The Wisconsin native told ESPN Radio in Milwaukee he has entered discussions with the team about a new deal. Tauscher, a mainstay in the starting lineup since he was a rookie in 2000, is set to become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27.

"There's been some communication," Tauscher said. "We're trying to get some stuff figured out. We'll see how it all plays out."

In Tauscher's favor to return to the Packers is that he won't be a targeted commodity should he reach free agency because he is only a month removed from undergoing surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee.

Tauscher said he's ahead of schedule with the rehab, which he's been doing the last few weeks at the Packers' facilities, and is optimistic about being cleared to return to the field for the start of training camp in the late summer.

If Green Bay brings him back, Tauscher, 31, could be thrust into a competition for the starting job at right tackle with young prospect Breno Giacomini and perhaps Daryn Colledge, the incumbent starter at left guard who is better suited to play tackle.

--If the Packers have interest in pursuing Carolina Panthers All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers, they may have reason to call off the chase.

As the free-agent-to-be anticipated the Panthers' putting the franchise tag on him by Feb. 19, Peppers reportedly formed a list of four teams for which he would be willing to play if Carolina would move him in a trade. Peppers doesn't want to remain with the Panthers, saying he has a desire to play in a 3-4 defense, which Green Bay is adopting this year.

The Packers, though, aren't believed to be on Peppers' trade wish list. The Herald of Rock Hill, S.C., cited through sources that the four teams include the Dallas Cowboys, one in the AFC and possibly two in the NFC South.

--New defensive coordinator Dom Capers will give attendees the lowdown on the 3-4 scheme he is putting in when the Packers hold their annual Fan Fest on March 13 and 14 at Lambeau Field.

The normally popular event has yet to sell out. Players expected to be on hand are this year's Pro Bowl duo of safety Nick Collins and cornerback Al Harris, receiver Donald Driver and Aaron Kampman, who will be making the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker in the new defense.

--Driver for the second straight year will host a charity softball game that pits players from the Packers offense against those from the defense on June 14 outside of Green Bay.

The veteran wideout kept the event going after quarterback Brett Favre retired last offseason before he came out of retirement in training camp and was traded by Green Bay to the New York Jets.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I've had guys that can bench press the world and can't make our team. I've had guys that can't bench press their sister and they're All-Pro every year. This is a conditioning program for football. This is not about how much they bench press." -- New strength and conditioning coordinator Dave Redding, a longtime strength coach in the league, on the training regimen he is implementing with the Packers.