Packers' Clark frustrated by CBA rule preventing his participation

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark's first on-field activity as a member of the team was short-lived, and he's not too pleased about it.

Clark was selected 27th overall by the Packers, but was forced to fly back to UCLA after minicamp, as the university's academic schedule runs through June. Due to a provision from the collective-bargaining agreement, all players who are currently enrolled in school cannot participate after the minicamp until their academic curriculum is completed.

"I wish I could stay here," Clark said to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. “I leave on Sunday. I wish I could stay here throughout the whole process, but I think that will probably be one of the more difficult parts - that I won’t be here with the team.”

Clark, along with fifth-round pick Trevor Davis and sixth-round selection Kyle Murphy will be forced to return to their respective schools.

Although the 20-year-old was frustrated by the circumstances, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy didn't appear to be too concerned.

"This is a common practice,” McCarthy said Saturday. "There's a plan. We'll maximize the time with Kenny here today and tomorrow. We'll make sure he's ready. We have a number of guys that are in that situation, and we'll just use our experiences from the past to make sure we get them ready."

If Clark makes an immediate impact during the regular season, his absence from team activities may prove to be a moot point. Regardless, Clark said he'd study the playbook and is looking to distinguish himself among the Packers' defensive line.