Roster

The Green Bay Press Gazette reports that the Packers signed tight end Matthew Mulligan to a one-year contract on Sunday. He will compete for the No. 2 tight end job behind Jermichael Finley, but Mulligan is better known for his blocking than receiving. Mulligan, 28, has played in all 16 regular-season games in each of the past two seasons, including last year with the Rams when he posted career-highs with nine starts, eight catches for 84 yards and a touchdown.

James Starks received first-team reps with the Packers, ahead of rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Starks showed some acceleration and quick feet but also fumbled twice. "He's had a great camp," running backs coach Alex Van Pelt said. "I've been really proud of the way he's worked. He just puts his helmet on every day, goes out and does his job. Today was a rough one. We'll get that straightened out. But he has shown up in this camp."

The Green Bay Packers selected UCLA defensive end Datone Jones with the 26th pick in the first round of the NFL draft. The Packers addressed one of their positions in greatest need of an upgrade by taking Jones. The 6-foot-4, 283-pound Jones had 19 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks for UCLA in a breakout season in 2012 as a fifth-year senior.

With the Packers leading 48-0, backup quarterback Graham Harrell gave starter Aaron Rodgers a breather in the fourth quarter Week 16 against the Titans and even led the Packers to another touchdown. He mostly just handed the ball off to Ryan Grant, though. Statistically, he went 1 for 2 for 9 yards.

The Cardinals began to cut their roster down to 75 players Friday, after Thursday's preseason game against the Titans. Among the players on the way out were: wide receivers Gino Crump, and Tre Gray and Jaymar Johnson; running backs Jared Crank, Thomas Clayton and Reagan Maui'a; defensive backs Eddie Elder, Marshay Green and James Nixon; linebackers Marcus McGraw, Zack Nash and Paul Vassallo; and defensive lineman Landon Cohen.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

The Oakland Raiders made their first round of cuts Monday and released the following players: linebacker Korey Bosworth; defensive lineman Mason Brodine; defensive back Aaron Henry; defensive lineman Wayne Dorsey; defensive back Chaz Powell; defensive back Terrail Lambert; wide receiver Thomas Mayo; wide receiver Dre Muhammad; quarterback Kyle Newhall-Caballero; running back Manase Tonga; and running back Rashawn Jackson.

The Packers have signed Sederrik Cunningham, a 5-foot-11, 192-pound receiver out of Furman.

Linebacker Brad Jones re-signed with the Packers.

Packers cornerback Sam Shields signed his restricted free agent tender offer worth just over $2 million. He will compete for playing time in camp this summer.

With the second of their two seventh-round compensatory picks, the Packers drafted B.J. Coleman, a quarterback from Chattanooga. Coleman (6-foot-3, 232 pounds) has an impressive physique, a strong (though inaccurate) arm and good mechanics. He's intelligent and an eager learner, which is good because he has much to absorb transitioning from Chattanooga to the NFL. Playing at the FCS-level, Coleman had a 52-31 career TD-INT ratio and only completed 57.4 percent of his passes. But the Packers like his intangibles, including size and character.

ESPN reports that Packers tight end Jermichael Finley offseason weight gain has been noticeable -- and not in a bad way. After slimming down prior to the 2011 season, hoping to be used more as a receiver than a traditional tight end, Finley has re-packed the bulk onto his 6-foot-5 frame. "I think Jermichael looks excellent," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He has put weight back on. He's back where I like to see him, the playing weight that he's playing with. He's stronger. He's playing with more confidence. … I really like the offseason that Jermichael has put together so far."

Packers DL Ryan Pickett left Week 14 against the Raiders due to a concussion. He recorded four tackles before being forced from the game.

The Packers have re-signed linebacker Robert Francois.

Packers defensive lineman Jerel Worthy told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he plans on playing at some point this season after tearing his ACL in Week 17 last season.

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

Packers rookie defensive linemen Mike Daniels turned in his best performance of the season as he scored his first career touchdown during Sunday's contest against the Lions in Week 14. Daniels scooped up a loose ball and returned it 43 yards to the house for a touchdown. Outside of that, he finished with just one tackle in a 27-20 victory. "[Mike] Daniels' play was the momentum shift for us that we needed," head coach Mike McCarthy said. "That was a big play."

