By James Brady

Follow , and

Like SB Nation Minnesota on Facebook.

Oct 20, 2011 – On Sunday, the first-place Green Bay Packers are coming to town and all eyes, expectedly, will be on rookie quarterback Christian Ponder and expectations will be on him to lead the Minnesota Vikings to victory. Fans, even if it’s not realistic, will be expecting the team’s first-round pick to emerge and be ready now since a guy like Donovan McNabb was just benched for him. But it’s an unrealistic expectation.

Not just because the Packers are really, really good and Aaron Rodgers seemingly can’t do any wrong – no. It’s unrealistic because the team still has Adrian Peterson, one of the, if not the best running backs in the NFL today. This is one game where the stats don’t necessarily line up with what you should expect from the game, but follow along.

You should expect a good game out of Ponder, because the Packers have had a pretty bad pass defense thus far this season, and it’s not likely to get better any time soon. Quarterbacks have been able to burn that secondary with regularity, so Ponder will be able to throw the ball, but when it comes to putting points on the board, the Vikings definitely need to defer to Peterson. If you put the ball in the hands of a rookie against the best team in the NFL, something is going to go wrong.

The Packers have only allowed a 100-yard rusher once this year, but their run defense isn’t exactly tops in the league. Peterson should get the ball early and often and Ponder should be throwing only when the team feels confident. If they fail to do that, they probably won’t stand much of a chance against the defending world champions.

Read More: Donovan McNabb (QB – MIN), Aaron Rodgers (QB – GBP), Christian Ponder (QB – MIN), Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers

Follow , and

Like SB Nation Minnesota on Facebook.

Do you like this story?

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Don’t expect Charles Woodson and the Green Bay Packers‘ defense to beat themselves up for letting the winless St. Louis Rams pile up yards.

Woodson worries first about points and wins — and the Packers were just about perfect on both counts Sunday.

Despite giving up 424 yards of offense, Green Bay‘s defense shut St. Louis out of the end zone in a 24-3 victory that kept the Packers perfect at 6-0.

“Does anybody want to give up a lot of yards? No. But the goal is to win,” Woodson said. “We held them to three points today, kept them out of the end zone, which is a goal of ours. There’s places where we can get better, we feel like we’ll get better, and we’ll enjoy this win today.”

With Sunday’s loss by NFC North rival Detroit, the Packers are the last unbeaten team left in the NFL this season.

But the Packers’ defense hasn’t been flawless.

Green Bay has been tough in the red zone and made plenty of big plays. But the Packers are having a hard time stopping teams between the 20s. It happened again Sunday.

Sam Bradford was 28 of 44 for 321 yards with an interception for the Rams (0-5). Bradford said moving the ball but failing to score was becoming an unsettling trend for St. Louis.

“It is something that we struggle with all year,” Bradford said. “There have been several games that we have been able to move the ball up and down and we get to the red zone, we have silly mistakes that don’t allow us to put the ball in the end zone. In this league, if you want to win, you got to score touchdowns.”

Bradford’s ankle was sore after the game, but he said he wasn’t hurt badly.

Rams running back Steven Jackson had 18 carries for 96 yards.

“For whatever reason, we get into the red zone, we keep shooting ourselves in the foot,” Jackson said.

The Packers held the Rams to 3 for 13 on third down and 1 for 4 when they went for it on fourth — more indications that the Packers’ defense tightens up when it needs to.

“You give some things, but you buckle down in the times when you’re supposed to and get yourself off the field,” Woodson said. “I think we had a couple of fourth downs today where we got off the field. Those are the type of things that we’re going to have to do during the season. When games are tougher than they are today, you’re going to have to make plays and get off the field in crucial situations. And today we did.”

Bradford said the Rams have to find ways to avoid getting backed into third-and-long situations.

“It is not easy to pick first downs up when you get yourself into that situation,” Bradford said. “When you do it with penalties, it becomes very frustrating. We got to figure out a way, whether it is my communications skills or whether it is guys just tuning in, we’ve got to figure out a way on first and second down not put ourselves in such a bad situation.”

The Packers’ offense took control in the second quarter, as Aaron Rodgers threw touchdowns to James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Donald Driver. But Green Bay’s offense hit a lull and didn’t score in the second half.

“It’s a feeling of minor disappointment, I think, in that locker room,” Rodgers said. “We just, in the second half, offensively just struggled. The second quarter was great, we put up a lot of points. I think it’s encouraging at the same time. It’s tough to win in this league, we’re 6-0, and have a lot of room for improvement.”

Packers coach Mike McCarthy had a mixed reaction to the victory. He bristled at questions about the offense being shut out in the second half, saying, “the last time I checked, when you win by three touchdowns, that’s a pretty significant win.”

But McCarthy also said the team isn’t anywhere near where it wants to be.

“You have to be running on all cylinders, and we’re not there yet,” McCarthy said. “So fortunately, we’re 6-0. We’ll continue to work to get there.”

Notes: Wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker and linebacker Ben Leber were inactive for St. Louis. Neither was listed on the team’s injury report this week. “We weren’t trying to send any messages,” Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “We just put our the guys out there that we thought would help us win the game.” … It was the Packers’ last home game for nearly a month. … Packers cornerback Sam Shields sustained a head injury after he picked off a Bradford pass in the end zone and was hit hard. McCarthy said Shields was still being evaluated after the game.

