I was expecting one more injury report after the Saturday practice, but I guess not. Based on the latest report, even injured starters LB A.J. Hawk might start and C Scott Wells might be available. Jason Spitz will start in place of Wells, and he played well in place of Wells at center this preseason. Tony Moll will play in place of Spitz at right guard. The line is better with Wells, but he's had trouble in the past with Minnesota's excellent defensive tackles (Pat and Kevin Williams) and Spitz and Moll have lots of experience as starters anyway. Maybe rookie RG Josh Sitton would be an improvement over Moll, Sitton started every preseason game until he was hurt against Denver, but it wasn't clear Sitton was ready to start either.
Sitton is defintely out, and WR James Jones probably won't play either, but everyone else on the injury list should be available. I'm expecting a great season from Jones, but WR Ruvell Martin is good and not a big step down from Jones. Plus it might give top pick WR Jordy Nelson an opportunity to play with the 1st string offense which was an opportunity he rarely had in the preseason. Hawk might not play, but LB Brandon Chillar is good and Hawk's good pass coverage skills aren't as needed against Minnesota because they don't get much pass production from their tight ends and running backs.
Player | Pos. | Injury | Friday Participation | Friday Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Atari Bigby | S | Ankle | Full Participation | Probable |
Chad Clifton | T | Knees/ Chest | Limited Participation | Probable |
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila | DE | Knee | Did Not Participate | Probable |
Ryan Grant | RB | Hamstring | Did Not Participate | Probable |
A.J. Hawk | LB | Chest | Limited Participation | Questionable |
James Jones | WR | Knee | Did Not Participate | Doubtful |
Charlie Peprah | S | Hamstring | Limited Participation | Questionable |
Josh Sitton | G | Knee | Out | Out |
Jeremy Thompson | DE | Groin | Full Participation | Probable |
Scott Wells | C | Back | Did Not Participate | Questionable |
Tracy White | LB | Ankle | Limited Participation | Probable |