Four Players Returned To Packers Practice This Week - Will They Play?

by Brandon on Oct 22, 2010 3:16 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers News

These are unusual situations involving the Green Bay Packers and the return of CB Al Harris, SS Atari Bigby, and RB James Starks to practice (I believe they technically remain on the PUP list, but they're now eligible to practice and could be added to the 53-man roster), and the trade to bring back S Anthony Smith. What role might these four play on Sunday? From Mike McCarthy:

I think Al Harris and Atari, what’s nice about their week is you see them more and more comfortable as the week went on. Whether they’ll go this week or not, that’s something to be determined. But I thought they clearly were getting more comfortable as the week went on.

That didn't rule either of them out, but it doesn't sound too promising. I've got no expectation of either guy playing, but I wouldn't be shocked if they both did. Rookie James Starks is so far behind that he just worked on the basics with the coaches this week. Bringing back any of them for Sunday would require removing someone from the 53-man roster, maybe by placing LB Brady Poppinga on I.R., so there will have to be some planning if any of them are to play.

But Smith will play immediately. From Mike McCarthy:

Anthony has jumped right in. He’s really picked up where he left off. He still has excellent recall of the defense. Special teams, him and Shawn Slocum have spent a lot of extra time together. Anthony will be part of our 45 on Sunday.

This is what I expected from him: he's effectively replacing S Derrick Martin, who's lost for the season. He's backing up S Charlie Peprah, who himself has gone from a weak backup in 2008 to a decent starter in 2010, but Smith's primary role will be on special teams.

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I really hope Al can go this week.

I’ve missed seeing those dreads fly all over the place as he makes a tackle.

by Omaha Sun on Oct 22, 2010 4:28 PM CDT reply actions

Al Harris and Atari Bigby

combine to form the Most Dreaded Secondary!

by I voted for Kodos on Oct 22, 2010 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Nice.

My English teacher would be proud of that pun.

What about Tramon? Doesn’t he have something going on back there too.

by Omaha Sun on Oct 22, 2010 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I almost included him

But I only have so much time at work to sift through images of Packers before I gotta put in my time for The Man. But from what I looked at he seems to have some budding dreads. Whether he continues to grow them or not will be important in determining his “Most Dreaded” status. As it stands, I don’t think he qualifies but would be a good tie-breaker in case Mike McKenzie comes back and teams with Michael Griffin in Tennessee.

Every time I see the dreads I wonder – is that uncomfortable or does it provide extra protection? I think it’s a little bit of the former and a healthy dose of the latter.

by I voted for Kodos on Oct 22, 2010 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions

On Madden 10...

I cut Jarret Bush and signed Mike McKenzie. I kind of missed the guy.

You’re right about Tramon though. He’s gonna have to put in a few years before he reches the others’ level. It’s been like what, 10 years since Al’s last haircut?

You combine that secondary with our LB corps., we might lead the league in defensive hair. Al, Atari, Tramon, AJ, Clay, Chillar, and Barnett; that’s a lot of hair right there.

by Omaha Sun on Oct 22, 2010 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Now if we can just get Hawk

to tie his hair to the opposing TE. Then he’ll have him well-covered whether he wants to or not.

by I voted for Kodos on Oct 22, 2010 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't forget Burnett...

He’s sporting some pretty good dreads too!

You've been Stroh'd!!!

by Strohman on Oct 22, 2010 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Seriously!

I was talking to someone about that recently. Was wondering if you were required to grow your hair out to play on our D. Pretty crazy.

by TrevorR on Oct 23, 2010 7:15 AM CDT up reply actions

According to MM’s press conference yesterday (and that’s all I know on this aspect of PUP), they have to decide and announce on Harris and Bigby tomorrow. If they pull the trigger on either one of those, someone will have to leave the 53 to make room, so I’m sure we’ll hear about it.

Nance should be eligible for the practice squad, right? There’s one move. Who else? Can Francois be demoted?

by GinSlinger on Oct 22, 2010 4:44 PM CDT reply actions

If they need to cut somebody, they should cut G Nick Mcdonald, who doesn’t play, and I didn’t think he should of made the team in the first place. I like Francois, he hits pretty hard and looks like he has potential. Then they could cut that sitting duck Jarrett Bush, activate Al n Atari and call it a day.

by Katsuya89 on Oct 23, 2010 1:13 AM CDT up reply actions