Matthews catching up

Green Bay - After missing the first three weeks of OTAs with a hamstring injury, rookie outside linebacker Clay Matthews saw limited action on the right side this past week. Heading into Monday's mini-camp, Matthews doesn't feel behind because he's been hitting the playbook.

"Not really. Despite missing some practice, I was at ground zero so any help is good help," says Matthews. "I feel like I'm just as far as long as those practicing."

"He's everything we thought he was as far as what he can do physically," says Packers coach Mike McCarthy. "Mentally, he seems to have a good grasp."

Thus far, Matthews and Brady Poppinga have been working as the outside linebackers with the number two defense. Poppinga, in his fifth season with the Packers, embraces the competition.

"It's only going to help our team be better and make a run for a championship. That's why we're all here. That's what this is about," says Poppinga. "You start to lose focus and get caught up in labels and what your name is and those are just byproducts."

As for Matthews, he thinks he'll get time with the number one defense when he's proven he's prepared.

"Rightfully there are others ahead of me who know what they're doing and know it much better than me," says Matthews. "Hopefully when we're on the same page we can start splitting reps."

Regardless of who wins the number one right outside linebacker spot this summer, the Packers are developing depth at the position.