With Aaron Rodgers’ MVP-caliber play leading the way, the Green Bay Packers are 5-0 for the seventh time in franchise history. Each of the previous six, the Packers went on to win an NFL title.

That is, admittedly, a statistic that offers little insight for how this season will turn out: After all, none of Green Bay’s current players even was born by 1965, the team’s most recent such start. Still, with the way they’ve performed so far this season, the reigning Super Bowl champions sure do seem capable of big things.

“5-0 feels great,” cornerback Charles Woodson said, “but we’re looking at greatness.”

Does that mean a second consecutive Lombardi Trophy?

A 16-0 regular season?

While it’s waaaaaaay too early to be talking about either, the Packers couldn’t be blamed for at least entertaining thoughts of both.

They’re on an 11-game winning streak, including the end of the 2010 regular season and the postseason. They’ve already beaten two other teams considered among the NFC’s elite entering this season: the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, and the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Some supposedly good teams in the conference are struggling, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles. Other NFC clubs with good records – the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins – have no recent important-game experience.

Plus, the Packers didn’t lose a ton of talent in the offseason – defensive end Cullen Jenkins and guard Daryn Colledge were the most notable departures – while they got to “add” players who missed the Super Bowl run because of injury and might very well be hungry to be a real part of that kind of success. Two key examples: tight end Jermichael Finley and running back Ryan Grant.

After putting more than a dozen guys on injured reserve last season, then having Woodson and receiver Donald Driver get hurt during the Super Bowl itself, the Packers know a thing or two about getting by when players are sidelined, such as Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins (done for this season) and starting offensive tackles Chad Clifton and Bryan Bulaga (out with leg injuries).

And, of course, they have an elite-as-can-be QB in Rodgers.

“They certainly possess all the elements necessary to be able to repeat,” said Joe Theismann, the former quarterback whose Redskins won the 1983 Super Bowl and nearly repeated but lost to the Raiders in the NFL championship game a year later. “The big question that looms is the health of their offensive line, but they can figure out ways to win when all the pieces aren’t in place. That is one reason why I think they do have an opportunity to repeat. And No. 2, there isn’t anybody in football at the end of last year and the beginning of this year that’s played better football than Aaron Rodgers.”

Theismann also pointed to another factor in Green Bay’s favor: the lockout.

Because of the odd offseason, he reasons, the Packers didn’t face the usual scrutiny, distractions and roster-raiding that NFL champs sometimes succumb to.

“What normally would be months where they would get all of the attention didn’t happen. They didn’t get guys getting all bigheaded, thinking, ‘We’re really good. Hey, we’re the champions.’ … And you didn’t have a lot of holdouts. You can bring your team back intact,” Theismann said in a telephone interview Monday. “The lockout, as much as anything, created this (atmosphere of), ‘OK, you’re the world champions, but there are a lot of other things to talk about.’”

It would be pretty stunning if Green Bay doesn’t head into what could be the toughest test left on its schedule – a Nov. 6 game at the San Diego Chargers – with a 7-0 record. After all, the Packers’ next two games are against a couple of teams who are a combined 1-8: the St. Louis Rams (0-4) and the Minnesota Vikings (1-4).

“I know there’s that old adage: ‘On any given Sunday.’ But those shouldn’t be one of those given Sundays,” Theismann said. “The Packers just have much more talent.”

And Green Bay’s bye comes before facing San Diego, so there will be an extra week to rest and prepare.

Otherwise, the most significant upcoming game on Green Bay’s schedule appears to be against – believe it or not – the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.

“We have a different team than years past,” Rodgers said after the 25-14 victory at Atlanta. “We expect to win when we take the field.”

They’re averaging nearly 35 points, and their playmaking defense not only is producing turnovers but also making key adjustments. Against Atlanta, for example, the Packers began applying extra pass-rushing pressure while relying on their cornerbacks to handle more man-to-man coverage.

“They’re playing as good as any team in the National Football League right now,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “It starts with their quarterback play.”

Sure does.

Rogers completed 26 of 39 passes for 396 yards and two TDs against Atlanta, connecting with 12 receivers. He’s produced a passer rating above 100 every game this season, and his overall 122.9 mark leads the NFL.

“He’s doing some amazing things,” Atlanta cornerback Dunta Robinson said. “His team – they believe in him and they’re following him.”

On Sunday night alone, the Packers overcame these sorts of obstacles:

- trailing 14-0, and on the road, no less;

- playing the last 2½ quarters without either starting offensive tackle;

- the midweek turbulence of former Packers star Brett Favre’s comments to an Atlanta radio station about Rodgers, and whether the Packers should have won a Super Bowl sooner with their current QB.

And yet, as Rodgers would say of facing Sunday’s deficit, “There was no panic.”

The way things are going for his team at the moment, why should there be?

___

AP National Writer Paul Newberry in Atlanta, and AP Sports Writer Chris Jenkins in Milwaukee contributed to this report.

___

Get in touch with Howard Fendrich at http://twitter.com/HowardFendrich or hfendrich(at)ap.org

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

With Aaron Rodgers’ MVP-calibre play leading the way, the Green Bay Packers are 5-0 for the seventh time in franchise history. Each of the previous six, the Packers went on to win an NFL title.

That is, admittedly, a statistic that offers little insight for how this season will turn out: After all, none of Green Bay’s current players even was born by 1965, the team’s most recent such start. Still, with the way they’ve performed so far this season, the reigning Super Bowl champions sure do seem capable of big things.

