The Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said he did not have much choice but to hold practice Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in preparation for Sunday's season finale against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field.
McCarthy structured Wednesday's schedule to have the players out of the building by 4 p.m., then pushed back Thursday's Christmas Day schedule. He held a team meeting at noon, followed by offense-defense meetings until practice at 1:30.
He pushed the usual post-practice film session to Friday morning.
"I never worked on a schedule in all my years in the NFL where you had Thanksgiving and Christmas off," McCarthy said. "And this year has been a challenge."
That challenge is the result of the Packers playing Monday night games on the road the Monday before both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
While Lions coach Rod Marinelli altered his team's schedule this week so the players could have Christmas Day off -- he held practice on Tuesday, the traditional NFL off day -- McCarthy said he could not do that because of the short work week.
The Packers will be without defensive tackle Justin Harrell on Monday after his back problems flared up in practice Wednesday.
Wide receivers Donald Driver (knee) and Greg Jennings (concussion) returned to action after sitting out a day. Half back Brandon Jackson remained limited.
Bills: Running back Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) and linebacker Kawika Mitchell (knee) returned to practice as the Bills prepared to close their season hosting New England this weekend. Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters (knee) and receiver Roscoe Parrish (knee) missed practice for a second consecutive day.
BUCCANEERS: Secondary coach Raheem Morris will take over as defensive coordinator in 2009, ensuring continuity next season with Monte Kiffin leaving the NFL to join his son, Lane, at the University of Tennessee.
COWBOYS: Right tackle Marc Colombo received a four-year contract extension, guaranteeing that nearly all of Tony Romo's blockers will be together through 2012. The deal is worth $22 million, with $11.5 million guaranteed.
DOLPHINS: Linebacker Channing Crowder (knee) and cornerback Will Allen (groin) were limited in practice Thursday because of injuries. Their availability for Sunday's showdown against the New York Jets is uncertain.
PANTHERS: Maake Kemoeatu (ankle) and Jeff King (knee) were limited in Thursday's practice. Starting defensive tackle Daminone Lewis (shoulder) and tight end Dante Rosario (illness) did not participate.
