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The Packers’ Wednesday release of safety Charlie Peprah was a surprise. Peprah started 14 games at strong safety last season, and had five interceptions. He was due just $1 million in base salary.

But the move opened the door for Charles Woodson’s long-speculated position switch. Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin reports that Woodson opened Packers training camp Thursday at strong safety in the base defense. In Green Bay’s oft-used nickel package, Woodson dropped down to cover the slot receiver and M.D. Jennings entered the lineup at safety.

Woodson isn’t moving to safety full time, per se, and will continue to play all over the Packers’ defensive formation. But it sure does sound like he’ll be playing safety more in 2012.

Jennings made the Packers as a longshot undrafted free agent out of Arkansas State last year. Primarily a special teamer as a rookie, Jennings is getting a chance to win a significant role in Green Bay’s sub-package defense.