Cornerback and special teams ace Jarrett Bush has agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Green Bay Packers, according to his agent.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers coach Mike McCarthy wouldn't mind if Randall Cobb did catch 100 passes as quarterback Aaron Rodgers recently suggested. "I don't do projections, (but) I hope so. I hope they all catch 100 balls," McCarthy said. "I think those things are great. It's important for our players to approach the game with statistical goals, and Randall is an excellent team player. He'll be given opportunities, there's no question about that. But yes, I think he definitely has a lot more growth in front of him. And it's exciting, for how productive he's been as a young player."

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers running back Alex Green still has designs on starting this season even though Green Bay added rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin. "Last year, I didn't do anything too good in the running game," Green said, "so I think it was a great thing for us to get back out there, make a step in the draft and help the team win football games." The report says maybe Green is at peace because he's finally healthy after a torn ACL suffered seven games into his rookie season in 2011. Last offseason, Green hurried back from the injury - prematurely, he admits now - to compete for carries in training camp. He did earn an on-again, off-again role as the team's No. 1 back. But by December the knee was sore and swollen and Green finished the 2012 season on the sideline. At no point, Green said, was he 100 percent last season. "No, I wasn't, I wasn't," Green said. "I came back, I got close to it, but once I got close, then I had a couple setbacks. I was never really quite where I wanted to be, but I made great strides in the off-season. I'm definitely getting ready for this year."

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk, who entered the game with only one sack all season, recorded two Week 16 against the Titans. He also had seven tackles, including six solo.

Packers receiver Donald Driver will announce his retirement on Feb. 6, the team announced. Driver is the Packers all-time leading receiver in receptions and yards and a member of the Super Bowl XLV championship team. "I played my entire career in Green Bay and have always enjoyed a special bond with the fans," said Driver. "I can think of no better way to retire than to celebrate with them and the Packers organization."

Packers defensive back Tramon Williams finished with just two tackles in Week 11 against the Lions, the second game in a row he has had that total. He had no other stats in a 24-20 win.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has declared that tight end Andrew Quarless is "fully past his injury" according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Quarless missed all of last season after tearing two knee ligaments in 2011. "I have all the confidence in the world he's ready," McCarthy said after practice, "and when you watch him play he's probably moving better than before the injury."

Green bay cornerback Davon House told reporters that he is hopeful of playing come Week 1 of the regular season against the 49ers. House suffered a separated left shoulders and will not require surgery. "What I was told, if it was to pop out again, then I'll have to get surgery," House said. "As long as it doesn't pop out again, I'll play with the harness on. Hopefully it doesn't pop out at all."

Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson failed to get it going early on as he endured a rough performance during Saturday's NFC Divisional Playoff game against the 49ers. He was unable to come up with a grab in the first quarter but bounced back with a decent second half. Nelson was targeted seven times and finished with five catches for 46 yards in a 45-31 defeat.

Green Bay signed running back DuJuan Harris and wide receiver Jeremy Ross to the active roster Saturday. They were on the practice squad. The Packers placed tight end Andrew Quarless (knee) and safety Sean Richardson (back) on injured reserve, ending their seasons in corresponding moves.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.

On Monday, the 49ers waived fullback Cameron Bell, linebacker Kourtnei Brown, defensive tackle Patrick Butrym, wide reciever Ben Hannula, wide receiver Joe Hastings, defensive tackle Matthew Masifilo, cornerback Cory Nelms, cornerback Deante’ Purvis, tight end Joe Sawyer, kicker Giorgio Tavecchio and wide receiver Brian Tyms.

The Packers and linebacker Clay Matthews agreed to terms on a five-year extension, keeping him with the team through 2018. Matthews had 13.0 sacks last season with 43 total tackles and three passes defensed.

