Report: Scott Wells, D.J. Smith Miss Practice

Meanwhile, Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga returned to action during the Packers' first practice of the postseason.

Some unexpected information came from Green Bay Packers practice this afternoon that neither center Scott Wells and linebacker D.J. Smith participated in this afternoon's session.

Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette initially reported the information via Twitter from the Ray Nitschke Field, where the Packers practice, earlier this afternoon but did not give a reason for their absence.

Because the Packers have a bye until the divisional round of the playoffs and do not play this week, they do not have to file an official injury report.

Head coach Mike McCarthy declined to talk about injuries during his Wednesday press conference other than to say the team would give its injury report next week and "I feel good about where we'll be as a team."

Wells was named to his first Pro Bowl this year and has arguably been the Packers' healthiest, best and most consistent offensive lineman this season. Losing his services would certainly be a blow to the Packers, but at this point, it would be premature to speculate on his injury status.

Smith is the top backup at inside linebacker and played well in the absence of Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk earlier this season. Since that duo has returned to the starting lineup, Smith is back to occupying a reserve role in Green Bay, but he is also one of their core special teams players.

No injuries to Wells or Smith were disclosed in the aftermath of the regular season finale against the Lions.

Running back James Starks also missed practice, though that was not unexpected given McCarthy's comments from Monday saying the team was still unsure of his availability.

Several players reportedly returned to practice this afternoon after not practicing last week. They include wide receivers Greg Jennings and Randall Cobb and tackle Bryan Bulaga.

"Greg looks better," said McCarthy. "He did some work today. I thought he looked good last week. I had a chance to visit with him on the field. There's no wasted motion in his stride, so I feel good about where Greg is."

0 points
 

Comments (4)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Jake's picture

January 04, 2012 at 02:43 pm

It probably won't even come to it, but who's our backup center? We hope Bulaga is back and then put utility man Lang in there?

0 points
0
0
chuck's picture

January 04, 2012 at 03:24 pm

EDS is backup. Lang goes back to LG

0 points
0
0
Mike M's picture

January 04, 2012 at 06:15 pm

Maybe Wells was signing his extension.

0 points
0
0
jim's picture

January 06, 2012 at 08:43 am

wouldnt that be great?

0 points
0
0