With Top Two Spots Set, Packers Receivers Try to Impress

GREEN BAY, Wisc. -- For Green Bay Packers wide receivers Donald Driver and Greg Jennings, there is little left to prove. They've already established themselves as top receivers, and easily the best on this Packers team. They've developed an impressive rapport with second-year starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

However, there are seven other wide receivers at training camp who aren't so lucky. With no more than four of them set to make the 53-man roster, they're all working hard to secure a spot.

2008 second-round draft pick Jordy Nelson and 2007 third-rounder James Jones should be secure with their roster spots, even though Jones continues to battle through nagging injuries.

After missing Thursday morning's practice, Jones (hamstring) did take part in the night session. He got some work in with the first-team offense, and generally looked like he was running without any pain.

If Nelson and Jones are indeed safe bets to make the team, as appears to be the case, that leaves five guys battling for -- at most -- two spots.

Among the five, one guy who is raising eyebrows is rookie Kole Heckendorf. The lanky kid out of North Dakota State has made a number of nice catches throughout camp, including a few in Thursday's sessions. Heckendorf would be a very nice player to stash on the practice squad if general manager Ted Thompson can get him through waivers. It's not likely he'll make the team, though he does have at least two more preseason games to show his skills off in.

Veteran Ruvell Martin has battled through injuries throughout his time in Green Bay, and he may be in for a fight to make the team this year. He'll work hard, though, and he did get the loudest roar from the 1,000 or so fans who showed up for Thursday night's practice. Third-string quarterback Brian Brohm made a desperation throw to the right sideline, which Martin was able to haul in while staying in bounds.

Brett Swain, who was drafted by the Packers in 2007 and cut by the team before re-signing last year, is in camp, as are first-year pro Jake Allen and undrafted free agent JaRon Harris. It appears the three are going to have to impress on special teams to make the final roster, and Heckendorf has the look of a better practice squad candidate at this point.

The Packers host the Buffalo Bills Saturday at Lambeau Field. According to head coach Mike McCarthy, starters are expected to play 20-25 snaps.

Camp notes

• Rodgers arrived early, taking the traditional bike ride from Lambeau Field, and then signing some autographs outside the practice field.
• Offensive lineman Breno Giacomini comically carried his bike the last few blocks, instead of trying to contort his six-foot-seven frame and ride it to the field.
• Former Packers president Bob Harlan was on hand, shaking hands with sideline guests and chatting with McCarthy.
• Linebacker Desmond Bishop, a second-year pro, appears to have won a job in some defensive groups. McCarthy noted after practice that Bishop was "an effective blitzer."
  
• Safety Aaron Rouse appeared to pull his hamstring with just three plays left in practice. He was carted off. McCarthy indicated they would wait and see how he was Friday morning.
• All players took part, except defensive tackle Justin Harrell, cornerback Pat Lee, and linebackers Clay Matthews and Jeremy Thompson.