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          NFL Nation

          Randall Cobb returns to practice, inches closer to playing against Bears

          The Packers are optimistic that receiver Randall Cobb will be ready for their Week 1 opener at Chicago. Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports
          • Rob Demovsky, ESPN Staff WriterSep 9, 2015, 02:33 PM ET
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              Rob Demovsky is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Green Bay Packers. He has covered the Packers since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2013. Demovsky is a two-time Wisconsin Sportswriter of the Year as selected by the NSSA. You can follow him on Twitter at @RobDemovsky.
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          GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Randall Cobb took the first step toward playing in the regular-season opener when the Green Bay Packers receiver returned to the practice field Wednesday for the first time since he sprained his right shoulder on Aug. 30.

          All along, the Packers were optimistic Cobb would be ready for Sunday's game at the Chicago Bears, and Wednesday's practice confirmed he's at least on track.

          Cobb had not been on the field since he sustained the injury in the third preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. It happened less than a week after receiver Jordy Nelson was lost for the season to a knee injury.

          On Wednesday, Cobb took part in the individual drills during the early portion of practice. No team (11-on-11) periods were conducted during the media viewing portion. During one drill, Cobb appeared to adjust a protective harness under his jersey.

          Before practice, coach Mike McCarthy said he was hopeful everyone would practice and be available for Sunday's game. However, safety Morgan Burnett did not practice. He was the only player who did not do anything during the early portion of practice.

          That meant right guard T.J. Lang has been cleared to return from the concussion that he sustained on Aug. 23 against the Steelers. Defensive back Micah Hyde, who sustained a neck injury in the preseason finale against the Saints, also returned.