After missing the past three games with a sprained ankle, Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Datone Jones appears to have returned from injury, at least if you take the player's word for it.

"I'm back. I practiced with the team today," said Jones on Monday. "I ran around a little bit. Hopefully I can show my coaches what I can do Wednesday in our first (padded) practice, so I'm excited to be playing against the Bears, rival game at home at Lambeau. I'm excited."

Jones originally hurt his ankle in the Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings and has been hampered by injury ever since.

Each week since the Vikings game, Jones has attempted to practice, either suffering a setback or failing to show the coaching staff he's been sufficiently healed.

"I'm 290 lbs. I'm a big guy. It takes time," said Jones, explaining while it's taken nearly a month to recover. "Freak accident, got caught off guard, and that was it. I felt like I was off to a great game when I got hurt and it was unfortunate, but I've been putting in a lot of time to my rehabilitation to get back. I've been moving great, and I'm excited about this week."

Following the Week 8 game against the New Orleans Saints, Jones was the benefiiary of the Packers' annual bye week, getting extra time to heal without having to miss another game.

Prior to injury, Jones had started three of five games, making 12 tackles and one sack.

Speaking on the same day that a fellow first round draft pick saw his career with the Packers come to a close when Derek Sherrod was released, Jones said it's been frustrating having the desire to contribute but not being physically capable.

"Of course, I'm a competitor," said Jones. "I love football, beyond the money, beyond everything else, I love playing football since I've been at Compton High School. I love football. It's been my gateway out. I'm excited just to be a part of this organization. It hurts not being able to help the team right now, but the way I'm going to help the team is by getting back out on the field."

Jones is one of several players who appeared to take a step in the right direction from a health standpoint following the bye week.

Head coach Mike McCarty said quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who pulled his hamstring during the Saints game, did "everything" at practice on Monday.

"He looked good," said McCarthy. "He went through the workout today."

A pair of defensive backs also look to be close to returning.

"Sam (Shields) looked good today," said McCarthy. "Morgan (Burnett) went through everything."

Offensive lineman T.J. Lang, meanwhile, might be the player with the most question marks about him.

"I'll get into specifics Wednesday, but T.J. was in the rehab mode (Monday)," said McCarthy, hinting that Lang did not practice.

Lang injured his ankle in the Saints game.