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With only two days remaining before their first game of the season, the Packers have quite a few injury concerns to manage.
Morgan Burnett and Brad Jones each missed practice Friday with hamstring soreness. In his post-practice presser, McCarthy characterized the DNPs are precautionary. However, both players suffered their injuries a week ago or more.
If Jones is unable to go, McCarthy is confident Robert Francois will step in and step up. "Robert Francois has really grown in pretty much every aspect of his professional being. What he's done with his body. The opportunity to focus on one position has really helped him. He's done a very good job on special teams. He's smart, tough, love having him on our team." As for a Burnett absence, the Packers would be left with M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian. Neither has been named the starter for the other safety position, but they could both start week 1. This situation warrants close monitoring heading into Sunday afternoon. Both are officially listed as questionable.
We've known for a few days that slot cornerback Casey Hayward will not dress Sunday. As expected, the team tabbed Micah Hyde to handle Hayward's slot duties. McCarthy expressed confidence in the first-year corner, explaining "Micah, from Day 1, hasn't behaved like a rookie. He's picked up the scheme seamlessly. It's something he's done in college. There haven't been too many practices where you didn't feel good about No. 33." In the preseason, Hyde played tremendously when Dom Capers sent him into the backfield and near the line of scrimmage. However, his coverage deficiencies can be exploited when the opposing offense goes vertical. The Packers will need to adjust their game plan accordingly.
That's all we have for now. Keep your internet machines tuned to Acme Packing Company for more updates on injuries and developments as we head into week 1.
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
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