Wednesday marked the final open-to-the-public training camp practice of 2002. While the day is probably a relief to players long tired of two-a-days, it no doubt brings a hint of sadness to devoted Railbirds who can no longer line the fences at Oneida Street to watch their beloved Packers up close.
"Oh yeah, this is great," said Jim, a Packers fan from Milwaukee. "I can't get my hands on tickets to the game, so this is the next best thing."
Brett Favre was welcomed to the last practice with a huge round of applause, and GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman closed the practice by walking back to Lambeau Field, signing autographs along the way.
Wednesday's practice was also noteworthy for wide receiver Terry Glenn, who saw his most significant action since spraining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee August 7.
"It feels a lot better," Glenn said of his knee. "Obviously I've had a lot of time to get it better, and getting treatment and rehabbing makes it feel a lot better. I'm ready to go."
Included in Wednesday's reps were goal line situations, with the 1-yard line serving as the line of scrimmage. Favre whizzed a pass to tight end Bubba Franks for a touchdown, and cornerback Erwin Swiney broke up a potential touchdown pass by Craig Nall.
A substantial portion of practice was devoted to red zone simulations. Tallying 15-yard touchdown passes from Favre were William Henderson, Donald Driver, Tony Fisher and Ahman Green. Green also caught a 10-yard pass and scooted the remaining five yards into the end zone.
Offensive line coach Larry Beightol was delighted as his line created a gaping hole for Fisher to scurry through and score from 15 yards out.
Cornerback Tyrone Williams had a solid practice, breaking up two plays during the red zone drill. Much like Monday night's game against the Cleveland Browns, Darren Sharper was all over the field, picking up three interceptions throughout the afternoon.
Tomorrow the Packers will have their customary walkthrough practice at Lambeau Field in preparation for Friday night's game against the Tennessee Titans.
-- by Leslie Ricker
