I hate writing about the injury report mid-week, because it can change for the Green Bay Packers before the week's out, but it's such an important subplot this week that I can't ignore it.
- LB Clay Matthews. It was reported that he was back at practice on Wednesday. He's still limited, and it's no lock he'll play on Sunday. But the pass rush vanished against the Dolphins without him, and my whole outlook on this game changes if he can play.
- LB Brandon Chillar and LB A.J. Hawk. Again from the Press-Gazette, Chillar returned to practice for only the second time since week 3 (Bears game), while Hawk is out with injured groin. LB Desmond Bishop's looked great since he moved into the starting lineup, but I'd really like to see fewer sightings of LB Robert Francois (recently of the practice squad). Hopefully either Chillar or Hawk are ready to go.
- RT Mark Tauscher. A week ago, I wasn't too worried about his absence, but then rookie RT Bryan Bulaga surrendered 3 sacks to the Dolphins. Tauscher was limited in practice on Wednesday, but if he's ready, I'd like to see him start. Maybe Bulaga's just not accustomed to playing on the right side (he spent nearly the entire time in camp at left tackle or left guard before Tauscher was injured).
- CB Al Harris and SS Atari Bigby. Both returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since 2009. It looks like Harris is further ahead, and he's as ready as he's ever going to be. It will be interesting to see what role he plays on Sunday. It doesn't look like Bigby will be ready this week.
I'm pessimistic about any of these guys playing on Sunday. Do you think any (or all) of them will be able to play?