Green Bay Packers

Andrew Quarless returns, Julius Peppers sits out at Packers practice

Published Dec. 1, 2015 9:48 a.m. ET

foxsports

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could get a familiar target back in the lineup soon. Tight end Andrew Quarless returned to practice on Monday, according to Ryan Wood of Press-Gazette Media.

#Packers TE Andrew Quarless indeed practiced, his first since MCL tear in September. Had some rust to shake off, but he adds needed depth.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) November 30, 2015

Quarless played in the first three games of the season, then landed on short-term injured reserve with a knee injury. He wasn't a huge factor in those three games (two catches, 14 yards), but he's a veteran pass-catcher who has been with the team since 2010.

Now that Quarless is turning a corner on the injury front, he must clear an off-the-field hurdle. According to court records acquired by ESPN, the 27-year-old tight end was fined $1,000 and sentenced to a year of probation for discharging a firearm in public on July 4 in Miami.

Another notable practice observation was Julius Peppers' absence. Although the veteran linebacker did not participate, his sitting out was "not related to injury," according to another Tweet from Wood.

Reason #Packers OLB Julius Peppers was held out of practice was "not related to injury," per practice report.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) November 30, 2015

Peppers had only one half-sack during the month of November, and it came in Green Bay's only win (Week 11, at Minnesota). Perhaps the day of rest will help him bounce back with a strong showing against the Detroit Lions on Thursday.