Blogs

Lang, Saturday, Worthy back at practice on Fri.

The Packers’ offensive line got some reinforcements at practice on Friday, as G/T T.J. Lang (concussion) and C Jeff Saturday (neck/shoulder) returned to practice, though it appeared during the portion of the workout open to the media that Saturday was very limited.

DE Jerel Worthy (hamstring) also returned to practice after missing the workouts on both Wednesday and Thursday this week.

RB Alex Green (concussion) remained out, as did TE Tom Crabtree (hamstring), WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring) and DE C.J. Wilson (knee). FB John Kuhn, who missed practice on Thursday but was listed as “not injury related” was also absent again.

Mike McCarthy will address the media after practice and provide the final status designations on the injury report for Sunday.

Several players miss practice Wed.

A total of nine players were not practicing on Wednesday during the portion of the workout open to the media.

Those whose injuries are known include RB James Starks (knee), TE Tom Crabtree (hamstring), WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring) and DE C.J. Wilson (knee).

But five additional players, who all played in last Sunday’s game but were not yet reported to have new injuries, also sat out. They were RB Alex Green, C Jeff Saturday, G/T T.J. Lang, LB Erik Walden and DE Jerel Worthy. Saturday (foot) and Lang (ankle) have been on the injury report in recent weeks.

Mike McCarthy will address the media with an update following practice.

T.J. Lang confident he’ll be ready, but where will he play?

Offensive lineman T.J. Lang didn’t like sitting out last week’s game, the first one he’s missed since the start of 2011, when he became a full-time starter.

But he admitted it was best for him not to push it on his sore ankle, and he was back at practice on Wednesday feeling pretty good about his chances to play on Sunday in Chicago.

“That was probably the best-case scenario to give me an extra gameday to heal up and not bang it up any more and be close to fully recovered this week,” Lang said. “Those guys who played in the game last week all played well, so it was probably the smartest decision to sit out.”

Mike McCarthy said after practice that Lang took most of his reps on Wednesday at his old spot, left guard, which could indicate the Packers are going to stick with undrafted rookie Don Barclay at right tackle, who made his first start last week. Then again, McCarthy reiterated that Evan Dietrich-Smith, who had been playing Lang’s LG spot while Lang was playing RT in place of Bryan Bulaga, earned an offensive game ball for his performance last week.

McCarthy said he wants to see how Lang looks in practice throughout the week before making a final decision, so the offensive line will be prepared for various scenarios.

“We want to make sure Don Barclay gets as many reps as he can outside (at tackle),” McCarthy said. “We’ll make sure we’re ready to go.”

Lang said he had no trouble moving back to LG after his roughly month-long stint at RT. The best guess for now is if Lang is healthy enough to play, he’ll be back at his old spot.

“Like riding a bike, man,” Lang said. “It’s something I’ve done a lot of and it’s where my comfort level is.”

In other injury news, McCarthy said WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring) would be a longshot to play this week. The same goes for DE C.J. Wilson, whose knee injury is more serious than initially thought, though McCarthy still sounded hopeful Wilson could be back by season’s end. He has missed the last two games.

Also on the defensive line, DE Mike Neal (shoulder) practiced on Wednesday somewhat unexpectedly. The Packers signed another D-lineman, Jordan Miller, to the active roster from the practice squad on Tuesday due to the injuries to Wilson and Neal, but Neal is “making progress.”

CB Davon House missed practice due to an illness.

Matthews, Lang, Neal back at practice on Wednesday, but Woodson, Nelson, House not

LB Clay Matthews returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his hamstring on Nov. 4 vs. Arizona. Matthews has missed the last four games, but it appears he could return to game action this Sunday in Chicago.

Also, OL T.J. Lang (ankle) and DL Mike Neal (shoulder) also returned to practice after missing last week’s games.

On the flip side, DB Charles Woodson was not at practice despite having practiced off and on the past couple of weeks. Woodson hasn’t played in a game since breaking his collarbone in Week 7 in St. Louis and it was thought he might return to action this week. Mike McCarthy should provide an update when he speaks with the media following practice at the top of the hour.

Another defensive back, CB Davon House, was sitting out practice as well. House has not been on the team’s injury report since recovering from his preseason shoulder injury.

WR Jordy Nelson also was not at practice. Nelson missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury, his second such injury this season.

On another note, several of the offensive linemen and tight ends began practice with a little prank for their quarterback. Today is “Aaron Rodgers Day” in honor of the numerical date (12-12-12) and several of Rodgers’ offensive mates were wearing No. 12 Rodgers jerseys at the start of practice. Shortly into the workout, all had changed back to their regular jerseys, but for some of the initial jog-through snaps early in practice, as many as a half-dozen players running an offensive play had a No. 12 jersey on.

