Packers DE Mike Neal (shoulder surgery) participated in Donald Driver's annual charity softball event over the weekend.

Neal reiterated that he is "close to 100 percent" recovered from rotator cuff surgery last October, and the ability to swing a softball bat probably reflects that. Essentially a rookie after playing just 83 snaps in his rookie season, Neal would benefit if the NFL allows for ample preseason action and some form of training camp. He projects as a possible starter in 2011.

Packers DE Mike Neal recently tweeted that his surgically repaired shoulder is "almost 100 percent."

Neal tore his rotator cuff late last October. The injury required major surgery, but he's got plenty of time before the start of the season. The 56th pick in the 2010 draft, Neal is the tentative favorite to replace Cullen Jenkins as Green Bay's starting right end. He's not the pass rusher Jenkins was, but projects as a power player and potentially elite run defender.

Packers team Dr. Pat McKenzie recently informed DE Mike Neal (shoulder) that he should be ready for the usual start of training camp.

It's great news for a team in danger of losing Cullen Jenkins to free agency. Neal doesn't project as explosive a pass rusher as Jenkins, but he is a powerful prospect who can probably evolve into a five- or six-sack per game right defensive end. Last year's 56th overall pick is in the mix to start this year.

Packers DE Mike Neal, who underwent rotator cuff surgery last month, is expected to miss "most or more likely all" offseason practices.

Assuming there's a new CBA by early spring, of course. Neal's recovery time is 6-8 months, so he should be back by training camp. The 2009 second-rounder could be fighting for a starting job next August.

Packers placed DE Mike Neal (rotator cuff) on injured reserve, ending his season.

Neal will go under the knife to repair a rotator cuff tear. The second-rounder had played in just two games this year due to a rib injury, but he showed well with a forced fumble and a sack. With Cullen Jenkins due to hit free agency, Neal could be moved into the starting lineup in 2011.

Packers DC Dom Capers revealed Monday that DE Mike Neal's season-ending shoulder injury is a torn rotator cuff.

The injury will require surgery, forcing Neal to injured reserve. The 56th overall pick in this year's draft, Neal only wound up playing in two games as a rookie. He forced a fumble in one and recorded a sack in the other.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said DE Mike Neal will have season-ending shoulder surgery.

The strong-as-an-ox Neal played well in his brief action this season, but injuries have been a big problem, as he's dealt with a rib ailment in addition to the shoulder issue.

Packers DE Mike Neal (shoulder) could be done for the season.

Neal has showed some promise in the two games he's played this season, forcing a fumble in one game and picking up a sack in the other. A rib injury caused him to miss the first three games of the season, but it's the shoulder that could land him on injured reserve.

Packers DE Mike Neal (rib) might have to sit out again in Week 2.

Neal will be re-evaluated in the middle of the week, but he wasn't close to being ready to play in Week 1. He is the top backup to Cullen Jenkins and Ryan Pickett.

Packers second-round DE Mike Neal has been "phenomenal," according to beat writer Greg Bedard.

Neal is adjusted to the 3-4 well and is locked in as a top backup to Cullen Jenkins and Ryan Pickett. He'll be asked to rush the passer from nickel packages right out of the gate and will be an asset to the Packers' already stout defense.

Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette suggests that rookie DL Mike Neal could see at least a dozen snaps per game right off the bat.

Neal has been praised for his immense strength and work ethic. The rookie will be able to spell veterans Cullen Jenkins and Ryan Pickett late in games, and should be an important cog in the patchwork Packers' D-Line.

Packers agreed to terms with rookie DE Mike Neal, the No. 56 overall pick, on a multi-year contract.

Neal, a former Purdue Boilermaker, will be relied on more heavily in his rookie year than initially expected following the season-long suspension of Johnny Jolly. Neal is slated to be Cullen Jenkins' top backup at right defensive end. Ryan Pickett is the left end, and B.J. Raji is the new nose.

Packers second-round DL Mike Neal is not expected to see much playing time as a rookie.

Neal was picked with the future in mind, as both Johnny Jolly and Cullen Jenkins are due to hit free agency in 2011. The former Boilermaker could see action as a rotational lineman, moving to inside rusher on passing downs.

Packers selected Purdue DL Mike Neal with the No. 56 pick in the 2010 draft.

Neal is better suited to a one-gap system, but he'll likely settle in as a five-technique tackle in Dom Capers scheme. A two-year starter with 5.5 sacks in each of the past two seasons, Neal possesses great first-step quickness and versatility. He'll be handy insurance for Johnny Jolly and Justin Harrell at defensive end.