Packers OTA Press Conference: Mike McCarthy Addresses Week Two of Offseason

On Tuesday afternoon following the team's open Organized Team Activities practice, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy met with the media to discuss the start of the second week of OTAs and the team's progress.

When asked about how DuJuan Harris has recovered and how he fits into the offense and the running backs:

Harris looks like he's back to full strength, last week he knocked the rust off a few things. He's competing to play just like all the other guys...I see him as part of our planning. Eddie (Lacy) and James (Starks) did a great job last year with their opportunities, DuJuan has to fight for his opportunities...we have a certain way you want to play on offense, ours always starts with our quarterback, with Aaron (Rodgers).

A reporter asked if McCarthy was excited to get a large group of key players back from injury:

Lot of guys back, lot of guys that personally feel like they have something to prove. I like what I've seen so far, today was a little sloppy, today was a repeat practice...it's great to have those guys back, healthy football team is a good football team.

As for how the team tracks their injuries and monitors them:

We've always collected (injury) data...there's different ways you look at things and that's really part of the competition. The rules and regulations of our league are mandated more now than ever as far as how you schedule, how you train your football team. That's no different than discussing specifics of your playbook.

McCarthy was then asked about Scott Tolzien's progress and if he expects him to push Matt Flynn for the backup job:

Scott's gotten a lot better...he's comfortable with the language, comfortable with his footwork...we've worked on some mechanics...He's a tireless worker, I don't know that there's anyone in the program who spends as much time (preparing) as Tolzien.

On David Bakhtiari and Josh Sitton becoming comfortable with each other on the left side

Sitton's obviously established himself as the left guard, David's established as the left tackle. David's bigger than last year, he's stronger...I look for David to take that next step.

When asked if Don Barclay is seen as a 6th offensive lineman:

Donny Barclay to me is a starting football player. He's earned the right to compete for a starting position. He and Bryan (Bulaga) will compete on the right side...Donny has the ability to play potentially 5 positions on the offensive line.

Discussing the centers:

The center position, it's important that we have three centers who have played the center position before -- two centers...

(When asked about Tretter) JC Tretter really made an impression on everybody, especially his teammates. Powerful young man, intelligent, I don't know if there's a day that you did not see him here from the time the season ended.

On Derek Sherrod's health and role:

Derek Sherrod looks really good, I have to say he looks as strong as I've ever seen him...it's the padded work that he needs. He looks more natural, he feels more comfortable on the left side, he'll continue to compete on that side.

Discussing the absences of Colt Lyerla and B.J. Raji:

We had a couple guys missed today...these are voluntary workouts...I'm fully aware of where (Lyerla) is and I expect him back tomorrow.

On Clay Matthews' recovery from the thumb injury and if he'll practice fully soon:

It's kind of week-to-week, he's done a lot of rehab, conditioning. I really don't have a handle on "full practice" in the offseason.

On wide receiver Chris Harper:

Chris Harper's really improved...you guys saw the first play today, he runs a great post and Aaron (Rodgers) hits him right in stride. That's the kind of explosiveness that he has...talented, powerful young player. He looks more comfortable in what we're trying to do.

Finally, McCarthy was asked about who he expects to step up on the defensive line:

The biggest thing on our defensive line is rotation...I'm not going to get into statistics...the ability to play as many defensive players as possible is a big focus for us. Getting the rotation and combination of the players training together...it's something that we want to be more diverse in addressing it right now.