Aaron Rodgers Injury Update: Positive Development For Packers Quarterback

There was good news for Green Bay Packers fans as Aaron Rodgers trained during a Thursday practice session for the first time since his week 1 injury against the Chicago Bears.

Rodgers injured his knee against the Bears but returned in the second half to inspire the Packers to a memorable 24-23 comeback win, after they notably went as much as 14-0 down in his absence.

Despite playing the next two games since, the quarterback's knee is not completely healed yet and that seems to have affected the team, particularly during their 31-17 loss to the Washington Redskins this past weekend, which took their record to 1-1-1.

There was a lack of chemistry between Rodgers and his wide receivers, likely stemming from the fact that the 34-year-old was not practicing with the rest of the team but instead, focusing on rehab work. In the two weeks since his injury, Rodgers has only practiced with the team on Saturdays in a traditional light session in preparation for their Sunday games and he admitted it was a struggle.

"I do love to compete," Rodgers said. "There's no doubt about it. It is difficult and different for me to not be out there. I'm one who always loves being out there because you're not just competing but you're working on things with the guys and working on the game plan, especially on days like Wednesday and Thursday. So that's been obviously a struggle for me."

However, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy revealed the 2010 Super Bowl champion practiced along with tight end Jimmy Graham in a "limited" capacity Thursday.

While it was still a limited session, it serves as a positive development for Rodgers as the Packers will look to get back to winning ways this weekend against a Buffalo Bills side fresh off a 27-6 victory over Green Bay's division rival Minnesota Vikings.

"We all know, the guy [Rodgers], obviously, is an outstanding competitor, whether it’s a competitive period, per se, or just him being him," Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said after Thursday's practice. "With the command that he has of the offense and the detail that he puts into his preparation and the passing game with all the nuances that are involved, he’s very hands on."

"He’s a really good communicator with the offensive guys. He loves to compete against the defensive guys. You know, I think it just brings additional energy to the practice field. I think we all felt that today," he said.

Along with Rodgers and Graham, cornerback Kevin King is also practicing in a limited capacity while right tackle Bryan Bulaga practiced for the second day in a row after exiting the Redskins game with an early back injury.

Offensive guard Justin McCray is still out with a left shoulder injury while wide receiver Randall Cobb was a limited participant due to a hamstring injury. Outside linebacker Nick Perry is still in the concussion protocol, though he did observe an early portion of Thursday's practice.