Cornerback Mike McKenzie reported to the Green Bay Packers Wednesday morning, ending a holdout that began at the beginning of training camp in late July.
GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman welcomed McKenzie back to Green Bay as he met with the player and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, early Wednesday at Lambeau Field. Later in the day, Sherman addressed the media and stated that McKenzie will join the team for practice this afternoon.
Sherman said that McKenzie appeared to be in good shape, but will evaluate when he might return to the lineup after seeing him in action on the practice field.
"We have a two week window of when to activate him," said Sherman. "He looked like he had been training and he's in shape. That's a positive thing. We're just going to push the envelope in that area to try to get him ready as soon as possible. We'll take it day by day, however.
"It's a new defense. There's a lot of learning involved in the defense, and obviously he hasn't been playing football, which is a little bit of a different type shape than training with a trainer."
Despite the cornerback's prolonged absence, Sherman is not holding any grudges, and looks forward to seeing No. 34 back on the field for the Packers.
"Mike McKenzie is back here to play for the Packers, and that's where we are right now," said the coach. "We take it one day at a time, as I've said to you before. If you hold grudges in this business, or in life, it's hard to move forward. I totally believe you live in the present. We'll deal with tomorrow tomorrow. What was yesterday was yesterday - that's old news."
