Packer Notes: Bears To Play Backups, Newhouse Out, Dietrich-Smith In, and Other Injuries

While the Bears have been insisting that they're "full-go" on Sunday, other reports have said that they're getting some backups ready to play. I don't expect this has any impact on how the Green Bay Packers are preparing for the regular season finale. But it means we might be able to breathe easier as fans.

Rookie OL Marshall Newhouse has been hurting with a back problem for the past couple weeks. He hasn't played at all in the regular season, and he's only needed for emergency depth. Since it didn't appear he'd be ready anytime soon, the Packers announced that he's been placed on I.R., and they've re-signed OL Evan Dietrich-Smith. He spent the entire 2009 season with the Packers, but was released back in September when the Packers went down to a 53-man roster. He's spent some time with the Seahawks this season, but he never played for them. Obviously he's someone that's familiar with the offense already, and based on Mike McCarthy's remarks, it sounds like he's well liked in the locker room.

Mike McCarthy said that both LB Frank Zombo and DE Cullen Jenkins are feeling better, but neither is ready to return this week. Some good news is that CB Sam Shields will play on defense and special teams, which was in some doubt after he injured his knee during the week. McCarthy also discussed how they've been playing more in their Okie package (2 defensive lineman, 5 linebackers) since Jenkins's injury. Which is a little ironic because depth is an issue at linebacker too. 

I did a question and answer session via email with Windy City Gridiron late last week.