GREEN BAY – After returning on the early side of the timeline from ACL surgery, Bryan Bulaga has played through a lot during the first half of the Packers' season to make eight consecutive starts at right tackle.
Despite leaving this past Sunday's game against the New England Patriots with a knee injury, Bulaga was back on the practice field in a limited capacity Wednesday in preparation for Sunday's game against Miami.
"I really like what Bryan's (battled) through," said Head Coach Mike McCarthy during his Thursday pre-practice news conference. "Obviously he's battled through a number of things and come back every time. He looked pretty good (Wednesday) at practice. Today will be a big day for him."
McCarthy was pleased with what he saw from third-year swing tackle Jason Spriggs in Bulaga's absence on the right side in the second half against the Patriots, crediting Spriggs for allowing the offensive line to stay cohesive.
McCarthy confirmed the plan is for Byron Bell to remain the starter at right guard. The eighth-year veteran has started the past five games since Justin McCray exited Green Bay's Week 3 game in Washington with a shoulder injury.
McCarthy said McCray is healthy and the Packers are hopeful the second-year offensive lineman is at a point he could once again be a part of the active game-day 46.
"Justin McCray is ready to go. He looks good," McCarthy said. "He's definitely back from the injury he had earlier in the season."
The Packers are scheduled to practice in pads at 11:15 p.m. CT.
