrd was released by the Packers yesterday reports the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Byrd was signed by the Packers just days ago on August 7th. It goes without saying that the Packers weren't exactly overwhelmed with what he showed them.

Trade sounds good

On WDUZ FM, hosts Chris Havel and Johnny Gray today said it was foolish to trade within the conference such as trading wide receiver Robert Ferguson to the Philadelphia Eagles.

I disagree.

The Packers, no doubt, would have to get a very good defensive player in return. But when you have a chance you improve your team, you take it no matter who it is worth.

The rationale is this - I don't believe the Packers offense struggles without Robert Ferguson. Likewise, I believe the Packers defense could improve with the addition of a key defensive player or two. Thus, the Packers are better able to take on the Eagles come the playoffs.

If I am wrong, then please feel free to disagree with me. But I will not give into the thinking that you should not trade within your conference!

In fact, trade away Najeh Davenport while you are at it too. Davenport will be a high priced free agent next season and I have all the confidence that Tony Fischer and Walt Williams would be adequate backups to Ahman Green.

Vegas odds on Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila KGB

According to the latest issue of Gaming Today, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, a.k.a. KGB, has a 8 to 1 chance to lead the NFL in sacks this season at Caesar's Palace.

The Colts' Dwight Freeney is the odds on leader at 7 to 2.

Vegas odds on Ahman Green

According to the latest issue of Gaming Today, Ahman Green has a 15 to 1 chance to lead the NFL in rushing this season. His odds are 18 to 1 at Station Casinos.

The odds on leader is LaDanian Tomlinson who is 4 to 1 at both Caesar's and Station Casinos.

Vegas odds on Javon Walker

According to the latest issue of Gaming Today, Packers wide receiver Javon Walker has a 10 to 1 chance to lead the NFL in receiving yards this season says Caesar's Palace. Station casinos has Walker at 18 to 1.

The odds on favorite is new Raiders wideout Randy Moss who is a 6 to 1 favorite at Caesar's and a 5 to 2 favorite at Station Casinos.

So lesson be learned. If you're big on Walker, head to Station Casinos.

Vegas odds on Brett Favre

According to the latest issue of Gaming Today, Brett Favre has a 15 to 1 chance in leading the NFL in passing yards this season at both Caesar's Palace and Station Casinos.

The odds on favorite is Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper who is 6 to 1 at Caesar's and 5 to 2 at Station Casinos.

Antonio Chatman catches on

I was wrong about Antonio Chatman. The guy can play.

I was always one who thought, "The Packers can get a better return guy." I thought in order to get back to the promised land, the Packers need a return man who was exceptional rather than adequate. I thought Chatman was too small to play receiver in the NFL.

The bottom line is, Chatman can catch. I wouldn't doubt that Chatman has the best hands on the team. Fastballs from Brett Favre? Chatman will catch them no problem. Getting under a punt with kamikaze men in your grill? Chatman will catch it without a hitch.

If he can only return punts like he did in the first exhibition game versus the Chargers, he'll be okay. I want to root for rookies like Craig Bragg and Terrence Murphy to step up and show they can provide some electricity in the return game, but Chatman outperforms them all.

I'm okay having Chatman as a 5th wide receiver. In fact, I'm so confident in his abilities that perhaps I'd be glad to see the Packers trade away Robert Ferguson. They already have Pro Bowlers in Javon Walker and Donald Driver. They already have up and coming rookies like Murphy and Bragg. They already have Vince Butler and Andrae Thurman who will end up on a roster somewhere if not with the Packers. And they have Antonio Chatman. That's good enough for me.

Morning practice: Underwood lays wood to Murphy

Another brief scrap broke out this morning when rookie safety Marviel Underwood laid out rookie wide receiver Terrence Murphy with a vicious hit. The hit was clean, though.

Murphy immediately got up and went after Underwood, although the two were broken up rather quickly.

Murphy had no reason to complain. The hit was clean and the players were clearly participating in a contact drill. It wouldn't have passed up the opportunity to lay out Murphy if I was Underwood, either.

Morning practice: KGB sidelined temporarily

During the red zone portion of this morning's practice, defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila had to pull himself out of a drill due to a minor injury.

It appeared as if KGB was stepped on. He doubled over on the field was then helped to the sideline. The injury didn't keep him out long, though. He was back at it in no time.

Morning practice: Fischer to Martin TD

While practicing in red zone conditions this morning at practice, running back Tony Fischer hit David Martin for a touchdown on a halfback option.

Martin was left uncovered as most all the defense bit on the run fake.

Morning practice: A versatile Terrence Murphy

During the punt portion of practice on Monday morning, rookie wide receiver Terrence Murphy practiced both as a striker and as a punt returner.

Murphy took his turn as a striker on the punt squad and then when the play was over remained downfield to catch a couple punts.

Morning practice: Sherman gets fired up

In the middle of practice today, Packers head coach Mike Sherman huddled up the entire team to reprimand them.

One can only guess that after giving them two days off after their first exhibition game, that he expects them to give it their all in practice and not to dog it.

Emotions were riding high and the hitting fierce after Sherman's speech.

Morning practice: Cornerback hierarchy

Among the cornerbacks taking part in the top-flight one-on-one drill were: Al Harris, Ahmad Carroll, Michael Hawkins, Chris Day, Leigh Torrence, and Chris Johnson. Joey Thomas watched on from the sidelines.

This comes as surprise not to see Jason Horton who made the roster last year, or Patrick Dendy who practiced in the first team dime package when Joey Thomas was out earlier in camp.

Read on below to find out more about the wide receiver hierarchy.

