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Pickett said Tuesday he plans to return to practice early next week.
“That’s my plan, to be out there 100 percent,” Pickett said.
Pickett said he has done his best to stay in shape while sitting out practice, including conditioning and strength exercises, but acknowledged that being in shape isn’t the same as being ready to play.
“I’m in pretty good shape,” Pickett said. “I’m just not in football shape. You have to play football to be in football shape.”
Still, Pickett doesn’t expect to be particularly rusty once he does return to the field.
“I think I’ll be pretty close,” Pickett said. “I’m just being honest. I don’t think I’m going to be that rusty. I’m not rushing the passer or anything like that. I’m confident I’ll be fine.”
Pickett and fellow defensive tackle Justin Harrell both have missed camp because of injuries, leaving the Packers thin at what was their deepest position last year.
“Injuries always play in,” Pickett said. “Last year we were fortunate not to have any, but this year, it’s something we have to battle through. I think by the start of the season, I think we’ll be pretty healthy. We went through the nicks and bruises of camp like every other team in the NFL. We just have to play.”
The Packers’ defense has given up some big running plays in the preseason, but Pickett doesn’t think the team missed a beat during his absence or see any reason for alarm.
“I really honestly think the boys are in there doing a great job,” Pickett said. “They may have given up a couple runs but for the most part they’ve done well. I’m watching. I’m like, ’It doesn’t look like they really need me out there.’ That’s what I’m seeing. I think they’re doing a good job.”
WELLS WELL? Packers center Scott Wells has sat out practice since a persistent lower back injury flared up during the first quarter of the Aug. 16 preseason game at San Francisco. He isn’t likely to play in the Packers’ preseason finale Thursday night, but expects to be back in time for the Minnesota game.
“I’ve been out long enough,” Wells said. “I was fighting to get back this week, which probably wasn’t real smart on my part. But I want to get back out on the field. I’ve never been out this long.”
The Packers have described Wells’ ailment as a “trunk injury,” affecting both sides of his lower back.
“It’s all related,” Wells said. “Anytime you have a back injury, which most people know, if it’s on one side the other side compensates. So if you overstress the other side, then that side becomes the problem. So we were going back and forth between left and right and then we said, ‘Hold up, let’s take a minute, let’s address the whole situation, gradually work him back.’”
Wells says he has “no doubt” he’ll return before the regular season starts.
“But again, the decision’s not up to me,” Wells said.
“It’ll be a decision made by everybody (based) on how well I’ve progressed and how well I test out.”
Jason Spitz continued to fill in at center during Tuesday’s practice, with Daryn Colledge continuing to play left guard and Tony Moll continuing at right guard.
NOTES: Packers coach Mike McCarthy said RB Ryan Grant would make his preseason debut Thursday, provided that his healing hamstring injury isn’t bothering him today. McCarthy said Grant wasn’t likely to play any more than the rest of the team’s offensive starters, who are scheduled to play about 10 snaps. ... DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila did not practice Tuesday. “Kabeer’s knee is kind of sore,” McCarthy said. “It didn’t respond very well to yesterday’s practice, so we held him today.” ... DL Michael Montgomery (groin), S Atari Bigby (ankle), CB Charles Woodson (knee bruise), CB Al Harris (back), LB A.J. Hawk (chest), G Josh Sitton (knee sprain), WR James Jones (knee sprain) and S Charlie Peprah (hamstring) also sat out Tuesday’s practice. ... Linebacker Brandon Chillar (back injury) returned to practice Tuesday.
