View from the Rail: Impressions from attending the Packers' Sunday practice

The Green Bay Packers resumed practice today for the first time since their preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns on Friday.

It was a rather uneventful practice, but here are a few quick bits of news and thoughts as the Packers began preparation for their game against the Oakland Raiders on Thursday at Lambeau Field.

• Randall Cobb was back at practice. This was a good sign as Green Bay continues to wait for Jordy Nelson to return from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and Jeff Janis sits indefinitely with a broken hand.
• As for how Cobb looked, he made a couple catches in two minute drill led by Aaron Rodgers early in practice. He also couldn't bring down the final pass in the end zone of the same drill as the defense won the day there. Cobb also had some time in punt return drills, probably out of necessity thanks to the loss of Janis.
• Speaking of Janis, he was at practice in sweats and he had noticeably large cast or bandage over his hand. With Mike McCarthy earlier saying there was no timetable for his return, it was still good to see him around practice. He spent time in the back of the end zone during return drills, chatting up special teams coaches.
• As for the return game, Trevor Davis is fast. He could challenge Janis for speed in a straight line sprint. He was also very shifty in returns and the Packers very well may not miss a beat in terms of raw speed with Janis out. It's just a matter of Davis getting some reps.
• The inconsistency of Davante Adams continues. He made a maddening drop in the two minute drill, but later on in practice he made a beautiful over the shoulder catch for what would have been a 75 yard touchdown from Rodgers.
• Ty Montgomery was also not at practice. Not sure if he had a setback or the Packers are just being gentle with him since he was recently activated from the PUP list.
• Jared Abbrederis is the real deal.  Precise route running, good hands.  The Packers might have something in the former Badger.  The praise from McCarthy and Rodgers was well earned.
• Defensively, Morgan Burnett was still absent after missing the game against the Browns. Micah Hyde saw reps at safety in his place. Hyde held his own, but did nothing spectacular.
• Geronimo Allison made a great back shoulder grab at one point, only to have it expertly knocked out his hands by undrafted cornerback Josh Hawkins. Hawkins (pardon the pun) was a ball hawk for most of practice and broke up a few additional passes.
• Damarious Randall also had a few tipped passes, which was good to see. There did not seem to be any sophomore slump with him.
• Carl Bradford continued to show potential after his performance against the brown, making an interception tipped off of Allison's hands. He got a decent amount of first and second down reps, some with the first team, and he also brings the hammer when he hits someone.
• After a decent showing against the Browns, hometown hero punter Peter Mortell had a rough practice. A lot of kicks were shaky and didn't get much hangtime. Tim Masthay faired slightly better with his punts getting better hangtime.
• For real, Aaron Rodgers has the prettiest deep ball I have ever seen. Even in coverage, the ball always lands where it needs to be. It looks good on television but it's just spectacular in person.

If you have not been to Green Bay for training camp, you need to go. Those of you with small children especially need to see this in person. The players riding bikes to and from practice is one of the most precious traditions in the NFL. It's already a special place and it's even more special this time of year.