Fully recovered from the jetlag caused by a successful trip to Sun Devil Stadium in Arizona Saturday, the Packers practiced under the bright lights of Lambeau Field Monday night, one week prior to their preseason home opener against the Cleveland Browns.
With the veterans receiving the night off, Monday's practice was a significant opportunity for those players still trying to earn a spot on the roster. The Packers used the majority of the practice time for scrimmage situations which included live tackling.
Among those suiting up were wide receivers Terry Glenn and Robert Ferguson, along with safety Marques Anderson, all of whom had missed previous practices due to injury.
Glenn, who was asked to participate only in the skills portion of practice, was excused early. Ferguson looked as though he hadn't missed a beat, leaping to grab a pass from rookie quarterback Craig Nall. Ferguson said afterward that he felt 90 percent healthy.
Anderson looked sharp in practice as well, putting a stifling hit on tight end Bill Seymour immediately following his reception, and later breaking up a pass intended for fellow rookie Javon Walker.
Walker was a popular target for Nall, as the two connected for passes of 10, 15 and 25 yards. Nall also threw to tight end David Martin on several occasions, racking up about 60 yards throughout the evening.
The running game also had bright moments. The offensive line made a beautiful hole for rookie running back Tony Fisher to scamper through, but on the very next play, the defense got its revenge, stuffing running back Jason Brookins at the line of scrimmage.
The Packers' next practice will be Tuesday, August 20, from 8:45-9:30 a.m., and 2:15-4:15 p.m., at Clarke Hinkle Field, weather and field conditions permitting.
-- by Leslie Ricker