“5-0 feels great,” cornerback Charles Woodson said, “but we’re looking at greatness.”

Does that mean a second consecutive Lombardi Trophy?

A 16-0 regular season?

While it’s waaaaaaay too early to be talking about either, the Packers couldn’t be blamed for at least entertaining thoughts of both.

They’re on an 11-game winning streak, including the end of the 2010 regular season and the post-season. They’ve already beaten two other teams considered among the NFC’s elite entering this season: the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, and the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Some supposedly good teams in the conference are struggling, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles. Other NFC clubs with good records — the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins — have no recent important-game experience.

Plus, the Packers didn’t lose a ton of talent in the off-season — defensive end Cullen Jenkins and guard Daryn Colledge were the most notable departures — while they got to “add” players who missed the Super Bowl run because of injury and might very well be hungry to be a real part of that kind of success. Two key examples: tight end Jermichael Finley and running back Ryan Grant.

After putting more than a dozen guys on injured reserve last season, then having Woodson and receiver Donald Driver get hurt during the Super Bowl itself, the Packers know a thing or two about getting by when players are sidelined, such as Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins (done for this season) and starting offensive tackles Chad Clifton and Bryan Bulaga (out with leg injuries).

And, of course, they have an elite-as-can-be QB in Rodgers.

“They certainly possess all the elements necessary to be able to repeat,” said Joe Theismann, the former CFL quarterback whose Redskins won the 1983 Super Bowl and nearly repeated but lost to the Raiders in the NFL championship game a year later. “The big question that looms is the health of their offensive line, but they can figure out ways to win when all the pieces aren’t in place. That is one reason why I think they do have an opportunity to repeat. And No. 2, there isn’t anybody in football at the end of last year and the beginning of this year that’s played better football than Aaron Rodgers.”

Theismann also pointed to another factor in Green Bay’s favour: the lockout.

Because of the odd off-season, he reasons, the Packers didn’t face the usual scrutiny, distractions and roster-raiding that NFL champs sometimes succumb to.

“What normally would be months where they would get all of the attention didn’t happen. They didn’t get guys getting all big-headed, thinking, ‘We’re really good. Hey, we’re the champions.’ … And you didn’t have a lot of holdouts. You can bring your team back intact,” Theismann said in a telephone interview Monday. “The lockout, as much as anything, created this (atmosphere of), ‘OK, you’re the world champions, but there are a lot of other things to talk about.’”

It would be pretty stunning if Green Bay doesn’t head into what could be the toughest test left on its schedule — a Nov. 6 game at the San Diego Chargers — with a 7-0 record. After all, the Packers’ next two games are against a couple of teams who are a combined 1-8: the St. Louis Rams (0-4) and the Minnesota Vikings (1-4).

“I know there’s that old adage: ‘On any given Sunday.’ But those shouldn’t be one of those given Sundays,” Theismann said. “The Packers just have much more talent.”

And Green Bay’s bye comes before facing San Diego, so there will be an extra week to rest and prepare.

Otherwise, the most significant upcoming game on Green Bay’s schedule appears to be against — believe it or not — the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.

“We have a different team than years past,” Rodgers said after the 25-14 victory at Atlanta. “We expect to win when we take the field.”

They’re averaging nearly 35 points, and their playmaking defence not only is producing turnovers but also making key adjustments. Against Atlanta, for example, the Packers began applying extra pass-rushing pressure while relying on their cornerbacks to handle more man-to-man coverage.

“They’re playing as good as any team in the National Football League right now,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “It starts with their quarterback play.”

Sure does.

Rogers completed 26 of 39 passes for 396 yards and two TDs against Atlanta, connecting with 12 receivers. He’s produced a passer rating above 100 every game this season, and his overall 122.9 mark leads the NFL.

“He’s doing some amazing things,” Atlanta cornerback Dunta Robinson said. “His team — they believe in him and they’re following him.”

On Sunday night alone, the Packers overcame these sorts of obstacles:

— trailing 14-0, and on the road, no less;

— playing the last 2 1/2 quarters without either starting offensive tackle;

— the midweek turbulence of former Packers star Brett Favre’s comments to an Atlanta radio station about Rodgers, and whether the Packers should have won a Super Bowl sooner with their current QB.

And yet, as Rodgers would say of facing Sunday’s deficit, “There was no panic.”

The way things are going for his team at the moment, why should there be?

___

AP National Writer Paul Newberry in Atlanta, and AP Sports Writer Chris Jenkins in Milwaukee contributed to this report.

“I feel fine,” said Grant, who left Soldier Field in an ambulance as a precaution following his 17-carry, 92-yard performance in the Packers’ 27-17 victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday. “I guess that doesn’t mean anything.”

After missing the team’s run to the Super Bowl with a season-ending ankle injury in the 2010 opener at Philadelphia, Grant was the Packers’ starting running back in name only during the first two games this year. In those two games combined, second-year back James Starks – the savior of the running game late last season – played 82 snaps to Grant’s 32; while Starks gained 142 yards on 21 carries, Grant carried 15 times for 65 yards.

Against the Bears, Grant got an opportunity and ran with it. He had six runs of double-digit yards and two more 9-yarders, shining on plays designed for his one-cut-and-go running style. Starks carried 11 times for 5 net yards and lost a fumble.

“It’s definitely frustrating,” Grant said. “I think it’s even harder because of me sitting out so many games last year. I don’t want to miss a game at all. But I kind of have no say in this. It is what it is.”

