Lang got word just before practice he would be at right tackle, a position he hadn’t played since seeing spot duty in training camp. Coach Mike McCarthy suggested on Monday coaches would try to find a spot for the fourth-round pick from Eastern Michigan, who held up fairly well in parts of four games at left tackle.

But Lang said he believed the move was part of “a numbers game” with Mark Tauscher (knee) and Allen Barbre (concussion) unavailable, and McCarthy said coaches once again will “take the full week” to pick a starter.

“You switch your footwork up — it’s a lot different,” said Lang, who worked at both guard spots before shifting to left tackle last month.

“When you’re playing guard, you get on guys a lot quicker. When you’re playing tackle, you’re backing up and they’re coming to you. So, you’ve got to change your mindset. You’ve got to be a little more patient. So, it’s a lot tougher than people think. But it’s something that I’ve had experience playing both guard and tackle, and I feel comfortable no matter where I’m playing.”

Tauscher, who reinjured his reconstructed left knee in his first start last week, is considered a long shot to be ready. McCarthy said he isn’t considering a change at any of the other four offensive line spots.

Jones, the seventh-round pick from Colorado, took all the reps at left outside linebacker during the portion of practice open to reporters while starter Aaron Kampman (concussion) and top backup Brady Poppinga (quadriceps) sat out. Kampman isn’t expected to return until Friday at the soonest, while Poppinga underwent an MRI, the results of which weren’t disclosed.

McCarthy said he didn’t know whether either veteran would be ready for Sunday. That Jones was with the No. 1 defense was surprising in large part because he got the nod over second-year pro Jeremy Thompson, who practiced with the starters on the right side much of the offseason.

“The same techniques, I use those on scout team,” said Jones, who has played in six games on special teams and registered eight tackles. “Every day, every week, every rep you’re getting better.”

Safety issue

Complicating both situations is that Kampman and Barbre must pass a series of tests before being cleared following their respective head injuries.

Barbre said he was injured with about two series remaining on Sunday, but he finished the game. McCarthy said Barbre was closer to returning than Kampman, who was concussed on the game’s fourth play but stayed in until early in the fourth quarter.

Kampman said he felt better after getting about 12 hours of sleep on Monday night and told reporters the Packers’ medical staff should be “completely absolved” for its handling of his injury because he didn’t tell anyone he was hurt.

“Sometimes you just play, you keep playing and you don’t really know what’s going on,” Kampman said. “It got to the point where I was having some symptoms where I knew I was probably going to jeopardize the team and so I needed to come out.”

Health watch

Receiver/kick returner Jordy Nelson returned to practice for the first time since spraining a knee Oct. 18 against Detroit.

“I thought he looked good out there (Wednesday),” McCarthy said. “He came on strong last week during his workouts. How much he plays or if he plays, we’re going to really let the week sort that out.”

Inside linebacker Brandon Chillar (broken hand) was on the field during the jogthrough and went through some plays with the scout team, but he remains a long shot to play this week. Also listed as not participating in practice were Kampman, Poppinga, Tauscher and tight end Jermichael Finley (knee), who on Monday declared himself “50-50” to return this week.

“I know Jermichael wants to play,” McCarthy said. “Everybody is excited to get him back on the field. But Dr. (Patrick) McKenzie has been doing this a long time. So, until he clears that last hurdle, he won’t be playing. He’s getting close.”

Barbre, end Cullen Jenkins (ankle), Nelson, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and cornerback Charles Woodson (hip) were limited, while receiver Jake Allen (quadriceps), fullback Korey Hall (calf) and safety Derrick Martin (concussion) were full participants.

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