ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested on NFL Insiders Thursday that Packers CB Casey Hayward (hamstring) is "one week away" from returning.

The Packers have really missed Hayward, most notably when Anquan Boldin torched them in Week 1. They've been replacing him with rookie Micah Hyde. Hayward was Pro Football Focus' No. 4 overall cornerback during his 2012 rookie campaign.

Packers CB Casey Hayward (hamstring) is expected to miss the first month of the season.

Hayward initially injured his hamstring early in training camp. He returned for the third preseason game but suffered a setback. Hayward was already declared out for Sunday's opener earlier in the week. It's a big loss for the Packers. Hayward picked off seven passes as a rookie and was expected to take on a bigger role in his second season. He also graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 4 corner in 2012. Tramon Williams and Sam Shields will start on the outside with rookie Micah Hyde seeing extensive work as the nickel back.

Packers CB Casey Hayward (hamstring) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Hayward had a setback with his hamstring in the third preseason game and hasn't returned to practice. He won't be available for Sunday's opener and is considered week to week. Davon House and Micah Hyde will see extended playing time in his absence.

Packers CB Casey Hayward (hamstring) returned to practice Monday.

Packers CB Casey Hayward (hamstring) remains sidelined.

Hayward, who was dominant as a slot corner last season, has been out for nearly three weeks now. The Packers hope to have a better idea of a return date by next week. Sam Shields and Micah Hyde have been getting first-team reps in Hayward's place.

Packers CB Casey Hayward suffered a hamstring injury during training camp Friday.

Hayward is expected to miss at least a few weeks while recovering from the injury. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel considers him a "lock" to be the Packers' slot corner this season.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports Casey Hayward is a "lock" to be the Packers' slot corner.

Hayward led the Packers in interceptions and pass breakups as a rookie, but Sam Shields and Davon House are considered the favorites to start opposite Tramon Williams. It's possible Hayward will see playing time at right cornerback in the Packers' base defense and move into the slot in nickel/dime situations.

The Packers envision second-year CB Casey Hayward being a double-digit interception player.

After a break-out rookie season where he led the team in interceptions and pass breakups, Hayward is being counted on to raise his game to an elite level. Cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt Jr. likens Hayward to former Packer Charles Woodson in regard to his instincts and ability to "flash" on the ball. The team envisions Hayward as a "double-digit interception guy," and want him to focus on catching the ball instead of just getting deflections. The second-year pro should start in 2013.

The Packers are "intent" on giving 2012 second-round pick Casey Hayward every opportunity to win a starting job.

Restricted free agent Sam Shields is staying away from OTAs, and Tramon Williams is on the spot after back-to-back inconsistent seasons. A revelation as a rookie, Hayward led Green Bay in pass breakups (21) and interceptions (6), operating mostly as the slot corner in nickel packages. He should be a starter this year.

According to Pro Football Focus, quarterbacks have a passing rating of just 23.5 on throws into rookie CB Casey Hayward's coverage.

It's "by far" the best mark of any cornerback in the NFL. Hayward has taken on a lot of the responsibilities of Charles Woodson, including defending the slot. He joins Panthers MLB Luke Kuechly, Seahawks MLB Bobby Wagner, and Bucs WLB Lavonte David as defensive rookie of the year candidates.

Rookie Casey Hayward will replace Sam Shields (shin) as the Packers' starting right cornerback in Week 7.

Shields was struggling and Hayward has played so well at nickel back that the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel suggests he could be a long-term fixture at RCB. So there may be no drop-off. Hayward will play right cornerback in the base defense and cover the slot on passing downs. The second-round pick out of Vanderbilt has three interceptions through six games, to go with six pass breakups.

Packers second-round pick Casey Hayward is currently working as the team's dime back.

Charles Woodson will be the team's primary strong safety on early downs, but moves to slot corner in nickel and dime. The Packers used the dime on just seven percent of their snaps last season, but DC Dom Capers plans increase that percentage in 2012. Hayward is competing with Jarrett Bush, Sam Shields, and Davon House for reps.