With 11 minutes left in the game, Grant took a helmet in the back from Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, and in obvious pain he went to the sideline, where he collapsed to his knees. But when the Packers offense went back on the field four minutes later, there was Grant, who wound up carrying the ball three more times. When he got back to the locker room, he went to the bathroom and saw blood in his urine.

“I’m like, ‘Oh, that can’t be good,’” Grant said.

After the hospital trip, Grant wound up coming home to Green Bay separate from his teammates. By Wednesday, coach Mike McCarthy was talking as if Grant is a longshot to play against the Broncos.

“What happens a lot of times when you have injuries and then players are trying to get ready to play, they’re of the opinion they’ll be ready to go by Sunday,” McCarthy said. “Our medical staff is not of the same opinion.”

McCarthy said Grant will have until Friday to show that he’s healthy enough to play, but he quickly added that Grant “will be pressed to make this game.”

McCarthy has said all along that he would go with the hot hand at running back, and in order to get those carries, Grant needs to be on the field.

“Ryan Grant is an attempt runner. That’s what he is. He’s a bull. You’ve got to give him the ball; he gets better as the game moves forward,” McCarthy said. “I don’t think the defensive players probably enjoy tackling him a lot because it’s a blow-for-blow type running style. . He had a heck of a day and played through some pain.”

And given how much Starks struggled against the Bears, Grant recognizes there is an opening for him to reinforce in the coaches’ minds that he deserves more playing time.

“Coaches know that it’s not about what you did in the past; it’s about what you do in the present,” he said. “So how I played (against Chicago), if I started out that way against Denver, that’d dictate how the game goes. Especially how our run game is with (McCarthy). His confidence in the run games builds if we start fast as a team running the ball. … Trust me, if I can go, if they allow me to go, I’m going to go.”

Notes: Grant and right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee) both sat out practice for the second consecutive day. They will be evaluated again on Friday. . Outside linebacker Clay Matthews (quadriceps) and cornerback Pat Lee (back) returned to work on a limited basis. . Linebacker Jamari Lattimore was added to the injury report with a shoulder injury. . Injured defensive end Mike Neal, out since Aug. 16 with a knee injury, said he’s hoping to return before the team’s Oct. 30 bye week.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

“I feel fine,” said Grant, who left Soldier Field in an ambulance as a precaution following his 17-carry, 92-yard performance in the Packers’ 27-17 victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday. “I guess that doesn’t mean anything.”

After missing the team’s run to the Super Bowl with a season-ending ankle injury in the 2010 opener at Philadelphia, Grant was the Packers’ starting running back in name only during the first two games this year. In those two games combined, second-year back James Starks – the savior of the running game late last season – played 82 snaps to Grant’s 32; while Starks gained 142 yards on 21 carries, Grant carried 15 times for 65 yards.

Against the Bears, Grant got an opportunity and ran with it. He had six runs of double-digit yards and two more 9-yarders, shining on plays designed for his one-cut-and-go running style. Starks carried 11 times for 5 net yards and lost a fumble.

“It’s definitely frustrating,” Grant said. “I think it’s even harder because of me sitting out so many games last year. I don’t want to miss a game at all. But I kind of have no say in this. It is what it is.”

With 11 minutes left in the game, Grant took a helmet in the back from Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, and in obvious pain he went to the sideline, where he collapsed to his knees. But when the Packers offense went back on the field four minutes later, there was Grant, who wound up carrying the ball three more times. When he got back to the locker room, he went to the bathroom and saw blood in his urine.

“I’m like, ‘Oh, that can’t be good,’” Grant said.

After the hospital trip, Grant wound up coming home to Green Bay separate from his teammates. By Wednesday, coach Mike McCarthy was talking as if Grant is a longshot to play against the Broncos.

“What happens a lot of times when you have injuries and then players are trying to get ready to play, they’re of the opinion they’ll be ready to go by Sunday,” McCarthy said. “Our medical staff is not of the same opinion.”

McCarthy said Grant will have until Friday to show that he’s healthy enough to play, but he quickly added that Grant “will be pressed to make this game.”

McCarthy has said all along that he would go with the hot hand at running back, and in order to get those carries, Grant needs to be on the field.

“Ryan Grant is an attempt runner. That’s what he is. He’s a bull. You’ve got to give him the ball; he gets better as the game moves forward,” McCarthy said. “I don’t think the defensive players probably enjoy tackling him a lot because it’s a blow-for-blow type running style. . He had a heck of a day and played through some pain.”

And given how much Starks struggled against the Bears, Grant recognizes there is an opening for him to reinforce in the coaches’ minds that he deserves more playing time.

“Coaches know that it’s not about what you did in the past; it’s about what you do in the present,” he said. “So how I played (against Chicago), if I started out that way against Denver, that’d dictate how the game goes. Especially how our run game is with (McCarthy). His confidence in the run games builds if we start fast as a team running the ball. … Trust me, if I can go, if they allow me to go, I’m going to go.”

Notes: Grant and right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee) both sat out practice for the second consecutive day. They will be evaluated again on Friday. . Outside linebacker Clay Matthews (quadriceps) and cornerback Pat Lee (back) returned to work on a limited basis. . Linebacker Jamari Lattimore was added to the injury report with a shoulder injury. . Injured defensive end Mike Neal, out since Aug. 16 with a knee injury, said he’s hoping to return before the team’s Oct. 30 bye week.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—Ryan Grant(notes) spent all of last season trying to get
back on the field. Now that he’s there, he doesn’t want to leave—even with a
bruised kidney.