T.J. Lang back at practice Friday, but very limited

Offensive lineman T.J. Lang (ankle) was back at practice on Friday for the first time this week, but he appeared very limited in the work he was doing in the portion of practice open to the media.

That raises a couple of possibilities for the Packers with regard to Sunday night’s game against the Lions. Perhaps Lang will be given until Sunday night to get his ankle healed and he’ll be a game-time decision whether or not to start at right tackle instead of undrafted rookie Don Barclay. Or, Lang might be active for the game but only as a backup in an emergency should he be needed.

Mike McCarthy will be addressing the media after practice shortly.

Here’s a complete story following McCarthy’s press conference detailing the injury situation.

Lang back at practice Friday

As expected, G T.J. Lang returned to practice on Friday after being excused on Thursday for a personal matter. Lang had posted on his Twitter account that a family member had passed away back home in Michigan.

Otherwise, no other changes at practice participation during the portion open to reporters. The final injury report of the week, including player statuses, will be announced after practice.

Injury report update: The only players ruled out for the Packers for Sunday’s game are WR Greg Jennings (groin) and S Sean Richardson (hamstring). CB Davon House (shoulder) is questionable, while S M.D. Jennings (shoulder) and DE Ryan Pickett (shoulder) are both probable.

For the Colts, starting CB Vontae Davis (ankle) and backup CB Justin King (groin) are both out, as is starting C Samson Satele (knee). Starting TE Coby Fleener (head) is questionable. Outside linebackers and pass rushers Dwight Freeney (ankle) and Robert Mathis (ankle) are both on the injury report as well, with Freeney questionable and Mathis probable.

Jennings ruled out for Sunday

The Packers have already ruled WR Greg Jennings out for Sunday’s game in Indianapolis. He will miss his second game in four weeks with a groin injury.

Mike McCarthy said he spoke with Jennings before practice on Thursday and they felt with his groin injury — which he originally sustained in Week 1 against San Francisco — “we were going around in a circle.” So Jennings is being shut down this week and will only do rehab.

As for G T.J. Lang, he was excused from practice for a personal matter and is expected back on Friday. He is listed on the injury report for missing practice, but the absence is not injury related.

DE Mike Neal practiced in pads for the first time in the regular season, and McCarthy said the coaching staff would take the full week to decide the next step with Neal. If he’s going to play in Sunday’s game, he’ll have to be added to the 53-man roster by 3 p.m. Saturday. Otherwise, he’ll have to be activated by 3 p.m. on Monday, when the one-week roster exemption expires.

Lang not at practice

G T.J. Lang was not at practice on Thursday in the portion of the workout open to reporters. Lang is not listed on the injury report, so we’ll have to wait for an update from Mike McCarthy after practice as to the status of Lang.

The only other players not participating at all in practice were WR Greg Jennings and S Sean Richardson. Both missed practice on Wednesday as well.

John Madden selects Packers as best o-line for Week 16

Coming off of their first loss of the season last week, the GREEN BAY PACKERS were able to get back on track by beating a long time rival in the Chicago Bears and clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Packers offensive line allowed AARON RODGERS (California) enough time to have a personal best five touchdown passes while allowing only one sack. This impressive performance by the injury plagued offensive line establishes the Green Bay Packers as a contender for the third annual Madden Protectors Award. The award honors the NFL’s best offensive line and will be presented during the week of Super Bowl XLVI, which will be played on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis. Past Madden Protectors Award recipients include the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2010) and the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2009).

The Madden Protectors Award recognizes the fundamental role offensive linemen play in their teams’ success by providing consistent and powerful protection day in and day out.

The Packers continued their dominance throughout this season as they notched their 14^th win of the year and can now rest easy until the second round of the playoffs. The offensive line was missing three of their four top tackles and still managed to only allow one sack and only two hits on Rodgers. The offensive line starts in the middle with center SCOTT WELLS (Tennessee), who is flanked by guards EVAN DIETRICH-SMITH (Idaho State) and JOSH SITTON (Central Florida). Providing powerful protection on the outside are tackles MARSHALL NEWHOUSE (Texas Christian) and T.J. LANG (Eastern Michigan). Offensive line coach JAMES CAMPEN is in his fifth season with the Packers and in each of his first four years, the Packers have finished in the top 10 in the NFL in total offense. The offensive line allowed for Rodgers to throw for 283 yards and 5 touchdowns. With the combination of RYAN GRANT (Notre Dame) and JAMES STARKS (Buffalo), the Packers were able to rush for 81 yards on the day.

