GREEN BAY – Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga has passed his physical and will practice in a limited capacity on Friday, Head Coach Mike McCarthy told reporters during his pre-practice news conference.
Bulaga has impressed teammates and coaches alike with how he's attacked the rehab from the knee injury he suffered last November against Detroit. Team physician Patrick McKenzie gave Bulaga the green light on Friday morning, clearing his return from the physically unable to perform list less than nine months since the injury.
"I know he's excited about the news he got this morning from Dr. McKenzie," McCarthy said.
With Bulaga's activation, linebacker Nick Perry (ankle) is the only player currently on the Packers' PUP list. Both the Packers and Perry are hopeful he'll be ready for the start of the season.
Like everyone else, McCarthy said he was in awe of the 26-yard touchdown pass quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw to receiver Geronimo Allison at the end of the two-minute period of Thursday's practice at Nitschke Field.
Facing fourth-and-10 with eight seconds remaining, Rodgers drew a defender offsides and rolled left on the free play before throwing the no-look pass to Allison across the field in the right corner of the end zone.
"You appreciate it more when you watch the video. I know I did because he spoils you," McCarthy said. "You don't have too many practices around here where he doesn't make a throw or two that you're like, 'OK, file that one in the library' because that's the way you want to teach it. That one there, I don't know, we have to start a different library for that throw. That was a special throw."
The Packers will close out the week with their annual Family Night practice in front of more than 78,000 fans inside Lambeau Field Saturday.
"It's so unique to our culture here," said McCarthy of Family Night. "We have an opportunity to go practice in front of a full stadium is unique. It's a great stepping stone leading into preseason games. It gives you a chance to just hit your pre-game routine. It really gives a chance to the rookies to go out there and get past the wide-eyed moment of stepping onto Lambeau Field or an NFL football field for the first time.
"It's always been great work and after that it's great for the families. It's a unique crowd. It sounds like the biggest outdoor day-care center in the world because there's so many kids. There's just a ton of energy."
