<
>

Mike McCarthy raves about Aaron Rodgers' conditioning

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Aaron Rodgers' cheese-free diet appears to have paid off.

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy raved about his quarterback's conditioning on Monday, when players reported for the start of training camp.

"I would say Aaron's vibe, and really his offseason participation and performance, looks to line up for a great year," McCarthy said. "He's in great shape. I would say this is the best shape I've seen him in."

Rodgers revealed this offseason that he revamped his nutrition plan and, among other things, cut out dairy products.

Rodgers underwent knee surgery in January and said he started thinking about his diet at that time as a way to help extend his career. This offseason, he said he was at his lowest weight -- "218-ish" pounds -- since 2007.

"I would say he's ready to go," McCarthy said. "I know he's excited. Just in communication with him he's excited to get started."

Rodgers is expected to speak with reporters after Tuesday's first practice. Players were undergoing medical exams and conditioning tests Monday.

McCarthy would not say which players did not pass and therefore would not practice. However, it's possible receiver Jordy Nelson (knee), tight end Jared Cook (foot) and a handful of other players coming off surgeries might not practice initially.

"We'll sit down this afternoon and go through it, all of those things," McCarthy said Monday. "I saw Jordy last week in the training room, did visit with him briefly. We'll address everybody tomorrow."