Before training camp started on Friday, Head Coach Mike McCarthy announced during his press conference that three players will start on the physically unable to perform list, including starting strong safety Atari Bigby and starting cornerback Al Harris.
Bigby missed the entire offseason workouts with the Packers and seems to be dealing with a nagging ankle injury that caused him to fail his physical. This is the same injury that troubled Bigby two years ago when he injured his left ankle in a preseason game at Denver.
Bigby only played in seven games in 2008 with the ankle injury and shoulder and hamstring injuries. He was injured in Week 1 against Chicago last year, but returned to play in the final 12 games.
However, the Packers have depth at the safety position with rookie Morgan Burnett from Georgia Tech. The third-rounder was drafted for his ability to make plays in the secondary as he recorded 14 interceptions in just three years for the Yellow Jackets.
With Bigby out, Burnett was able to impress throughout OTAs while he got extensive time with the first string defense. However, the real work will start once the pads are finally on.
As for Al Harris, the starting cornerback opposite reigning defensive player of the year Charles Woodson, will continue rehab from his season-ending knee injury in Week 11 last year.
The 35-year-old Harris is unsure of when he will return to the Packers but left the possibility on the table for starting at Philadelphia in the season opener.
According to McCarthy, Harris seems to be improving lately and could be ready to go by the beginning of the season.
The other Packer listed on the PUP list is rookie running back James Starks. Starks is trying to overcome a hamstring injury from OTAs. The Packers hope he can return soon to split time with Kregg Lumpkin and Quinn Porter at third-string behind Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson.
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