“The Packers offensive line played a great game against Chicago on Sunday night,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach JOHN MADDEN.

Other offensive lines from around the league delivering powerful protection during Week 16 were the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (463 total yards, 307 passing yards, 164 rushing yards, 1 sack allowed, 2 QB hits allowed) the BUFFALO BILLS (351 total yards, 191 passing yards, 160 rushing yards, 1 sack allowed, 2 QB hits allowed), the BALTIMORE RAVENS (284 total yards, 122 passing yards, 162 rushing yards, 1 sack allowed, 2 QB hits allowed), the CAROLINA PANTHERS (433 total yards, 163 passing yards, 270 rushing yards, 1 sack allowed, 1 QB hit allowed), and the PITTSBURGH STEELERS 377 (total yards, 208 passing yards, 169 rushing yards, 0 sacks allowed, 1 QB hit allowed).

Aaron Rodgers finishes first in Pro Bowl voting

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers received 1,581,982 fan votes to lead all NFL All-Stars in balloting for the 2012 Pro Bowl, NFL.com announced today. Fan voting ended on Monday, December 19. A record 100.64 million votes were cast by fans this year.

The AFC and NFC All-Star squads are based on the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group’s vote counts one-third toward determining the 43-man rosters that represent the American Football Conference and National Football Conference in the Pro Bowl. NFL players and coaches will cast their votes on December 21-22.

The teams will be announced at 6:00 pm (CT) Tuesday, December 27 on a special NFL Total Access 2012 Pro Bowl Selection Show on NFL Network.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (1,454,311 votes) leads all AFC players and finished second overall, while New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (1,188,893 votes), Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (1,180,777 votes) and New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (1,133,787 votes) rounded out the top five.

The 2012 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 29, 2012 and televised live on NBC at 6:00 pm (CT) from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Fans may purchase tickets at NFL.com/probowl.

The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its all-star teams. It was the first professional sports league to offer online all-star voting in 1995.

Listed below are the top 10 overall All-Star vote-getters and the players who finished with the most votes at each position:

NFL ALL-STAR TOP-TEN VOTE-GETTERS
Name, Team……….Votes
QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers……….1,581,982
QB Tom Brady, Patriots……….1,454,311
QB Drew Brees, Saints……….1,188,893
WR Calvin Johnson, Lions……….1,180,777
WR Wes Welker, Patriots……….1,133,787
RB LeSean McCoy, Eagles……….962,824
TE Rob Gronkowski, Patriots……….936,886
QB Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers……….935,535
RB Adrian Peterson, Vikings……….925,554
WR Mike Wallace, Steelers……….923,073

NFC LEADING VOTE-GETTERS BY POSITION
Name, Team……….Votes
QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers……….1,581,982
RB LeSean McCoy, Eagles……….962,824
FB John Kuhn, Packers……….322,260
WR Calvin Johnson, Lions……….1,180,777
TE Jimmy Graham, Saints……….725,612
T Chad Clifton, Packers……….392,106
G T.J. Lang, Packers……….327,740
C Scott Wells, Packers……….436,693
K Mason Crosby, Packers……….184,665
KR Devin Hester, Bears……….268,293
DE Jared Allen, Vikings……….784,527
DT Justin Smith, 49ers……….525,578
OLB DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys ……….581,554
ILB Patrick Willis, 49ers……….417,923
CB Charles Woodson, Packers ……….763,198
SS Roman Harper, Saints……….147,542
FS Morgan Burnett, Packers……….223,292
P Andy Lee, 49ers……….161,812
ST Jarrett Bush, Packers……….134,696

AFC LEADING VOTE-GETTERS BY POSITION
Name, Team……….Votes
QB Tom Brady, Patriots……….1,454,311
RB Arian Foster, Texans……….896,804
FB Vonta Leach, Ravens……….149,801
WR Wes Welker, Patriots ……….1,133,787
TE Rob Gronkowski, Patriots……….936,886
T Michael Oher, Ravens……….327,644
G Logan Mankins, Patriots……….337,844
C Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers……….376,457
K Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders……….244,512
KR Joe McKnight, Jets……….140,926
DE Andre Carter, Patriots……….511,693
DT Haloti Ngata, Ravens……….592,603
OLB Terrell Suggs, Ravens……….546,851
ILB Ray Lewis, Ravens……….413,222
CB Darrelle Revis, Jets……….561,986
SS Troy Polamalu, Steelers……….230,649
FS Ed Reed, Ravens……….198,075
P Shane Lechler, Raiders……….228,782
ST Brendon Ayanbadejo, Ravens……….106,515