http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports/273916

Packers notes: Jolly may not be ready for training camp
By JASON WILDE
608-252-6176
jwilde@madison.com
INDIANAPOLIS -- One reason the Green Bay Packers applied their franchise tag
to free-agent defensive tackle Corey Williams came to light Friday: Johnny
Jolly, who started seven of the first 10 games last season while sharing
time with Williams, likely won't be ready for the start of training camp in
July.

Jolly suffered a serious shoulder injury Nov. 18 against Carolina, then went
on injured reserve Dec. 11 and underwent surgery. He will miss the entire
offseason program rehabilitating the injury.

"It's going to be close," coach Mike McCarthy said when asked about Jolly's
participation in camp. "Just like everybody that's come off a major injury,
we 'll play (to) the high side of caution there. I'm not going to say he won
't be ready for training camp, but it may take all of training camp to get
him ready."

General manager Ted Thompson said he hasn't spoken to Williams since the tag
was applied but others in the personnel department had. Asked if the goal
with Williams is a long-term deal, Thompson replied, "We'll see about that.
Our offer is a one-year tender. That's what the option was under the
collective bargaining agreement. So that's where we're at right now."

Despite having big money tied up in the line -- Aaron Kampman, Kabeer
Gbaja-Biamila, Ryan Pickett and Cullen Jenkins all have lucrative
contracts -- Thompson said the amount of money spent on a specific position
isn't a factor in how he structures the roster.

"I think it's a reflection of the position," Thompson said. "I think if
you're fortunate enough to have some good players in the defensive line --
or in the offensive line position; anything with the big guys -- I think
it's difficult to find guys that can play and play effectively."

Let's go to the phones

Keeping with the tradition established by former president Bob Harlan, new
CEO Mark Murphy said he's answering his own phone, just as Harlan did
whenever fans (or reporters) called.

"I am. Test me out. Call me. If I'm in my office, I'll answer it," Murphy
said. "With the nature of the organization, you really have to be
accessible. You get some interesting comments (from fans who call), but they
all want the best for the Packers and want the team to do well. I'm looking
forward to working with the fans.''

On guard

Although there's still some uncertainty at the guard position entering the
offseason -- Jason Spitz semi-solidified himself late in the season at right
guard, but left guard Daryn Colledge's job security was in doubt -- Thompson
said he feels good about the mix of players at the position: Spitz,
Colledge, Junius Coston, Allen Barbre and Tony Palmer.

Thompson admitted, though, he erred by not finding better guards after Pro
Bowlers Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle departed following the 2004 season.

"Our first year, 2005, I didn't do a good job of getting those guys
replaced," Thompson confessed. "Overall, we feel very good about our
offensive line. ... We feel like we 're getting better. (But) we think we
can get a lot better yet.

"But it didn't start out as well as I would have hoped."

Extra points

Although they wouldn't rule out drafting a running back, McCarthy and
Thompson said they're happy with the stable they have: Starter Ryan Grant,
backup Brandon Jackson, and DeShawn Wynn and Noah Herron, who ended the
season on injured reserve. McCarthy also said the team hopes to re-sign
restricted free agent Vernand Morency. ... With $18 million left in salary
cap room following Williams' tagging, the Packers have the financial
wherewithal to be more active in free agency than last year, when their lone
signing was cornerback Frank Walker to a one-year deal. Will they be? "I can
promise you," McCarthy replied, "that we're participating."

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