The Green Bay Packers running back is unlikely to play Sunday against the
Denver Broncos after sustaining the injury late in the Packers’ 27-17 victory
over the Chicago Bears.

“I feel fine,” said Grant, who left Soldier Field in an ambulance as a
precaution following his 17-carry, 92-yard performance in the Packers’ 27-17
victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday. “I guess that doesn’t mean
anything.”

After missing the team’s run to the Super Bowl with a season-ending ankle
injury in the 2010 opener at Philadelphia, Grant was the Packers’ starting
running back in name only during the first two games this year. In those two
games combined, second-year back James Starks(notes) – the savior of the running game
late last season – played 82 snaps to Grant’s 32; while Starks gained 142 yards
on 21 carries, Grant carried 15 times for 65 yards.

Against the Bears, Grant got an opportunity and ran with it. He had six runs
of double-digit yards and two more 9-yarders, shining on plays designed for his
one-cut-and-go running style. Starks carried 11 times for 5 net yards and lost a
fumble.

“It’s definitely frustrating,” Grant said. “I think it’s even harder
because of me sitting out so many games last year. I don’t want to miss a game
at all. But I kind of have no say in this. It is what it is.”

With 11 minutes left in the game, Grant took a helmet in the back from Bears
linebacker Brian Urlacher(notes), and in obvious pain he went to the sideline, where he
collapsed to his knees. But when the Packers offense went back on the field four
minutes later, there was Grant, who wound up carrying the ball three more times.
When he got back to the locker room, he went to the bathroom and saw blood in
his urine.

“I’m like, `Oh, that can’t be good,”’ Grant said.

After the hospital trip, Grant wound up coming home to Green Bay separate
from his teammates. By Wednesday, coach Mike McCarthy was talking as if Grant is
a longshot to play against the Broncos.

“What happens a lot of times when you have injuries and then players are
trying to get ready to play, they’re of the opinion they’ll be ready to go by
Sunday,” McCarthy said. “Our medical staff is not of the same opinion.”

McCarthy said Grant will have until Friday to show that he’s healthy enough
to play, but he quickly added that Grant “will be pressed to make this game.”

McCarthy has said all along that he would go with the hot hand at running
back, and in order to get those carries, Grant needs to be on the field.

“Ryan Grant is an attempt runner. That’s what he is. He’s a bull. You’ve
got to give him the ball; he gets better as the game moves forward,” McCarthy
said. “I don’t think the defensive players probably enjoy tackling him a lot
because it’s a blow-for-blow type running style. . He had a heck of a day and
played through some pain.”

And given how much Starks struggled against the Bears, Grant recognizes
there is an opening for him to reinforce in the coaches’ minds that he deserves
more playing time.

“Coaches know that it’s not about what you did in the past; it’s about what
you do in the present,” he said. “So how I played (against Chicago), if I
started out that way against Denver, that’d dictate how the game goes.
Especially how our run game is with (McCarthy). His confidence in the run games
builds if we start fast as a team running the ball. … Trust me, if I can go,
if they allow me to go, I’m going to go.”

Notes: Grant and right tackle Bryan Bulaga(notes) (knee) both sat out practice for
the second consecutive day. They will be evaluated again on Friday. . Outside
linebacker Clay Matthews(notes) (quadriceps) and cornerback Pat Lee(notes) (back) returned to
work on a limited basis. . Linebacker Jamari Lattimore(notes) was added to the injury
report with a shoulder injury. . Injured defensive end Mike Neal(notes), out since Aug.
16 with a knee injury, said he’s hoping to return before the team’s Oct. 30 bye
week.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—Ryan Grant(notes) spent all of last season trying to get
back on the field. Now that he’s there, he doesn’t want to leave—even with a
bruised kidney.

The Green Bay Packers running back is unlikely to play Sunday against the
Denver Broncos after sustaining the injury late in the Packers’ 27-17 victory
over the Chicago Bears.

“I feel fine,” said Grant, who left Soldier Field in an ambulance as a
precaution following his 17-carry, 92-yard performance in the Packers’ 27-17
victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday. “I guess that doesn’t mean
anything.”

After missing the team’s run to the Super Bowl with a season-ending ankle
injury in the 2010 opener at Philadelphia, Grant was the Packers’ starting
running back in name only during the first two games this year. In those two
games combined, second-year back James Starks(notes) – the savior of the running game
late last season – played 82 snaps to Grant’s 32; while Starks gained 142 yards
on 21 carries, Grant carried 15 times for 65 yards.

Against the Bears, Grant got an opportunity and ran with it. He had six runs
of double-digit yards and two more 9-yarders, shining on plays designed for his
one-cut-and-go running style. Starks carried 11 times for 5 net yards and lost a
fumble.

“It’s definitely frustrating,” Grant said. “I think it’s even harder
because of me sitting out so many games last year. I don’t want to miss a game
at all. But I kind of have no say in this. It is what it is.”

With 11 minutes left in the game, Grant took a helmet in the back from Bears
linebacker Brian Urlacher(notes), and in obvious pain he went to the sideline, where he
collapsed to his knees. But when the Packers offense went back on the field four
minutes later, there was Grant, who wound up carrying the ball three more times.
When he got back to the locker room, he went to the bathroom and saw blood in
his urine.

