The Packers returned to Clarke Hinkle Field Wednesday for the final set of two-a-days before their preseason match-up with the Cleveland Browns, Friday.
Offensive tackles Chad Clifton (pelvis/hip) and Mark Tauscher (knee) participated in both practices for the first time since training camp began, much to the delight of the man they'll be protecting come gameday.
"It's nice to have them back," quarterback Brett Favre said. "I've been practicing with them every day, and it will be different in game situations, but I'm pleased that they're able to come back. It will be interesting to see how they do."
Both tackles are expected to see playing time in Friday night's game.
"I'm ready to go," Tauscher said. "It's getting to the point now that I just want to get out and go. I'm kind of through talking about it. I just want to get back out there and play and just see how things are going to go."
Donald Driver looked to be fully recovered from the hamstring injury that has plagued him for the last two weeks. Appearing to be in midseason form, Driver leaped over defensive back Jacoby Shepherd to make a spectacular catch along the right sideline before turning up field for a 50-yard touchdown.
Earlier, Driver made a great grab when Favre's pass was tipped by safety Marques Anderson. After both players bobbled the ball, Driver, who ended up on his back, had the ball fall directly into his arms.
"If I was hurt, I would still try to make those catches," Driver said when asked about his injury status. "When I came back that's the first thing I said, I had to make some plays. I've been off for about three weeks, so I knew that I had to come out here and show that just because of the hamstring injury, I didn't lose anything."
GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman noticed Driver's efforts.
"He did drop a ball out there at the end, so we have to mention that as well," Sherman said. "But he did make some not just good, but spectacular catches out here today. The receivers, as a group, have been doing a pretty good job of that."
Working inside the red zone, two of the Packers' quickest players went head-to-head when Chris Johnson stepped in front of a Doug Pederson pass intended for Antonio Chatman.
Sherman said he liked the improvement he's seen from the seventh-round corner, but would like to see him intercept some passes instead of just batting them down.
Erwin Swiney also gave a good defensive effort Wednesday, breaking up 25-yard pass from Akili Smith intended for DeAndrew Rubin along the right sideline.
In 7-on-7 drills, Javon Walker beat cornerback Derek Combs down the right sideline to haul in a perfectly placed 35-yard pass from Favre before being knocked out of bounds at the 1-yard line.
In the afternoon practice, Al Harris intercepted Favre's pass intended for Carl Ford across the middle of the field, while Smith had two passes picked off, first by Bobby Jackson and later by Bhawoh Jue.
The Packers closed out the afternoon with work on special teams, focusing on kickoff returns and onside kicks.
Newly-signed wide receiver Mike Horacek took the field for the first time this camp, participating with receivers and on special teams.
In injury news, quarterback Craig Nall (knee) sat out both practices as a precautionary measure, but is expected to play Friday ... Cletidus Hunt (blow to head) practiced in the morning but sat out the afternoon session ... Rod Walker (shoulders) sat out the morning practice but returned in the afternoon ... Rob Johnson sat out with soreness in his knee.
The Packers will take practice inside Lambeau Field Thursday for a brief walk-through before leaving for Cleveland. Thursday's practice is closed to the public.
The Packers' next public practice will be Sunday (Aug. 17) at Clarke Hinkle Field (weather permitting): 8:45 - 11:15 a.m. (pads), 2:15 - 3:15 p.m. (special teams).
Where: Clarke Hinkle Field
Weather: 80 degrees, sunny
Did Not Participate: Reggie Coleman (hip), Tyrone Davis (knee), Tony Fisher (hamstring), Jorg Heckenbach (kidney), Joe Johnson (ribs), Rob Johnson (knee), James Lee (hip), Lamar Smith (knee), Marcus Spriggs (knee), Adam Tate (knee).
Out: Gilbert Brown (biceps), Bryant Westbrook (Achilles).
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