Rain pushed the Green Bay Packers indoors for their first mini-camp practice of 2003, but it didn't dampen sprits.
Wednesday's workout was for veterans only, with rookies not scheduled to participate until Friday, but there were plenty of new faces around.
Al Harris, Nick Luchey, Hannibal Navies, Chukie Nwokorie and Grey Ruegamer were among the players at their first Packers practice, as were coaches John Bonamego, Mark Duffner and Joe Philbin.
Sherman said his No. 1 goal of mini-camp was "not to get anybody hurt," but he also hopes to see his team build some chemistry.
"The major point of emphasis was just getting everybody back together, get used to playing with each other," Sherman said. "We have about 15 new faces on the team today that weren't with us (last season) and 15 faces that were with us that are no longer there. We're trying to get everybody together, get the veteran players to help the new players along and get the new players to learn how we do things here in Green Bay."
As usual at the opening practice, errant passes and dropped balls were a common occurrence early on, but players seemed to find their groove midway through the workout.
Brett Favre connected with Robert Ferguson on a 10-yard pass down the right sideline, before hitting Javon Walker on a 35-yard route.
Newcomer Gari Scott displayed good hands to snag a 10-yard Doug Pederson pass along the sideline.
Najeh Davenport showed his speed up the left sideline after taking a short pass from Pederson.
Mike McKenzie broke up passes intended for Walker and Pro Bowler Donald Driver.
With several starters on the offensive line not participating due to injury (see below), the Packers used a primary front five of Jerry Wisne (left tackle), Mike Wahle (left guard), Mike Flanagan (center), Bill Ferrario (right guard) and Kevin Barry (right tackle).
The Packers will return to the practice field Thursday (veterans only) at 11 a.m. Weather and field conditions permitting, practice will be held outside at Clarke Hinkle Field (open to the public), but otherwise will be held inside the Don Hutson Center (closed to the public).
Today At A Glance ...
Where: Don Hutson Center (indoors)
Weather: 45 degrees, light rain
Did Not Participate: Marques Anderson (hamstring), Chad Clifton (pelvis/hip), Joe Johnson (triceps), Joey Knapp, Marco Rivera (knee), Mark Tauscher (knee).
Remains Unsigned: Gilbert Brown, Earl Dotson, Frank Winters
