The Green Bay Packers lively Tuesday OTA saw the awaited return of many familiar faces. I have waded through all the reports to bring you all the information you want to know about all the players you want to know it about.
Nick Perry — The second year OLB was a full participant in Tuesday’s OTA. He came in at 265 pounds, which he says is a little lighter than he was last season. He is, however, still wearing a hard cast over his surgically repaired wrist. That cast protects a pin that is still in the wrist. There is no known timetable for the pin to be removed, but will presumably be before the start of the season. Hopefully, because Perry said himself that the use of his hands is vital to his job, though many defensive ends in the 70s and 80s I assume would disagree with that.
Andrew Quarless — The starting tight end during the Packers’ Super Bowl run in 2010 has, according to reports, looked great. His apparent renewed health perhaps goes a long way to explaining why the Packers didn’t spend a single draft pick on a future replacement for Jermichael Finley. Many already believe that if Quarless can stay healthy he’ll be the most complete tight end on the roster.
Desmond Bishop — He attended, but did not participate. He is expected back next week. Brad Jones and A.J. Hawk have been the starters in the middle so far this offseason, and there seems to be some real doubt within the organization and now growing on the sideline that Bishop can fully recover from his hamstring injury and unseat either of those two. That and his $5 million a year price tag is probably why the Packers shopped Bishop during the draft. Like most Packers fans, I’m hoping the Bishop of old can return because we know that would be an upgrade at the position, but hope isn’t going to make it happen.
Derek Sherrod — The good news is that Sherrod has been in Green Bay all offseason and participated in the individual workouts. The bad news is that he attended, but didn’t participate on Tuesday, and there is no definite timetable on when he will participate. Observers say Sherrod is in good shape and appears to be moving well, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready for reps, obviously.
Davon House — Pretty much everything I just said about Sherrod also applies to House. In both cases, each player is in danger of falling behind other players at their position. However, it is just the OTAs, and the coaching staff may want the younger and unknown players to get some reps now, while the real competition starts in training camp.
Johnny Jolly — One of two no shows at OTAs, but that’s because he was participating in a drug program, which he just graduated from on Thursday. I don’t know if graduating from a drug program is cause for a cake or anything, but Jolly insists he will be in town shortly. I’m sure my connection is thrilled.
Sam Shields — As stated in my prior article, he’s a no show. I wouldn’t expect him at any of the OTAs. With Casey Hayward gladly taking his position, Shields has zero leverage against the Packers, but that won’t stop him from extending his vacation for another couple months. Keep in mind that Shields got a late start last offseason, due to injuries, and that didn’t stop him from eventually reclaiming a starting spot. So, there is reason for confidence that he could do it again.
Bryan Bulaga — Bulaga was a full participant and got his first taste of left tackle against some pass rushers. His early performance was mixed, to be generous, but the fact remains that he seems to be moving fine and is seemingly unhampered by his hip.