THUMBS UP

The practice on Thursday night was far less competitive because the starting offense and defense worked against scout teams simulating schemes of the Cleveland Browns. It also was different because the defense rested five starters, which might happen Saturday night in the exhibition opener. The first period for the defense ended when rookie D.J. Smith, a sixth-round draft choice from Appalachian State starting on the weak inside for Desmond Bishop, timed his blitz beautifully and shot through for what would have been a routine sack. The night before, D-coordinator Dom Capers said of Smith, "Every practice, you've seen a play or two that looks pretty good. If they work at it, then you see it more and you see it more. There's a good feeling about him." Smith stands just 5 feet 10½ inches but isn't small. Weighing 240, he's thick and big-boned. Smith always seems to be around the football and is said to be a student of the game. He could very easily chalk up 10 or more tackles in Cleveland.

THUMBS DOWN

It would be a surprise if Brad Jones was anything higher than No. 4 at outside linebacker behind Clay Matthews, Erik Walden and Frank Zombo. In fact, if Jones doesn't step it up a notch or three, he could lose his roster berth to a free-agent rookie such as Jamari Lattimore or Vic So'oto. Jones still uses his natural leverage to set the edge. However, as a pass rusher, he has offered next to nothing. On Thursday night, Jones was dominated twice by LT Marshall Newhouse in the one-on-one's. That wrapped up a 1-4-1 week in the drill for Jones. He hasn't missed a practice for the first time in three summers but, for now at least, his game isn't measuring up.

INJURY LIST

Mike McCarthy wouldn't rule out players for Cleveland who didn't practice Thursday, but in most cases they won't play. The list includes WR BrettSwain, TE Jermichael Finley, G Adrian Battles, T Chris Campbell, NT Chris Donaldson, LB Diyral Briggs, S Brandon Underwood, CB DavonHouse and CB Brandian Ross.

Returning to practice were WR Chastin West, LB Cardia Jackson and K Mason Crosby.

On Thursday, RB Alex Green (thigh strain), NT B.J. Raji (ankle sprain) and CB Sam Shields (hip pointer) were injured.

Underwood said he was extremely fortunate not to have blown out his right knee Saturday night. He is out indefinitely with a sprained knee.

ODDS AND ENDS

The No. 1 defense practiced without SILB A.J. Hawk, Bishop, LC Charles Woodson, RC Tramon Williams and FS Nick Collins, leading to speculation that none would play in Cleveland. If Woodson, Williams, Shields, House and Ross don't play, the Packers would be down to Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee and Josh Gordy at corner against the Browns.

Aaron Rodgers completed one of his few eye-catching passes of camp, a 20-yard seam route to TE Spencer Havner in a tight window. Not that it means anything, but Rodgers hasn't stood out in the first two weeks.

Randall Cobb, the No. 1 punt and kickoff returner against Cleveland, made a quick cut and returned a kickoff almost 50 yards. Rookie Shaky Smithson said he would follow Cobb as dual return man.

The Packers called a press conference so RB Ahman Green could formally retire. Green, 34, is entering broadcasting.

Punting from his own end zone, Tim Masthay had a poor night. His six punts averaged about 39 yards and about 3.82 seconds of hang time.

Offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is doing a lot of hands-on coaching with the O-line, his area of expertise. He was exhorting blockers in a run-game drill.

Too often sluggish in the one-on-one's, DE Mike Neal exploded with inside moves to destroy guards T.J. Lang and Caleb Schlauderaff.

TE Ryan Taylor, a seventh-round draft choice known for his special-teams effectiveness, already has several prominent positions on various units.

McCarthy seemed to suggest that the starters would play about a quarter in Cleveland.

Other than Starks, Dimitri Nance has been as impressive as any back in camp despite precious few reps. Nance is shifty and does run hard.

SCHEDULE

The Packers canceled practice Friday to visit the White House en route to Cleveland. Next practice is at 11:15 a.m. Monday in pads.