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The Green Bay Packers are busy preparing for Thursday's preseason game against the Oakland Raiders, but two players also have their minds on another pressing issue: imminent potential suspensions. The news came down on Monday that Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers could be suspended if they continue to refuse to cooperate with the NFL regarding allegations of PED use (which have since been recanted).
This sets these individuals and the NFL Player's Association up in a tight spot. The players certainly would want to put this issue behind them, but if they do submit for questioning, it could put the union in a bind down the road. There's no good solution for the two linebackers, or their fellow players who are being subjected to the same treatment.
Meanwhile, we look ahead to Thursday, where it appears that quarterback Brett Hundley will get the bulk of the snaps. Indeed, signs now suggest that Aaron Rodgers may not play after all, despite indicating on the last game telecast that he would suit up. Stay tuned to find out more on Rodgers' status in the next 48 hours.
Players should fight NFL like crazy for the 'Al-Jazeera four' - ESPN
You can't blame Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers and company for deferring to the NFLPA on responding to the NFL's insistence on an investigation. However, now that the league is threatening the players with a suspension if they do not submit to an inquisition, this sets a very dangerous precedent for public (and unsubstantiated) accusations against players.
Camp Insider: Rest treats Peppers well | Packersnews.com
Speaking of Peppers, his snap count won't just be limited in games early this season - it's being limited in training camp too, but the snaps he is taking are very effective.
Micah Hyde embraces utility role in Packers' secondary | Packers.com
Hyde had to learn four different cornerback positions as a rookie and felt like he was getting singled out every time the unit watched film. Now, he's grateful for that trial by fire, as it allows him to play virtually every position in the secondary.
Aaron Rodgers likely to sit out game vs. Raiders - NFL.com
Despite his comments during Friday's game against Cleveland suggesting the opposite, it now appears that Rodgers will indeed sit again on Thursday when the Packers take on the Raiders.
Aaron Rodgers links Green Bay Packers' caution to Jordy Nelson's ACL - ESPN
Rodgers says "it's only natural" for the team to want to hold its star players back more a year after seeing Jordy Nelson go down in week two of the preseason.
Pat McAfee’s random drug tests aren’t random - SBNation.com
Does this happen to everyone in the NFL or is the Colts punter the only person who actually talks about it publicly?
2016 NFL Dream Team | Analyst Sam Monson | | PFF
If American football were in the Olympics, this might be the starting lineup that the USA would employ. I have one major gripe though - how can you justify a left tackle, who has barely ever played guard in his career, over Josh Sitton at the left guard spot?