“I’m like, `Oh, that can’t be good,”’ Grant said.

After the hospital trip, Grant wound up coming home to Green Bay separate
from his teammates. By Wednesday, coach Mike McCarthy was talking as if Grant is
a longshot to play against the Broncos.

“What happens a lot of times when you have injuries and then players are
trying to get ready to play, they’re of the opinion they’ll be ready to go by
Sunday,” McCarthy said. “Our medical staff is not of the same opinion.”

McCarthy said Grant will have until Friday to show that he’s healthy enough
to play, but he quickly added that Grant “will be pressed to make this game.”

McCarthy has said all along that he would go with the hot hand at running
back, and in order to get those carries, Grant needs to be on the field.

“Ryan Grant is an attempt runner. That’s what he is. He’s a bull. You’ve
got to give him the ball; he gets better as the game moves forward,” McCarthy
said. “I don’t think the defensive players probably enjoy tackling him a lot
because it’s a blow-for-blow type running style. . He had a heck of a day and
played through some pain.”

And given how much Starks struggled against the Bears, Grant recognizes
there is an opening for him to reinforce in the coaches’ minds that he deserves
more playing time.

“Coaches know that it’s not about what you did in the past; it’s about what
you do in the present,” he said. “So how I played (against Chicago), if I
started out that way against Denver, that’d dictate how the game goes.
Especially how our run game is with (McCarthy). His confidence in the run games
builds if we start fast as a team running the ball. … Trust me, if I can go,
if they allow me to go, I’m going to go.”

Notes: Grant and right tackle Bryan Bulaga(notes) (knee) both sat out practice for
the second consecutive day. They will be evaluated again on Friday. . Outside
linebacker Clay Matthews(notes) (quadriceps) and cornerback Pat Lee(notes) (back) returned to
work on a limited basis. . Linebacker Jamari Lattimore(notes) was added to the injury
report with a shoulder injury. . Injured defensive end Mike Neal(notes), out since Aug.
16 with a knee injury, said he’s hoping to return before the team’s Oct. 30 bye
week.

Most casual NFL fans had a similar reaction when they watched Randall Cobb catch a 32-yard touchdown pass and later return a kickoff 108 yards for another score in Green Bay’s 42-34 shootout win against New Orleans on Thursday night:
If you didn’t know who Randall Cobb was before Thursday night, now you know.
(Mike Roemer – AP)

“Who the heck is Randall Cobb?!?!?”

Randall Cobb is the Packers’ 2011 second-round draft pick, a 5-10, 192-pound receiver from Kentucky whose name is now etched in NFL record books after he tied the record for the longest kickoff return for a touchdown. And now you can expect him to be the hottest pickup in fantasy football circles this week.

Cobb is also the fifth wide receiver on the Packers’ depth chart, which is a clear indicator of just how scary the Green Bay offense could be this season.

Aaron Rodgers clinically picked apart the Saints’ porous secondary, hitting top target Greg Jennings with a 7-yard touchdown pass on the team’s opening drive. Less than four minutes later, Jordy Nelson hauled in a 3-yard pass for another score and by the end of the night, Rodgers had completed 27 of 35 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Nine different players caught passes from Rodgers, highlighting a receiving corps that could be the deepest in the league.

Jennings led the way with seven receptions for 89 yards, Nelson caught six balls for 77 yards, much-hyped tight end Jermichael Finley
caught three for 53 and new proud papa Donald Driver
caught four passes for 41 yards.

If you’re a fantasy football enthusiast, this is the type of offense that inspires both drool and angry fist shakes. On one hand, anyone on the Packers seems capable of putting up big numbers this season. On the other, you may never know who will lead the team in catches or carries or touchdowns in a given week. (Is Cobb the next Donald Driver or the next Frisman Jackson?)

For the NFL fan, however, Thursday’s offensive showcase was perfect kickoff to the 2011 season and a clear sign that the Packers have a legitimate shot at defending their Super Bowl title.

Green Bay, Wis. — A big part of opening the season following a Super Bowl victory, as the Green Bay Packers will be doing Thursday night, is dealing with all the hoopla and pageantry that surrounds kicking off the NFL season. With the game comes a massive pregame celebration and concert that can easily steer a team’s focus. Packers Coach Mike McCarthy wants no part of such a scenario.

Just as the New Orleans Saints had to deal with a year ago when they hosted the Minnesota Vikings on opening night with a parade and a star-studded concert, the Packers are tasked with keeping their focus on the visiting Saints and not on the evening performers — Kid Rock, Maroon 5 and Lady Antebellum.

“I think this is the highest compliment to your football team and to your organization,” McCarthy said. “But after the smoke clears and the celebration stops, it’s a football game. It’s a football game against a very good football team, an established football team, and that’s really what it comes down to.

“But frankly this is just my opinion on it, I’m not speaking for the team or for the organization, this is a celebration for our fans. And that’s the way I look at it. I’m excited about playing the Saints. … I couldn’t really tell you what they are doing in the pregame. I know it is different than any one we have ever had here.”

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers said the pageantry definitely puts a big-game feel to the game, which pits the past two Super Bowl champions and two of the teams favored to make this season’s title game.

“It’s a similar feel to a big game, playoff game,” Rodgers said. “There is a big atmosphere outside of the stadium, but to us the only thing that matters is taking care of business on the field.”

