Neal was activated from the Packers' PUP list on Monday, clearing him to practice moving forward, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Neal missed the beginning of training camp while recovering from offseason surgery to repair a sports hernia. Given his time out, it's rather doubtful that Neal will be ready by Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots. Nonetheless, coming off a season that included 33 tackles and 4.5 sacks, Neal's presence will certainly be welcomed in the Packers' front-seven rotation.

Neal (abdomen) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.

Neal was among the Packers' linebackers that were limited in practice this week, but he'll suit up to provide the team with another pass rush option. He's been held without a sack in back-to-back games, however, and has brought down opposing quarterbacks just 3.5 times on the season.

Neal (hip) is active for Thursday's game versus the Vikings, the Packers' official site reports.

Despite sitting out Wednesday's practice, Neal is available to the pass rush once again behind Clay Matthews, who is still enduring a groin concern. On the season, Neal has posted 12 tackles (seven solo) and one sack through four games.

Neal (hip) is listed as probable for Thursday's contest against the Vikings, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports. However, coach Mike McCarthy told Paul Imig of FOX Sports Wisconsin that "Mike couldn't practice today. Hopeful he can go for the game. Having some effects from the week."

If he ultimately sits out, Neal's absence wouldn't be a huge blow to IDP pursuits, as he's tallied 12 tackles (seven solo) and one sack through four games. No matter, he boasts decent pass-rushing potential, when healthy.

Neal returned to practice Wednesday after recovering from an abdominal strain.

Neal showed promise last season with five sacks, and the Packers are hoping he can be more explosive this year after dropping some weight in the offseason. Neal will likely open as a reserve behind starting outside linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers, but expect him to be a key part of the Packers' pass rush.

Packers re-signed DE/OLB Mike Neal to a two-year contract.

Neal announced the two-year agreement on his Twitter account. Neal was being courted by the Cardinals, among others, but is staying in Green Bay. The soon-to-be 27-year-old can play outside linebacker, defensive end, and rush the passer from the interior in the Packers' 3-4 scheme. He led the team with 37 quarterback hurries last season. Neal will line up opposite Clay Matthews.

The Cardinals have shown interest in free agent DL/OLB Mike Neal.

Neal is quietly generating plenty of interest as a versatile pass rusher. The Eagles and Packers are also in the mix for a guy that led Green Bay with 37 quarterback hurries last season.

The Philadelphia Inquirer suggests the Eagles as a landing spot for free agent DL Mike Neal.

Coach Chip Kelly loves versatility in all his players and that's Neal's calling card. He played both outside linebacker and defensive end for the Packers, recording 9.5 sacks and six tackles for a loss over his last 27 games. He generated a team-high 37 hurries last season, also showing an ability to rush from the interior at 6'3/285.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports the Packers have made a "meaningful offer" to free agent DL/OLB Mike Neal.

Unfortunately for the Pack, GM Ted Thompson's offer is "not enough to keep Neal from testing (the) market," per beat reporter Pete Dougherty. Neal is expected to draw interest from the Cardinals and perhaps several other teams once he hits free agency. Neal is 26 and can play all over the defensive front.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports the Cardinals are interested in free agent OLB/DE Mike Neal.

Neal's versatility makes him one of this year's more intriguing free agents. He can play virtually every position in the front seven, and is coming off a career-best year in Green Bay. What Neal isn't, however, is an explosive edge pass rusher. The Cards need to start thinking about life after John Abraham.

Free agent OLB Mike Neal says he hopes to re-sign with the Packers.

Neal slimmed down from 294 to 275 this season, converting from defensive line to 3-4 outside 'backer. He posted five sacks and 47 stops. "If they'll have me back, then I'll be glad to be back," said the 26-year-old. If Neal does hit the open market, he'll appeal to teams that stress position versatility.

Packers OLB Mike Neal avoided serious injury when he departed Sunday's Wild Card loss with a right knee ailment.

It's fantastic news for Neal, who'll enter free agency in March after a solid contract year that ended with five sacks and 47 tackles across 16 games, starting ten. Listed at 285 pounds on the Packers' website roster, Neal's versatility will be attractive to creative defensive minds. He's capable of playing linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle in any kind of front.

Packers OLB Mike Neal was carted off the field with a first-quarter right knee injury in Sunday's Wild Card game.

Like CB Sam Shields, Neal is in a contract year. And also like Shields, Neal suffered a knee injury on Green Bay's first defensive series. The fact that Neal needed a cart to exit the field suggests he's not likely to return.

Packers placed DE/OLB Mike Neal on the active/PUP list.

Neal was a full participant in OTAs and minicamp, so this could just be a precautionary move. The Packers have not yet released the extent of his injury

Packers DE Mike Neal will continue to take snaps at outside linebacker in this week's minicamp, and says he's light enough to play the position.

Neal is listed at 294 pounds, which would be too hefty for an outside 'backer. "I have lost a little bit. It's a big chunk of weight," Neal said. "I don't want to disclose it because I don't want people to say, 'he's going to get out there or move inside.'" Neal believes he could cover tight ends. "I feel like if you give me 10, 15 yards, I should be able to stick with a lot of people." For now, the position switch is still being deemed an "experiment," but it sounds like one that will continue into training camp.

Packers DE Mike Neal is taking snaps at outside linebacker in OTAs.

Neal is reportedly "surprised" by the development, but it doesn't appear a position switch is afoot. Standing in at 6-foot-3, 294 pounds, Neal would have to slim down to see regular snaps at outside linebacker. Despite drawing a four-game ban for violating the league's PED policy last season, Neal notched a career-high 4.5 sacks in 266 snaps across 11 games.

Packers DE Mike Neal's 2013 salary jumped from $575,000 to $630,000 based on rookie-deal incentives.

Neal has appeared in 20 games since being a second-round pick out of Purdue in 2010. The 2012 season was easily his best as he recorded 4.5 sacks as a rotational lineman behind Ryan Pickett and C.J. Wilson. Neal will fill the same role in the final year of his contract.

Coach Mike McCarthy said DE Mike Neal's shoulder injury does not look good.

The Packers just got Neal's tests back and McCarthy had not seen them of as of Thursday afternoon, so there could be an update coming. Neal tore the rotator cuff in his right shoulder in 2010.

Packers DE Mike Neal suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Jaguars.

Coach Mike McCarthy said Neal's status won't be updated to Wednesday. That suggests he's avoided a high-ankle sprain. Since coming off suspension in Week 5, Neal has notched four tackles and a sack in four games, but also suffered a minor knee injury in addition to his ankle ailment.

Panthers DE Mike Neal was forced from Sunday's game against the Rams with a knee injury, and is questionable to return.

His afternoon is likely through. Suspended for the first four games of the season, Neal has three tackles and one sack through two contests.