Even though the Green Bay Packers clinched a bye in the first round of the playoffs, they're busting out the pads for Saturday's practice session that promises to go longer than the previous day.

"We'll go a little longer (Saturday)," said head coach Mike McCarthy. "It will be a padded practice, and I look for us to turn it up a notch."

Observers will be looking to see if Pro Bowl wide receiver Jordy Nelson takes part after being absent on Friday. McCarthy said Nelson would return this weekend but was vague about specifically when.

"Nelson has a personal matter that he's taking care of, and he'll be back this weekend," said McCarthy.

One player that likely won't be partcipating is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whom McCarthy acknowledged probably won't practice until next week. Rodgers is still nursing an injured calf aggravated during the recent game against the Detroit Lions.

McCarthy added that Rodgers will be getting treatment during the practice period. Backup quarterbacks Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien will take snaps in Rodgers' place.

Linebacker Sam Barrington and cornerback Demetri Goodson also missed Friday's practice due to sickness. It remains to be seen whether they'll return as well.

The Packers head coach may have an update when he holds a press conference at 11:55 a.m. CT to be streamed live on Packers.com.

During the afternoon, an NFC wildcard game will take place that may have an impact on the Packers' future opponent.

The Arizona Cardinals visit the Carolina Panthers for a game starting at 3:35 p.m. on ESPN.

Green Bay will meet the highest remaining seed in the NFC, perhaps the winner of Saturday's game if the Detoit Lions were to win on Sunday. If the Dallas Cowboys win, the Packers will play the Cowboys.