GREEN BAY, Wis. -- All along, the plan for Jordy Nelson was to be full-go by the start of the Green Bay Packers' training camp on July 30.
Less than two months away, everything seems to be on schedule.
Nelson took another step in that direction this week, when he practiced for the first time since his offseason hip surgery. The Pro Bowl receiver took part in individual drills during Wednesday's organized team activities (OTAs). He said that process started with Tuesday's practice, which was closed to the media.
"We're right where we want to be," Nelson said after practice. "We set a plan at the beginning, and we're hitting every target. We feel good and like I said a couple of weeks ago, we'll be ready to go by training camp."
Nelson offered no hint last season that he would need surgery. He was never listed on the injury report because of a hip injury. He played in every game and set career highs with 98 catches and 1,519 yards and had 13 touchdowns (two short of his all-time best).
He has repeatedly declined to discuss the specifics of his injury and the surgery, but it has taken a significant rehabilitation effort to get to this point.
"Jordy's frankly been here the whole offseason," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday. "He's been here more than any other player this offseason."
After Nelson went through the early portion of practice, he put down his helmet and watched the team (11-on-11) drills from the sideline. Just like he has throughout OTAs, he followed along with a play sheet in hand.
"The important stuff is training camp, so it's nice to get the script [of the plays] and be out there and take the mental reps and help the young guys out," Nelson said. "So I'll be ready and sharp mentally and by the time training camp comes we'll be ready to go."
