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“I threw probably 60 balls, felt all right,” Rodgers said. “I kind of had a number in mind, so I threw it, felt OK and stopped. It’s enough.”
Rodgers, who has played well in the Packers’ last two games despite limited practice time, did not throw during Wednesday’s practice and won’t throw today, either. But there’s no question he’ll play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said he thought Rodgers “looked good” and that “it was good to have him out there throwing to get the timing down of some of the new wrinkles you put in on a weekly basis.”
McCarthy said it would have been pointless to have Rodgers “run the plays at full speed and (then just) lob it out there,” so he “threw the ball with velocity and anticipation, no different than he did on Sunday.”
“I just didn’t want him to wake up tomorrow with his arm feeling like a Monday morning,” McCarthy said. “We were just being smart. He could have probably practiced the whole practice if he needed to.”
Bigby back: Safety Atari Bigby, who hasn’t played since pulling his hamstring at Detroit on Sept. 14, passed his medical tests Wednesday and was back practicing Thursday, making him eligible to start Sunday.
“I know he was anxious to get out there,” McCarthy said. “I know he’s been frustrated with the injury. It was a big hurdle for him, and hopefully we can get him ready for Sunday.”
While Bigby’s backup, Aaron Rouse (concussion), was removed from the injury report and will play, defensive coordinator Bob Sanders said Bigby brings a different element to the defense.
“Atari brings a level of toughness in there,” Sanders said. “Those other guys
have done some good things filling in, but if he’s able to do it, anytime you get any of those guys back, certainly it helps.”
Health watch: Center Scott Wells was added to the injury report with a strained shoulder/chest muscle suffered during Wednesday’s practice, but McCarthy said he is “pretty confident that he’ll play in the game, unless I’m told otherwise.”
Wide receiver James Jones (knee) remained out and McCarthy said he “probably won’t be back until after the bye.” While cornerback Al Harris (spleen) was doing drills at practice, McCarthy said he’s “doubtful to out” for Sunday.
Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (triceps) didn’t practice and may not practice today. McCarthy said the medical staff is figuring out what he can wear to protect his arm Sunday.
Linebacker A.J. Hawk (groin) is “close” to being back to normal, though it’s possible McCarthy will limit him and sub Brandon Chillar in the nickel defense as he did last week against Seattle.
Defensive tackle Justin Harrell (back) has yet to be activated off the physically unable to perform list.
“He looked like a football player that hadn’t practiced in a while,” McCarthy said. “We felt he did OK. It’s going to take the whole body of work this week before any type of decision is going to be made.”
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