Offensive linemen work on position drills during OTA practice on Wednesday inside the Don Hutson Center.
The Packers' first day of voluntary organized team activities open to the public was highlighted by 84 of 88 players (95 percent) on the roster in attendance at the Don Hutson Center.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he was impressed with the quality of work put in by the team during the opening two days of OTAs.
"Just as a coaching staff we have discussed how much we have improved in year three, which I think is natural and you should see that from year one to two to three," McCarthy said. "Today is always a hard day just because of the amount of offense and defense that goes in on the second day. You get into sub-packages and things like that, so today was a little more challenging, but I have been very impressed with what we have been able to accomplish and I think we're off to a good start."
The only players not in attendance on Wednesday were veteran cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Al Harris, along with rookie corner Condrew Allen and rookie center Brennen Carvalho, who both attend Portland State, where the school year is not yet complete.
"We have communication with both Al and Charles," McCarthy said. "In their particular case and where they are in the years, their work during the OTAs will be limited, but we'll definitely hit our targets with them."
Just business
Second-year running back Ryan Grant is not participating in on-field activities because he has not yet signed his contract, an exclusive-rights free agent tender.
Grant said there has been good communication between his agent and the team, and that although he has not put a timetable on it, he hopes to get a new deal done before training camp.
"I just try to take care of everything I have control over," Grant said. "All that is is me working as hard as I can, helping the team out, and making sure I am here for meetings and everything I can take part in."
McCarthy noted that Grant has been in Green Bay throughout the offseason and has been at the facility lifting weights four days a week and meeting with running backs coach Edgar Bennett in preparation for the season.
On the mend
Second-year defensive tackle Justin Harrell, who underwent minor back surgery last month and will not be participating in OTAs or mini-camp, said he expects to be ready for training camp. He said the disc injury occurred while lifting weights during the offseason program.
Last year Harrell was unable to participate in mini-camps or offseason activities as he recovered from a torn bicep suffered during his senior year in college at Tennessee. Despite battling injuries during his young career, Harrell said he is staying upbeat.
"Being frustrated is not going to change the whole situation," Harrell said. "Just try to do what you can and try to stay positive. I have got great support from my teammates and my coaches. We have been assured that the surgery went well, so I'll be ready for training camp."
{sportsad300}From the get-go
The offensive coaches are wasting no time getting the competition at guard going. On Wednesday, second-year pro Allen Barbre took most of the snaps with the No. 1 offense at left guard, rotating with Daryn Colledge. The extent of their work with the top unit likely will alternate day to day, with Junius Coston getting into the mix as well, but nothing is likely to be decided until the team is well into training camp and the preseason games.
Colledge and Coston, who have gotten their share of reps at tackle the last couple of years, also both took snaps as backup centers, as the coaching staff is hoping to add to everyone's flexibility along the offensive line.
"We'll continue to play different combinations of players there," McCarthy said. "It's a very athletic group. You're just trying to prepare yourself for that 45-man roster (on gameday)."
Nice grabs
During team periods on Wednesday, receivers Jordy Nelson and Donald Driver both made nice catches on deep balls against good coverage.
Nelson was working one-on-one downfield against fellow rookie Pat Lee. Brian Brohm's deep ball was slightly underthrown, but Nelson made the adjustment, went high into the air and outfought Lee for the ball.
Driver made a similar play on a throw from Aaron Rodgers. With the defense jumping offsides and Rodgers taking advantage of the free play, Driver and Tramon Williams had a lot of contact downfield and Driver came away with the long pass.
