Packers OTAs: Clay Matthews working at outside linebacker again

Though the Green Bay Packers repeatedly expressed their desire to return Clay Matthews to the edge after spending the previous season and change off the ball, the team's decision not to procure an inside linebacker in free agency or early in the draft led some to believe the All-Pro might have to continue playing away from his best position. Tuesday's open practice put to bed some of those concerns, as Matthews worked at outside linebacker throughout the session.

The Packers first moved Matthews to inside linebacker when injuries and poor play forced their hand midway though the 2014 season. The team decided to continue the experiment into 2015, with Matthews growing into his new role while seeing his pass rush production dip. With Julius Peppers perhaps entering his final NFL season and Nick Perry, Datone Jones and Jayrone Elliott yet to prove they can handle a full-time role, moving Matthews back to the edge seems a necessity in order for the defense to maintain its gains from last season.

With Matthews expected to spend most of his time at outside linebacker, Green Bay must make do with the newly healthy Sam Barrington, second-year man Jake Ryan and fourth-round rookie Blake Martinez.