RB Ryan Grant
Starting running back Ryan Grant was limited in practice for the second straight day with a sore hamstring, but expressed confidence that he will be able to play Sunday at Detroit.
Grant rushed for 92 yards on 12 carries in his first action of the season in Monday night's win over Minnesota, including a 57-yarder to set up Green Bay's final score of the night.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday that Grant was "very sore" at halftime of the game and was not at full strength, which both he and Grant said was apparent on the long run.
"It was definitely the most work I have done," Grant said. "Game work is more work, so that was good, and the fact that I didn't have any setbacks or anything like that. It's getting there."
McCarthy said the plan was for Grant to be limited Wednesday and Thursday, and then test the hamstring out Friday in practice.
"I know Ryan wants to play, and his communication will be that he'll want to play, I'm sure. But once he practices tomorrow, the information from how he feels Saturday morning factors into it, and Pat McKenzie, Ted (Thompson) and I will make a decision."
Backup running back Brandon Jackson, who sustained a mild concussion in Monday night's game, was also limited in practice Thursday, but McCarthy said he would be surprised if Jackson was not cleared following the concussion tests.
With Grant and Jackson both limited, rookie running back Kregg Lumpkin continued to take the majority of the reps Thursday.
"I'm just trying to make sure my leg is not taxing and it's getting a chance to recover from day to day," Grant said. "I don't see it (playing Sunday) as a question. I'm doing everything to make sure I am ready."
Grant said his rehab and treatment have focused on strengthening his hamstring as well as maintaining flexibility and movement.
"I am probably the last one here, the last one leaving," Grant said. "My job is to make sure I am ready to go and make sure that I do everything in my power, along with the training staff, to make sure it's good to go."
Solid start
Punter Derrick Frost looked strong in his Packers debut on Monday night as he averaged 45.2 yards on five punts, but that doesn't mean he was satisfied with his performance.
"I'm the kind of guy that I think I can always play better," Frost said. "I wasn't real happy with the last punt. I would have really liked to drive them deep there, being that it was a crucial spot in the game. I felt overall I hit probably two punts not as well as I wanted. I feel like there is always more to do."
The last punt came with just under two minutes remaining and the Packers leading the Vikings, 24-19. Looking to pin Minnesota deep in their own territory, Frost's kick went 41 yards down to the Minnesota 21, and wide receiver Aundrae Allison returned the punt nine yards, the only return of the night by Minnesota of more than three yards.
"Overall I was just really pleased with the effort on everybody's part," Frost said. "I thought the coverage was great. It was the first time I got to see those guys cover, and we've got a really good unit."
Frost finished the night with a 42.6-yard net and angled his very first punt, a 49-yarder, out of bounds at the Minnesota 21.
"The first one, I wish he could kick them all like that," McCarthy said. "That's my kind of punt right there."
{sportsad300}'KGB' increasing workload
Defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila was in pads and participated fully in Thursday's practice after being limited on Wednesday.
"It was a good day of work today," Gbaja-Biamila said. "I kind of increased the load today. I did one-on-ones this week and I'm just trying to continue to get better as the season goes on. I feel I am getting better as we keep going."
Gbaja-Biamila, who didn't play at all in the preseason as he recovered from knee surgery in May, said he played 27 snaps on Monday night and experienced typical soreness after the game but felt fine.
"I'm comfortable with whatever they need me for," Gbaja-Biamila said. "If they need me for 40 snaps, I'm going to be there. I want to be available when they need me."
Injury/participation update
Players on the injury report who participated fully in Thursday's practice were tackle Chad Clifton (knees), Gbaja-Biamila, wide receivers James Jones (knee) and Ruvell Martin (finger), and safety Charlie Peprah (hamstring).
New to the injury report were linebacker Brandon Chillar (back) and safety Aaron Rouse (ankle), both limited participants in practice Thursday.
McCarthy said Chillar's back flared up but he would probably practice Friday and anticipated him being able to play Sunday. Rouse sprained his ankle in practice on Thursday.
Also limited in their participation in addition to Grant and Jackson was safety Atari Bigby (bicep).
Players not participating for the second straight day were center Scott Wells (back) and cornerback Charles Woodson (toe).
Guard Josh Sitton (knee) is out for this week's game.
For Detroit, starting linebacker Paris Lenon (knee) was a full participant after being limited on Wednesday. Another starting linebacker, Ernie Sims (ankle), was limited for the second straight day.