Packers running back Ryan Grant collected seven carries for seven yards during Green Bay's 24-10 win over Minnesota in an NFC Wild Card matchup Saturday night. Grant, who was playing in his fifth game since being picked up by Green Bay in early December, also registered a 16-yard catch on his lone target from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. DuJuan Harris paced the Packers' running game with 17 carries for 47 yards and a score.

Packers defensive back Morgan Burnett led his team in tackles in Week 17 against the Vikings. He recorded seven solo tackles in the 37-34 loss.

Packers defensive back Casey Hayward intercepted his fourth pass in five games Sunday against the Lions in Week 11. Hayward added four tackles -- three solo -- in a 24-20 win.

ESPN Milwaukee reports that the Packers are planning to cut or trade linebacker Desmond Bishop assuming he doesn't agree to a restructured contract. Bishop tore his hamstring last August and has been working his way back since.

Hamstring - Questionable for start of training camp

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Packers kicker Mason Crosby wasn't asked to do much during Saturday's NFC Divisional Playoff game at San Francisco. He converted a 32-yard kick in the third quarter for his only field goal attempt of the night. Crosby also added four extra points in a 45-31 defeat.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Packers have released running back Brandon Saine.

Packers tight end D.J. Williams, who had gone nine games without catching a pass, hauled in three passes for 20 yards Week 16 against the Titans. They were his only three targets on the day.

Notable players added by the Packers on Day 3 of the NFL draft include Iowa cornerback Micah Hyde, Mississippi State defensive tackle Josh Boyd, Illinois State linebacker Nate Palmer, Grand Valley State receiver Charles Johnson, Maryland receiver Kevin Dorsey and South Florida linebacker Sam Barrington.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Tuesday that the Packers' rushing attack will "be better; I promise you. You can write that down." McCarthy's comments suggest the team will be more focused on a stronger run game led by an infusion of youth to their depth chart. Chief among those youngsters is rookie Eddie Lacy, who competed at OTAs, "turning heads" at times according to the official team website. Though Lacy's weight seems to be a tad up he could end up ahead of Johnathan Franklin, DuJuan Harris, James Starks and Alex Green on the depth chart when Week 1 comes around. "I’m learning fairly well. If I can get everything down pat, I feel I will be able to play," Lacy said. "You just want me to do what I was drafted to do."

Notable players waived or released by the Bengals on Friday include: FB Jourdan Brooks, TE Colin Cochart, LS Bryce Davis, FB James Develin, DE DeQuin Evans, DT Nick Hayden (injury settlement), WR Vidal Hazelton, CB T.J. Heath, RB Daniel Herron, LB Grant Hunter, DE Micah Johnson, LB Emmanuel Lamur, CB Chris Lewis-Harris, DT Vaughn Meatoga, LB Roddrick Muckelroy and QB Zac Robinson.

The Packers placed running back Johnny White (concussion) on injured reserve Wednesday.

Packers defensive back M.D. Jennings intercepted the first pass of his career Sunday in Week 11 against the Lions. He took the Matthew Stafford pass 79 yards the other way, to give the team a 14-10 lead. They would eventually go on to win, 24-20.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers tight end Brandon Bostick is someone to monitor this offseason. The report says "keep an eye on Brandon Bostick. He's a receiver first and a blocker second, but the Packers kept him around last season for a reason."

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports that Packers receiver James Jones hopes to build off last year's success. He started all 16 games and set career-highs with 64 receptions for 784 yards with 14 touchdowns after registering only 20 in 74 career games prior to last season. “I thought he had a phenomenal year last year, and this year he’s going to be even better than what he was last year,” wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett said. “I think he understands that and I think knows what he’s capable of doing. I thought last year was just a starting point for James.”

Packers receiver Jarrett Boykin got hurt during a previous OTA session and did not participate in the team's minicamp practice on Tuesday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Coach Mike McCarthy wouldn't speculate on Boykin's injury.

