Next game: Sunday, December 14th at Jacksonville
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GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Packers linebacker Brandon Chillar fully participated in practice Thursday, an indication he might be ready to return to the field after sitting out last Sunday's game with a groin injury.

"I thought Brandon Chillar practiced well today," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "He was flying around and made a couple plays in the blitz drill -- actually made a play in the blitz drill against us. He looked like he was back to full speed. I'll be curious how his body responds tomorrow. That will be the big test."

But given the big plays Desmond Bishop made in Chillar's place Sunday, it remains unclear whether Chillar will automatically return to the starting lineup.

Chillar said he's feeling better, but acknowledged there's a chance Bishop could stick as the starter.

"I'm not sure," Chillar said. "I guess we'll have to find out. He did a good job stepping in and playing. We'll see where it leads us. I'll try to help the team wherever I can. That's been my stance the whole year."

Bishop had a team-high 11 total tackles and was credited with a pair of forced fumbles in Sunday's loss to Houston.

"I would have to say that Bishop has done well when he's been in there," Packers linebackers coach Winston Moss said. "Now, we can find ways to get guys on the field. As a staff, as always, we go into it trying to find the best combination that gives us the best chance to win. If he's part of that group, he's in there."

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PICKETT SICK: After being limited in Wednesday's practice by illness, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett did not practice Thursday. But McCarthy doesn't expect it to linger into the weekend.

"I have no indication to think that it would," McCarthy said. "But we'll see where he is tomorrow. I know he didn't feel very good yesterday. He fought through yesterday's practice and was worse today at work during the meetings. So we sent him home."

If Pickett can't play against Jacksonville, the Packers could be extremely thin at defensive tackle. Justin Harrell missed his second straight practice with a sore hip and will be re-evaluated Friday.

Still, McCarthy said the Packers can adjust to injuries.

"We definitely do, but it will be more situational than anything," McCarthy said.

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NOTES: The Packers placed right tackle Mark Tauscher on injured reserve Thursday after he sustained a season-ending knee injury Sunday. They then signed tackle Nevin McCaskill off the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. McCaskill, a 6-4, 315-pound first-year player, signed with the Buffalo Bills in July 2007 as an undrafted free agent from Hampton and spent the season on the Bills' practice squad. ... DE Jeremy Thompson (groin) fully participated in Thursday's practice.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)