McCarthy Presser 10/1: Returning from the Break

It's been awhile since the last time Packers head coach Mike McCarthy met the press. Wednesday's was a lively affair, with several surprise injury announcements and developments.

Here's the full rundown of McCarthy's full injury report:

• S Morgan Burnett - full participation (hamstring)
• CB Jarrett Bush - full participation (hamstring)
• TE Jermichael Finley - full participation (concussion)
• CB Casey Hayward - ruled out for Sunday (hamstring)
• RB John Kuhn - full participation (hamstring)
• LB Clay Matthews - limited participation (hamstring)
• RB James Starks - did not practice (knee)
• OL Greg Van Roten - ruled out for Sunday (foot)

For those keeping score at home, that's five hamstring injuries, though several seem to be progressing. The notable exception is Casey Hayward, who will miss his six straight week with lingering effects from the hamstring pull he suffered in the third preseason game against Seattle. McCarthy said the team will know more early next week. Expect to see Tramon Williams again take over slot duties with Davon House filling in on the outside.

McCarthy labeled Starks in the "category of a couple of weeks." That's actually good news given that Michael Hill's signing seemed to indicate a worse injury. This also allows for Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin to continue to vie for greater roles in the running game.

It was reported earlier today that Clay Matthews did not participate in practice, but McCarthy informed the press that Matthews partook in a limited capacity after media availability. That doesn't necessarily mean Matthews is on track to suit up for the Lions this Sunday, but at least a lengthy absence doesn't seem likely anymore.

The biggest surprise from McCarthy's presser was the news on Greg Van Roten. There had been no indication that Van Roten was even injured, but now he's expected to miss "multiple weeks." Your McCarthy to English dictionary will tell you that multiple weeks means likely three or more. This puts rookie Lane Taylor one play away from game action.

That's all from McCarthy. Keep your internet machines tuned to Acme Packing Company for the latest Packers news and developments.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Acme Packing Co. He has previously written for Lombardi Ave, College Hoops Net, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is also currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter: @JBHirschhorn