Defensive tackle Justin Harrell, who had a less than stellar rookie season due to nagging injuries, will be watching from the sideline again as the team begins its off-season Organized Team Activities practices in Green Bay this week.
The Packers reported on their website today that Harrell is out with a back injury until the start of training camp, but the Packers did not disclose how Harrell suffered the injury. Harrell missed all of last year's off-season practices due to a biceps injury that he sustained while at the University of Tennesee. During the regular season last year, he was inactive for nine games, missing five due to a high ankle sprain.
Harrell played in seven regular season games last year and two playoff games, but was not much of a factor. He had 24 tackles and no sacks.
Harrell is expected to have a bigger role this season after the team traded Corey Williams to Cleveland.
Other players being held out include defensive tackle Johnny Jolly, who's recovering from shoulder surgery that he underwent last December, and cornerback Will Blackmon, who has been bothered by foot injuries for the past two years.