Jennings misses practice with groin injury

Published Sep. 20, 2012 3:55 p.m. ET

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GREEN BAY, Wis. — Though Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings practiced in full pads Tuesday, it did not go well. After having Wednesday off, Jennings, who missed Green Bay's Week 2 win over the Bears with a groin injury, did not practice Thursday.

"Maybe we were a little bit too optimistic," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's not quite where we hoped he'd be by now. He wants to go, but we're just being smart."

The possibility that Jennings will be ready for the Packers' Week 3 matchup is improved due to an 11-day break between games. Green Bay won at home last Thursday and does not play again until Monday night in Seattle against the Seahawks.

Jennings, who has been selected to each of the past two Pro Bowls, had only five catches for 34 yards in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Jennings exited the game on the final drive after he injured his groin while running a deep route. He was listed as doubtful heading into Week 2, with the Packers having only 96 hours between those two games, and ultimately was unable to play.

In addition to Jennings, Green Bay's injury report is growing. Wide receiver and kick returner Randall Cobb was limited in Thursday's practice with a hamstring injury, tight end Tom Crabtree did not participate due to a shoulder injury and starting right tackle Josh Sitton was limited after suffering a knee bruise in Tuesday's practice.

On the positive side for the Packers, running back James Starks (turf toe) continued his steady improvement by practicing on a limited basis again Thursday. Starks has been out since Green Bay's first preseason game six weeks ago. Cornerback Davon House, who's trying to adjust to playing with a harness for his injured shoulder and has not played in a game this season, also was limited. Starting defensive end C.J. Wilson, who missed Week 2 with a groin injury, was limited, as well.

Rookie outside linebacker Nick Perry was a full participant in practice but is playing through a wrist injury suffered in Week 1. Fellow rookie linebacker Terrell Manning has been cleared from the concussion that kept him out of Week 2 and fully participated in Thursday's practice.

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