The lockout isn’t over yet, but the Green Bay Packers have told players to show up at the team facility on Saturday to begin preparations for training camp and the preseason, according to Pro Football Talk.

Sources claim the Packers facility will be open Friday and the team is scheduled to gather on Saturday for a meeting.

It’s the surest sign yet a new labor deal is imminent.

This presumes that the remaining issues between the NFL and the NFLPA* will be resolved in time for the players and the owners to separately approve the new agreement. The fact that the Packers are getting the word out shows how widespread that presumption currently is.

In addition to Pro Football Talk, ESPN Milwaukee’s Jason Wilde also confirmed the development.

The Packers defense of their Super Bowl title begins… soon!