Friday's practice meant the debut of rookies at Green Bay Packers mini-camp.
Joined by the veterans, 20 first-timers took to Clarke Hinkle Field Friday morning, before heavy winds pushed the Packers indoors to the Don Hutson Center.
A pair of rookies made fine defensive plays during the morning practice. First-rounder Nick Barnett batted down a pass from his linebacker position. And seventh-round cornerback Chris Johnson drew applause from veteran defensive backs after he stayed step for step up the sideline with second-year receiver Javon Walker to quash a 25-yard pass attempt by Brett Favre.
Wide receiver Karsten Bailey made perhaps the best catch of the day when he pulled down a ball in between two defenders while the Packers worked inside the red zone.
Sixth-year veteran cornerback Al Harris continued to flash his hard-nosed defense, explosively jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage.
Ahman Green showed his speed up the left sideline after taking a short pass from Doug Pederson.
Observing practice as a guest of the Packers was former Notre Dame head coach Bob Davie.
The Packers will return to the field Saturday with a team practice at 10:30 a.m., followed by a 2:45 p.m. practice for rookies and selected veterans. Weather and field conditions permitting, both practices 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: Clarke Hinkle Field, Don Hutson Center
Weather: 45 degrees, windy
Did Not Participate: Marques Anderson (hamstring), Chad Clifton (pelvis/hip), Joe Johnson (triceps), Joey Knapp, Chukie Nwokorie (knee), Marco Rivera (knee), Darren Sharper (hamstring), Mark Tauscher (knee), Rod Walker (shoulder), Frank Winters (knee).
Remains Unsigned: Gilbert Brown, Earl Dotson.
