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Week 1 of the 2017 NFL season has officially begun, which means the Green Bay Packers have just a few days before their NFC Championship Game rematch with the Atlanta Falcons.
Injuries remain the dominant narrative in Green Bay, with the health of the offensive line still in flux as Sunday night nears. Whether the Packers have their starting bookend tackles could obviously have a significant impact on the outcome.
Packers could have trouble at tackle without Bakhtiari or Bulaga in Atlanta | ESPN
Bryan Bulaga's status for Sunday night's showdown with the Falcons remains unclear. However, the Packers have other question marks at offensive tackle. David Bakhtiari picked up a hamstring injury during last week's win over the Seattle Seahawks as did backup Jason Spriggs. The team elevated Adam Pankey from the practice squad as insurance. Green Bay should survive if Bulaga can't play, but any other departure at tackle.
Ty Montgomery passes first test as Packers' workhorse back | Fox Sports
The numbers from Montgomery's first outing of the season don't jump off the screen -- 19 carries for 54 yards (2.8 average) -- but the Packers leaned on Montgomery to grind out first downs as they drained the clock late in the fourth quarter. For Montgomery to remain the team's lead back, he must continue to prove effective in those situations.
Packers shift back to traditional in-season schedule | Packers.com
Head coach Mike McCarthy moved the Packers' Wednesday practices later in the day heading into the 2017 season. However, after several veterans remarked that the time change forced players to stay much later despite the fact they reported to the team facilities at the same time. McCarthy honored his players' request and pushed the practice up. In the grand scheme of things, this shouldn't make a significant impact. However, it helps explains why the veteran coach hasn't had too many issues commanding the respect of his players.
Lions add former Packers DL to practice squad | Packers Wire
When the Packers released both LaDarius Gunter and Ricky Jean Francois earlier this week, many surmised the team planned to bring back Christian Ringo. However, Ringo instead ended up with the NFC North rival Detroit Lions who need as many active bodies along their defensive line as possible.