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Posted August 8, 2006
Linebacker Poppinga back from ACL injury
By Dylan B. Tomlinson
Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers
Less than eight months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga was cleared to practice Monday.
Poppinga suited up in full pads Monday night although he was limited in team drills, but that didn't diminish the excitement for Poppinga and his fellow linebackers.
"You know Brady, he wanted to be out there as soon as possible," linebacker Nick Barnett said. "He made it back pretty quickly. He was so happy to be out there. You could just see it on his face."
Poppinga steadily improved during his rookie season. After spending most of the season as a backup, Poppinga played his way into the starting lineup at strong-side linebacker. It was in that first start against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 11 that Poppinga tore his ACL while covering a kickoff in the fourth quarter.
"It was tough to lose him like that," Barnett said. "He was at the point where he was really beginning to contribute for us when he got hurt."
Poppinga was unavailable for comment Monday, but linebackers coach Winston Moss said he's been impressed with how Poppinga has handled himself this offseason while trying to get healthy.
"He had a phenomenal workout schedule this offseason, rehabbing the injury," Moss said. "It's a compliment to Brady that he was able to get himself into the position where he can be back out here at practice."
Throughout the minicamps, the organized team activities and training camp, Poppinga always has been on the practice field with his teammates, something that's not common with injured players.
"Mental reps are good, but it's better to actually be out there executing the plays," Moss said. "It's going to be a process for him, but he has a great attitude, and he wants to learn. He's extremely hungry, and you enjoy coaching guys like that."
Both Moss and Packers coach Mike McCarthy pointed to Poppinga's superb conditioning as a major reason why he got back on the field so quickly after such a bad injury.
"With a guy like Brady, he's off the charts with his ability to work out," Moss said. "He's a tremendous athlete, and that had a lot to do with the why he was able to rebound so well."
McCarthy said the team may have to reel Poppinga in a bit to make sure he doesn't try to do too much until the knee is completely healed.
"He can go out there and try to go 100 percent, but we're going to keep him out of the team drills for now," McCarthy said. "We're going to be smart with him."
Dylan B. Tomlinson writes for The Post-Crescent of Appleton.
GO PACKERS ! HOLD THE FAITH in 2006 !
Linebacker Poppinga back from ACL injury
By Dylan B. Tomlinson
Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers
Less than eight months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga was cleared to practice Monday.
Poppinga suited up in full pads Monday night although he was limited in team drills, but that didn't diminish the excitement for Poppinga and his fellow linebackers.
"You know Brady, he wanted to be out there as soon as possible," linebacker Nick Barnett said. "He made it back pretty quickly. He was so happy to be out there. You could just see it on his face."
Poppinga steadily improved during his rookie season. After spending most of the season as a backup, Poppinga played his way into the starting lineup at strong-side linebacker. It was in that first start against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 11 that Poppinga tore his ACL while covering a kickoff in the fourth quarter.
"It was tough to lose him like that," Barnett said. "He was at the point where he was really beginning to contribute for us when he got hurt."
Poppinga was unavailable for comment Monday, but linebackers coach Winston Moss said he's been impressed with how Poppinga has handled himself this offseason while trying to get healthy.
"He had a phenomenal workout schedule this offseason, rehabbing the injury," Moss said. "It's a compliment to Brady that he was able to get himself into the position where he can be back out here at practice."
Throughout the minicamps, the organized team activities and training camp, Poppinga always has been on the practice field with his teammates, something that's not common with injured players.
"Mental reps are good, but it's better to actually be out there executing the plays," Moss said. "It's going to be a process for him, but he has a great attitude, and he wants to learn. He's extremely hungry, and you enjoy coaching guys like that."
Both Moss and Packers coach Mike McCarthy pointed to Poppinga's superb conditioning as a major reason why he got back on the field so quickly after such a bad injury.
"With a guy like Brady, he's off the charts with his ability to work out," Moss said. "He's a tremendous athlete, and that had a lot to do with the why he was able to rebound so well."
McCarthy said the team may have to reel Poppinga in a bit to make sure he doesn't try to do too much until the knee is completely healed.
"He can go out there and try to go 100 percent, but we're going to keep him out of the team drills for now," McCarthy said. "We're going to be smart with him."
Dylan B. Tomlinson writes for The Post-Crescent of Appleton.
GO PACKERS ! HOLD THE FAITH in 2006 !
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