GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Clay Matthews wanted to get as much work in practice as possible this summer to prepare for his dual role as inside and outside linebacker. The Green Bay Packers ran into a snag Monday when their defensive star was unable to practice because of a sore knee.
The same was true for rookie receiver Adrian Coxson after tests showed he suffered a concussion in practice Saturday. Coxson was taken from the field via ambulance after feeling light-headed and fatigued.
"I'm fine. Just taking care of my body," Matthews said after practice.
Coach Mike McCarthy did not have a timetable for either player's return.
Matthews said last week that he was "still figuring out" the inside linebacker position, a job he added to his responsibilities midway through last season. This is the first chance Matthews has had to practice there during a training camp after spending his first 5½ NFL seasons almost exclusively at outside linebacker.
"Obviously, I'm not as well-versed as I am at the outside linebacker position as I just said, being able to kick back outside at a moment's notice," Matthews said last week. "So it's really important for me to really grasp this opportunity and really take it and run with it. I think ever since last year I continue to grow into a stronger player on the inside."
McCarthy said Matthews spent Monday in rehab mode.
"We're just being smart with him," the coach said.
Nate Palmer took most of Matthews' snaps at inside linebacker, but even Palmer wasn't completely healthy. He wore a large club cast on his left hand, the hand he injured in practice Saturday.
Including Coxson, the Packers have three receivers sidelined. Jared Abbrederis suffered a concussion on the first day of practice last week and has not returned, and Ricky Collins (heel) has yet to practice.
Because of that, the Packers on Monday signed rookie receiver Ed Williams of Fort Hays State.