BLITZ READY: Rodgers said he expects the Saints’ defense to attack the Packers’ offense with an assortment of blitzes, just as New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ unit has done in the past.

At least the Packers are preparing for such an onslaught.

“We do a number of things with our formations and changing up the tempo of different things,” Rodgers said. “We are hopeful that we can avoid some of those big shots.

“If you look at some of the film and think about some of the games Gregg Williams has coached, it brings to mind quarterbacks taking a beating. And that’s not something we enjoy doing here in Green Bay, so hopefully I will be able to deal with what I need to and we will be able to protect, and I’ll be able to throw the ball.”

INJURY UPDATE: The Packers appear relatively healthy heading into Thursday night’s game.

While McCarthy — like Saints Coach Sean Payton — refrained from giving any injury updates until he is mandated to by the NFL today, local Green Bay media that is allowed to view a portion of the Packers’ practice reported tight end Jermichael Finley, defensive end Mike Neal, receiver James Jones, receiver Randall Cobb and tight end Ryan Taylor returned to practice Sunday after missing the exhibition finale against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Missing practice were linebacker Frank Zombo (scapula) and cornerback Davon House (hamstring).

YOUTHFUL PACK: With 10 rookies, including three who were undrafted, on their 53-man roster, the Packers have the NFL’s second-youngest roster, according to ESPN.com blogger Mike Sando, who compiled a ranking of rosters by age for the website.

But McCarthy doesn’t seem too concerned about the lack of experience of some of his players.

“I’m not worried about it,” he said. “It’s just a fact of the way our training camp was laid out and also just the way our roster is designed today.

“We have 10 rookies on our team. They deserve to be on our team. We didn’t just go out and say, hey, we’re going to keep young players this year. I think if anything coming out of a lockout season and what’s going on around the league, it’s probably more of a natural reaction to keep more experienced players, but these 10 men truly deserve to be on this football team.”

BY THE NUMBERS: The Packers are 5-0 all-time in prime-time season openers. … The Packers and Saints are the only teams in the league to finish in the top 10 in total offense each of the past five seasons. … Since 2005, the Packers rank No. 2 in the NFC in winning percentage, including playoff games, at .609 (53-34), trailing only the Saints (.616, 53-33) over that span.

•••••••

Nakia Hogan can be reached at nhogan@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3405.

Chastin West has been one of the biggest surprises in the Green Bay Packers’ training camp this year, consistently separating from defenders and making impressive catches in practice. He’s the Packers’ leading receiver through three preseason games, boosted largely by his 97-yard touchdown catch against Arizona.

West already knows the Packers’ offense after spending last year on the practice squad, and could contribute on special teams.

Still, West faces a tough task making it through the Packers’ final roster cutdown. Green Bay kept five wide receivers coming out of training camp last year, and those spots would seem to be claimed already by Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson and second-round rookie Randall Cobb.

The Packers don’t have many, if any, significant decisions left to make in terms of their starting lineup going into Thursday night’s preseason finale against Kansas City at Lambeau Field. So the game will serve as a last-ditch showcase for players such as West to make a case for a place on the roster.

“I’ve just got to keep going,” West said. “The end is going to come, whether you like it or not. Hopefully, it’s what I want, but I understand it’s a business.”

The Packers cut another receiver, Brett Swain, earlier this week. West is happy he still has a chance, but he isn’t gloating.

“In my mind, I’m just trying to go out there and play as best I can,” West said. “You don’t ever want to be fortunate (because) of another person’s misfortunes. I think Brett’s going to be fine wherever he goes, but as for me thinking about, ‘Oh, well, he got cut and all of this stuff,’ like I said before you can’t count heads.”

With Saturday’s deadline looming for teams to reduce their rosters from 80 to 53 players, the Packers also will have tough decisions to make within a large group of fullbacks and tight ends.

Tight ends and fullbacks are cross-trained and often used interchangeably in the Packers’ offense. Green Bay kept three fullbacks and four tight ends coming out of camp last year, but may keep fewer fullbacks and more tight ends this year.

That could be bad news for fullback Quinn Johnson, a fifth-round draft pick in 2009. But Johnson says he has had a “pretty solid” camp and isn’t approaching Thursday’s game as if it’s his last chance to make the team.

“I don’t feel it’s any bigger than the past games,” Johnson said. “I just have to go out there and do what I’ve been doing and let the cards fall where they may.”

The Chiefs also are looking forward to a final tune-up before their regular-season opener at home against Buffalo.

“You know, the preseason is all about trying to get better, so whether you’re playing against the ones or twos or whoever you’re playing against, your goal is to get better,” Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel said. “You’re really about your team and your ability to get better, because the ultimate goal is to be ready by Sept. 11.”

The Chiefs have a handful of positions up for grabs as well.

Andy Studebaker and rookie Justin Houston are competing for a starting spot at outside linebacker, while Ricky Stanzi and Tyler Palko both are after the backup quarterback job. The Chiefs must make decisions about the final few roster spots, particularly in the defensive backfield, where Sabby Piscitelli, Donald Washington, Reshard Langford and Jon McGraw are all in the mix.

“I’ve never put it just on the game, but I made it pretty clear to all of them at the start of the week, there’s a lot of competition going on at a number of different areas,” coach Todd Haley said. “Some of those areas are front line, some are second corps, and some into the third. … We’re going to have some tough decisions to make, and maybe this year is tougher than the first two years.”

