GREEN BAY, Wis. -- What was supposed to be an ease-them-in practice turned into the Jared Cook-Ty Montgomery show on Tuesday night.

In their first practice since being activated off the physically unable to perform list, the two playmakers offered more than just a glimpse of how they can help lift the Green Bay Packers' offense out of the bottom third of the NFL.

Cook, the free-agent tight end, caught a 20-yard pass on a seam route down the middle of the field on just the third snap of practice, and then later showed his speed when he ran away from a pair of defensive backs on a quick pass.

Montgomery, the second-year receiver, showed why the Packers were so high on him last year, before a Week 6 ankle injury wrecked his rookie season. He went high in the air for deep ball and then also got a few touches out of the backfield; it was similar to Randall Cobb's versatility.

The Packers plan for Cook and Montgomery -- plus linebacker Sam Barrington, who also was activated Tuesday -- to take part in the individual drills, with a limit on their 11-on-11 work.

"I think the coaches got a little carried away with their production, particularly [what] Jared and Ty had," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday. "They probably practiced a little more in the team periods than we would have liked. Also, there's the thought of making sure they're ready to play Friday. Just give them the chance to play Friday. And last night was the best practice to get them game ready."

For Cook, it was his first chance to work with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a full-pads setting. Cook practiced in about half of the offseason (non-padded workouts) before a nagging foot injury turned into an unexpected surgery.

"Big targets that run down the middle of the field are something that's, to me, it's a primary component that you need on offense," McCarthy said. "And obviously with his catching radius, you saw that last night, he gives us another big target. He fits the way we want to play. So, it was great to get him out there. Once again, I thought he's off to a good start."

For Montgomery, it was his first chance for a fully healthy practice since he sprained his ankle against the San Diego Chargers last season. He tried several times to mount a comeback but finally opted for surgery in December. And the surgery turned out to be much more involved than anyone realized, requiring a microfracture procedure among other things.

Practice reps are one thing, but it sounds like both Cook and Montgomery might also play Friday against the Cleveland Browns. The final piece to the resurrection of the Packers' offense, which slipped to 23rd in the NFL last season, will be the return of receiver Jordy Nelson, who remains on the PUP list.

"It would be nice to get out there with Jared and Ty at some point," Rodgers said. "Practice would be the most important thing and then if we get the chance in the game, that would be great, too."