Morning practice: Wide receiver hierarchy

If you look a little deeper into practice these days, you might be able to see who's going to make the team and who isn't.

In a drill designed for players in the box - i.e. offensive linemen, defensive linemen, running backs, linebackers, and safeties - the first string wide receivers, cornerbacks, and quarterbacks went elsewhere. The low end wide receivers and cornerbacks stayed behind to practice with those who play in the box.

Meanwhile Brett Favre was throwing passes to wide receivers covered by cornerbacks in a one on one passing drill. The wide receivers taking part in the drill were: Javon Walker, Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson, Antonio Chatman, Andrae Thurman, Vince Butler, and Terrence Murphy.

This may be bad news for those wide receivers on the outside looking in such as Craig Bragg. Although Bragg could prove his worth mostly as a punt returner more than anything.

Morning practice: Brett puts on a show for fans

Brett Favre was his usual jovial self this morning.

After outrunning Packers quaterback coach Darrell Bevell in a footrace to the opposite end of the practice field, Brett proceeded to flop down on the ground in mock exhaustion.

The stunt got a good laugh from the railbirds lined up to watch practice.

Morning practice: Thomas sidelined again

That didn't take long.

After cornerback Joey Thomas came back to practice yesterday for the first time in nearly two weeks, he was back on the sidelines in a baseball cap today.

It remains to be seen if it's the same old injury that's bothering him or not. To give him the benefit of the doubt, perhaps the coaching staff is taking their time and only limiting him to one practice a day. That would be doubtful, though seeing as mostly they make the players sit out the afternoon practice when limiting them to one practice per day.

All this time off has given Ahmad Caroll many chances to prove his worth as a starting cornerback to the Packers. If Thomas doesn't get back very, very soon, he can probably kiss his chances to be in the starting lineup goodbye.

Morning practice: Washington joins first string

Defensive tackle Donnell Washington practiced with the first team defense today instead of Colin Cole. Look for him to get the start at defensive tackle in Saturday's exhibition game versus the Buffalo Bills.

It is hard to deny Washington's sheer size. He is a mountain of a man.

Keep in mind even though Washington is a second year player, he might as well be a rookie. He spent all last year on injured reserve.

Morning practice: O'Sullivan hangs on too long

It appeared in this morning's practice that quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan has hung onto the ball too long way to many times in this training camp.

O'Sullivan no doubt wants to show off his scrambling ability and his tendencies to make plays on the run, but they don't always turn out too well.

Today, for example, O'Sullivan held on to the ball too long and then when he could find any open receivers he threw the ball to the shortest route possible - a little out by running back Joey Harris. Harris proceeded to drop the ball.

On a side note, you wouldn't think someone coming out of the Purdue passing juggernaut would have such a hard time catching the ball. Harris is from Purdue.

Arturo Freeman released

In a minor shocker, Arturo Freeman has been released from the Green Bay Packers.

Freeman was released when it was apparent he would not be a starter in Green Bay. The play of rookie Nick Collins probably had a lot to do with that fact.

Freeman was hailed as one of Green Bay's biggest offseason moves when he was signed as a free agent. With the poor play of the secondary last season, it was hoped Freeman could step in and step up for the Pack.

This is probably very good news for Packer fans. Seeing as highly touted as Freeman was, it must mean that the rest of the safeties are playing much better for a veteran to be booted out of camp this early. The play of not only Collins, but of fellow rookie Marviel Underwood in addition to veterans Earl Little, Todd Franz, and Mark Roman no doubt hastened the coming of the pink card.

In this corner...

Yesterday at practice wide receiver Javon Walker and cornerback Ahmad Carroll got in a fight while Carroll was covering Walker.

Neither of the former first round draft picks had much to say about the incident. Walker kept saying, "No comment," as he walked away from practice. He then proceded to give his best Terrell Owens impression by doing sit-ups for the television cameras. Thanks to NBC 26 in Green Bay for getting that footage.

It doesn't appear that there will be any lasting effects from the little incident.

Packers on Sirius Satellite Radio

As I type, Sirius Satellite Radio's The End Zone on their NFL Radio channel is broadcasting live from Packers training camp inside Lambeau Field.

Among the guests already interviewed have been Javon Walker, Ryan Longwell, former general manager Ron Wolf, and Packers coach Mike Sherman.

So if you have Sirius Satellite Radio, tune in now! And hurry!

Lambeau Field outlaws

According to a headline at indoxrobot.com, five fans were arrested at Lambeau Field during Thursday night's game against the San Diego Chargers.

Coming back to practice

A host of players are expect to rejoin the Packers at practice this week after recovering from injuries.

Among the players ready to come back are: wideout Terrence Murphy, defensive ends Kenny Peterson and R-Kal Truluck, cornerbacks Joey Thomas and Chris Johnson, and linebacker Brady Poppinga.

Less likely is the chance that defensive tackle Cletidus Hunt will be back says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Out for a little while

Brad Bedell, Grady Jackson, and Na'il Diggs are all expected to miss this week's preseason game says the Milwuakee Journal Sentinel.

All three are making progress, but are being brought back slowly. It is possible (albeit unlikely) that all three could play in the preseason game against the Patriots.

Draft pick to miss entire season

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Packers seventh round draft pick and linebacker Kurt Campbell is likely to sit out the entire season.

Campbell injured his anterior cruciate ligament and will probably undergo surgery tomorrow.

Leach injured against San Diego

Sorry for the late report, but Packers fullback Vonta Leach was the only Packers player injured in the team's first preseason game.

While the injury isn't serious, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today reports that the Packers expect Leach to sit out the next preseason game versus the Buffalo Bills.