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Packers could face Bears without both starting guards

Both Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang could be out this Sunday.

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Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Coming off the bye, one of the biggest questions facing the Green Bay Packers was the status of right guard T.J. Lang. It turns out he wasn't the only starting guard with an injury, as both he and Josh Sitton missed practice Wednesday with injuries.

Lang sprained his ankle during the first quarter of the Packers Week 8 tilt with the New Orleans Saints and didn't return. He spent the bye week in Green Bay receiving treatment. However, there was considerably less discussion regarding Sitton during the bye, who tore a ligament in his big toe and will be reevaluated on Thursday.

The team has not declared whether they expect either player to sit out of Sunday's NFC North showdown with the Chicago Bears, but the prospect of playing without both starting guards is a real concern. The Packers activated JC Tretter off short-term injured reserve this week, and he could likely handle one of the vacant spots. However, it would also mean another game for Lane Taylor who struggled mightily after replacing Lang in New Orleans.

Just as troubling is the backup plan should another injury occur, especially at tackle. After Derek Sherrod's release, Lang is now listed as the backup right tackle. Meanwhile, Tretter is listed as the backup to left tackle David Bakhtiari. The only other offensive lineman on the 53 is Garth Gerhart, a 6'1" center who cannot be expected to play another position. Consequently, it would not be surprising if the Packers add an offensive lineman later in the week should Sitton and Lang be ruled out.

Jason B. Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Acme Packing Company. He also serves as an SB Nation Newsdesk Contributor and writes for Sports on Earth.