And unless something unexpected happens to Aaron Rodgers this season, Thursday will be the last chance for Packers backups Matt Flynn and Graham Harrell to play meaningful minutes in a game. Rodgers is likely to play, but not for long.

Flynn’s contract is up at the end of this season, and he has shown enough ability to potentially tempt a team to give him a chance to start in 2012. If Flynn goes, the Packers will need Harrell to prove he can be a capable backup.

“The lockout probably hurt Graham the most of the three quarterbacks because that would have been a time to really hone in on the offense, get a real good understanding of it and get an intense period of working on fundamentals,” quarterbacks coach Tom Clements said. “We do the best we can during the year but we don’t have as much time to do it. He works at it, he has a knack back there passing. The more he learns about the offense and the more he feels comfortable with it, that allows you to play better.”

___

Connect with AP Sports Writer Chris Jenkins: www.twitter.com/ByChrisJenkins

Still, West faces a tough task making it through the Packers’ final roster cutdown. Green Bay kept five wide receivers coming out of training camp last year, and those spots would seem to be claimed already by Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson and second-round rookie Randall Cobb.

The Packers don’t have many, if any, significant decisions left to make in terms of their starting lineup going into Thursday night’s preseason finale against Kansas City at Lambeau Field. So the game will serve as a last-ditch showcase for players such as West to make a case for a place on the roster.

“I’ve just got to keep going,” West said. “The end is going to come, whether you like it or not. Hopefully, it’s what I want, but I understand it’s a business.”

The Packers cut another receiver, Brett Swain, earlier this week. West is happy he still has a chance, but he isn’t gloating.

“In my mind, I’m just trying to go out there and play as best I can,” West said. “You don’t ever want to be fortunate (because) of another person’s misfortunes. I think Brett’s going to be fine wherever he goes, but as for me thinking about, ‘Oh, well, he got cut and all of this stuff,’ like I said before you can’t count heads.”

With Saturday’s deadline looming for teams to reduce their rosters from 80 to 53 players, the Packers also will have tough decisions to make within a large group of fullbacks and tight ends.

Tight ends and fullbacks are cross-trained and often used interchangeably in the Packers’ offense. Green Bay kept three fullbacks and four tight ends coming out of camp last year, but may keep fewer fullbacks and more tight ends this year.

That could be bad news for fullback Quinn Johnson, a fifth-round draft pick in 2009. But Johnson says he has had a “pretty solid” camp and isn’t approaching Thursday’s game as if it’s his last chance to make the team.

“I don’t feel it’s any bigger than the past games,” Johnson said. “I just have to go out there and do what I’ve been doing and let the cards fall where they may.”

The Chiefs also are looking forward to a final tune-up before their regular-season opener at home against Buffalo.

“You know, the preseason is all about trying to get better, so whether you’re playing against the ones or twos or whoever you’re playing against, your goal is to get better,” Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel said. “You’re really about your team and your ability to get better, because the ultimate goal is to be ready by Sept. 11.”

The Chiefs have a handful of positions up for grabs as well.

Andy Studebaker and rookie Justin Houston are competing for a starting spot at outside linebacker, while Ricky Stanzi and Tyler Palko both are after the backup quarterback job. The Chiefs must make decisions about the final few roster spots, particularly in the defensive backfield, where Sabby Piscitelli, Donald Washington, Reshard Langford and Jon McGraw are all in the mix.

“I’ve never put it just on the game, but I made it pretty clear to all of them at the start of the week, there’s a lot of competition going on at a number of different areas,” coach Todd Haley said. “Some of those areas are front line, some are second corps, and some into the third. … We’re going to have some tough decisions to make, and maybe this year is tougher than the first two years.”

And unless something unexpected happens to Aaron Rodgers this season, Thursday will be the last chance for Packers backups Matt Flynn and Graham Harrell to play meaningful minutes in a game. Rodgers is likely to play, but not for long.

Flynn’s contract is up at the end of this season, and he has shown enough ability to potentially tempt a team to give him a chance to start in 2012. If Flynn goes, the Packers will need Harrell to prove he can be a capable backup.

“The lockout probably hurt Graham the most of the three quarterbacks because that would have been a time to really hone in on the offense, get a real good understanding of it and get an intense period of working on fundamentals,” quarterbacks coach Tom Clements said. “We do the best we can during the year but we don’t have as much time to do it. He works at it, he has a knack back there passing. The more he learns about the offense and the more he feels comfortable with it, that allows you to play better.”

___

Connect with AP Sports Writer Chris Jenkins: www.twitter.com/ByChrisJenkins

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Aug. 11, 2011 – Kevin Kolb of the Arizona Cardinals lines up his team against the Oakland Raiders.

More on this topic

UP NEXT: CARDINALS at PACKERS

When: 5 p.m. Friday | Where: Lambeau Field
TV: Ch. 15 (Repeats Sunday at 4:30 p.m. FSAZ)
Radio: 92.3 KTAR-FM (Dave Pasch, Ron Wolfley)
Spanish: 710 AM KMIA (Gabriel Trujillo, Rolando Cantu)

2011 CARDINALS TRAINING CAMP
Full schedule | Cardinals at camp | Fans
11 key position battles for Arizona Cardinals
Things to do: What to eat, where to stay in Flagstaff

Slideshow: Cardinals off-season preparations

Cardinals 2011 schedule analysis | Schedule

More Cardinals with Kent Somers