Packers OTAs: Jared Abbrederis, Don Barclay make 1st appearance since ACL tears

Less than a full year after suffering season-ending ACL tears, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis and offensive lineman Don Barclay made their return to the football field. Though their participation was limited, it was a positive sign for both in their respective recovery processes.

Both made an appearance at Packers OTAs Thursday, the first workout open to media and fans. Each had their helmets and took part in some drills, though the team held them out of 11-on-11 work. Regardless, the prospect of both participating fully later in training camp appears strong.

Barclay's injury during training camp could have been more impactful than it was. However, only one preferred starter along the offensive line (Bryan Bulaga) missed a start for the Packers. When healthy, Barclay serves as the top linemen off the bench, subbing directly at right tackle or right guard or replacing a player who shifts over to cover another position.

As for Abbrederis, a healthy return could make him a factor at both wideout and returner even though he has yet to take a regular season snap. He faces heavy competition for a roster spot, as the Packers re-signed Randall Cobb this offseason and drafted Stanford's Ty Montgomery in the third round.