The long road back for veteran cornerback Al Harris could lead to him being back on the practice field next week.

Harris opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list as he rehabilitates his way back from a torn ACL suffered last season. His stated goal all offseason was to be ready for the beginning of the season and that remains a possibility.

According to a league source, Harris could be cleared to return to practice as soon as Monday. He’d likely begin with light positional drills and be brought along slowly. Whether or not he could be ready for the season opener Sept. 12 remains in question, but if the Packers elevate him from the PUP list, it’s a good sign that they believe Harris will be in game action sooner rather than later.

As Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported, depth at cornerback remains a primary concern for the organization, and the situation wasn’t resolved in the preseason opener. The team is looking to youngsters Brandon Underwood and Pat Lee for help. Getting Harris back would provide the biggest boost of all.

Harris chronicled his rehabilitation efforts in videos for the National Football Post. In full disclosure, his agent is Jack Bechta, a columnist and co-founder of the NFP.

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