Packers TE Jermichael Finley (No. 88) is one of many Green Bay players on the injury report, but he says he is "85 percent healthy," so he should be good to go for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. (US Presswire)

The normal wear and tear of a grinding NFL season is becoming more like of a war of attrition the Packers are fighting against themselves, as injuries continue to pile up.

In casts and on crutches, limping and rehabbing, the Packers began their preparation for this week’s game against the Jaguars with 12 players listed on their early injury report. Already decimated and missing several starters on defense, it was the offense that saw itself battered and depleted on Wednesday.

WR Donald Driver and FB John Kuhn didn't participate in practice, and WR Jordy Nelson, RG T.J. Lang and C Jeff Saturday were limited in the Packers’ first session since beating the Rams on Sunday. TE Jermichael Finley, who has been nursing a partially dislocated shoulder for a couple of weeks, was also limited, though he said afterward he’s about “85 percent” healthy and getting better.

With nearly a quarter of the roster hobbled, coach Mike McCarthy ended practice early and said he may do the same Thursday.

The Packers ended a couple of practices early last week, but that was for positive reasons because the tempo and efficiency were so high.

WR Greg Jennings sought a second opinion on his ailing groin and went to see a specialist on Tuesday.

OLB Nick Perry (knee) and CB Sam Shields (shin), both injured in the Week 6 win over the Texans, had not yet been cleared and were not ready to play, McCarthy said. They will be evaluated again on Friday.

Regarding NT B.J. Raji, who has been out since hurting his ankle in the Week 5 loss to the Colts, McCarthy offered an assessment that was less dire, though well short of optimistic.

“B.J. will probably go through a rehab-part practice (Thursday), so we’ll find out more (then),” McCarthy said. Raji practiced in a limited capacity last Thursday but then did not participate the next day and was held out of Sunday’s win at St. Louis.

Despite the growing injury list, McCarthy didn’t seem worried. He said Kuhn, Lang and Saturday were hurt in the game and Nelson’s hamstring “tightened up” during practice. McCarthy said he was “just being smart” about holding players out.

“I’m not sure anybody’s in danger of not playing, but it’ll take the full week (to determine),” he said.

In the locker room after practice, both Lang and Saturday said their injuries weren't serious.

QB Aaron Rodgers, who is also on the injury list with calf soreness, was a full participant on Wednesday.

“Everybody’s a little banged up, kind of looking forward to the bye week," Rodgers said. "We’ve got two more (games) left. Hopefully we can stay fairly healthy and get some guys back afterward.”

Rare cat: McCarthy called the Packers’ opponent this week, the Jaguars, an “uncommon opponent.” Green Bay has only had four games against Jacksonville since the Jaguars became a franchise in 1995. The series record stands at 2-2. The Jags (1-5) are currently in last place in the AFC South.

McCarthy said the Jags have many players the Packers haven’t encountered, as well as a first-year coaching staff that creates the “potential for unscouted looks.” He said the preparation was more challenging with more unknown qualities, so film study was especially important. McCarthy pointed out that the Jaguars were “strong up front” and “physical.”

Heady play: When asked Wednesday what was different this season about ILB A.J. Hawk, who leads the team in tackles with 56, McCarthy mentioned a couple of things.

“His hairstyle,” McCarthy said, drawing laughs. (Hawk has gone from long hair to a closely-cropped coiffure this year.) McCarthy also said Hawk is lighter than in past years. Despite the cosmetic changes, though, McCarthy said Hawk’s steadiness as a player and person was “so important” because he’s “the same guy every day.”

Practice squad moves: The Packers made three roster changes Wednesday, restocking their practice squad to a full eight players. They placed WR Diondre Borel on injured reserve (hamstring) and filled his spot and another opening with G Justin Cheadle and RB DuJuan Harris. Cheadle (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) is an undrafted rookie from California who was with the Chiefs in training camp. Harris (5-8, 203), a first-year player out of Troy, played in five games with Jacksonville last year, carrying nine times for 42 yards. He was cut by the Jaguars and later the Steelers during training camp.

Follow Packers reporter James Carlton on Twitter: @CBSPackers and @jimmycarlton88.