Undisclosed - Questionable for start of training camp

Packers DE DE C.J. Wilson was ruled inactive for Friday's game against the Colts with a head injury. He may be able to play in the preseason finale against the Chiefs on Sept. 1.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that in 2011 Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers accounted for 69 percent of the offense. Last year, it was 71 percent. Rodgers hopes a better running game in 2013 can lead to more balance on offense -- even if that comes with less reliance on his right arm. "I just think it's better when we have balance for everybody," Rodgers said. "It helps with the passing game. It slows down the rush. It gives us opportunities to have some more one-on-ones outside. But I have high expectations for myself regardless of the coverage, the opponent, the score and I know my teammates do as well. So I enjoy the opportunity to carry whatever load is put on me and I expect to play well."

Green Bay linebacker Desmond Bishop (hamstring) was among five players placed on injured reserve Monday and will miss the entire upcoming season. Bishop, who suffered a hamstring injury during the first quarter of the team's preseason opener, joins running back Duane Bennett; tight end DeMarco Cosby; defensive lineman Johnny Jones; and wide receiver Shaky Smithson on injured reserve.

Packers defensive lineman Mike Neal, who had 1 1/2 sacks last week at Chicago, added another Week 16 against the Titans. He's up to 4 1/2 this season. He also had two tackles, both solo, in Week 16.

Suspension - Suspended indefinitely

Green Bay signed running back DuJuan Harris and wide receiver Jeremy Ross to the active roster Saturday. They were on the practice squad. The Packers placed tight end Andrew Quarless (knee) and safety Sean Richardson (back) on injured reserve, ending their seasons in corresponding moves.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Tuesday that the Packers' rushing attack will "be better; I promise you. You can write that down." McCarthy's comments suggest the team will be more focused on a stronger run game led by an infusion of youth to their depth chart. One of those young rushers is Johnathan Franklin, who made defenders miss and caught "everything thrown to him" this spring according to the official team website. Franklin hopes to keep it going when camp opens in late July. "My focus is on getting better each and every day. Things will fall into place," he said.

Packers running back DuJuan Harris posted on Twitter that doctors found a "fist sized cyst" on his lung next to his heart. He's expected to have it removed. "Should be 110% very soon and back to work," he wrote.

Packers fullback John Kuhn entered Saturday's NFC Wild Card game with just one touchdown in the regular season. Kuhn found the end zone twice -- once on the ground and once through the air -- in a 24-10 victory. He barged in the end zone from 3 yards out in the second quarter and caught a short 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers in the third quarter for his second score of the night. He finished with four yards and a touchdown on three carries and two catches for 15 yards and touchdown on three targets.

ESPN reports the Packers and running back Cedric Benson will meet on Wednesday to talk about a new deal. Benson suffered a Lisfranc foot injury last October but has been rehabbing it; the Packers let Benson go back into free agency in March.

Foot - Probable for start of training camp

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Packers placed linebacker Nick Perry on injured reserve Wednesday after undergoing wrist surgery earlier this week.

Packers TE Ryan Taylor recorded some firsts in Week 14 against the Raiders. Not only did he make his first career reception, he scored a touchdown on his lone grab in the 46-16 win. QB Aaron Rodgers found him from 4 yards out in the first quarter for Taylor's lone target in the game.

The Packers released safety Nick Collins on Wednesday, citing concerns about his ability to safely continue his playing career. Collins had a single-level cervical fusion surgery after attempting an open-field tackle in the Packers' win at the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 18.

The Packers will allow defensive lineman B.J. Raji to play out the final year of his contract before signing him to an extension according to NFL Network. Raji has expressed interest in staying with the Packers.

Notable players the Bears either waived or released Friday include: LB Xavier Adibi, RB Armando Allen, WR Joe Anderson, CB Cornelius Brown, WR Terriun Crump, DE Chauncey Davis, WR Rashied Davis, CB Isaiah Frey, WR Brittan Golden, SB Mark LeGree, QB Josh McCown, CB Greg McCoy, DT Jordan Miller, TE Brandon Venson, DE Aston Whiteside, CB Jonathan Wilhite and LB Jabara Williams.

The Packers claimed nose tackle Howard Green off waivers to fill Brad Jones' spot on the roster headed into Week 8 against the Jets -- the team that waived him Tuesday.