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Green Bay - Outside linebacker Mike Neal of the Green Bay Packers has yet to practice because of a core muscle issue that he doesn't consider major.

But when Neal does take the field, fans will see a different-looking player.

Neal reported to training camp at 263 pounds. He played most of the 2013 season, his first at outside linebacker, at about 275.

In March 2013, Neal tipped the scales at 305. He was coming off his third season as a base defensive end and interior rusher inside. After the Packers informed him of the switch to linebacker, he dropped about 30 pounds.

"I know this will be my primary position this year," said Neal. "I can do it at that weight (275), but why not lose some weight and be better in space, be better in coverage, be a little bit faster?

"Still, at 263 pounds, it's still considered a big outside linebacker."

What will opponents think?

"Now they're going to look at me real funny 15 pounds lighter," Neal said. "'This dude don't even look like the same player.'

"But I feel fine. 263 is probably more naturally what my body is. I think it will help me with whatever things I do."

Neal said he was dressed and almost out the door to practice Saturday when GM Ted Thompson intervened.

"Ted said, 'Not so fast, buddy,'" Neal related. "When the head man says you sit down you can't argue that. They said we're not looking for you to do anything special right now. They said we need you for 16 games. Do what it takes to get you ready for 16 games."

Neal suffered the strain in his midsection shortly after returning to Green Bay this month.