Mike Neal
Green Bay Packers’ linebacker Mike Neal is practicing for the first time this season, finally returning from sports hernia surgery. Neal was removed from the team’s Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday.
Neal was limited to individual drills and lighter work on a scout team.
Neal says his hernia flared up in each of the last three years, and it was especially tough to play through it in 2013. He’s had surgery before, but he hopes his problems are gone for good after having noted Philadelphia surgeon William Meyers handle the procedure this time.
Neal hasn’t missed any games the past two seasons, after missing 20 his previous three seasons with various issues.
AUDIO: Neal on returning to the practice field :18
AUDIO: Neal said he’s playing lighter :23
Injury Update
A number of players returned to practice, including Clay Matthews, Mike Pennel and Jayrone Elliott.
Defensive lineman Mike Daniels and Letroy Guion sat out with injuries, as did linebacker Nick Perry.