Cheese Curds, 12/21: Kenny Clark’s toy drive robbed; Tyler Lancaster steps up

As the Green Bay Packers’ decision with defensive tackle Kenny Clark drags on this week, one thing is sure: somebody in his hometown is a jerk of the highest caliber.

Clark, who missed last week’s game with an elbow injury and who may or may not be going on injured reserve before Sunday’s game against the Jets, is the Packers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee this season. In just his third season in the NFL, Clark has made a great impact on his community, both in Green Bay and in his home town.

This year he had been working on a toy drive for underprivileged kids back home when tragedy struck — someone robbed the stash of toys at Clark’s mother’s house, leaving it completely bare. If you’re interested in helping Clark out and bringing some happiness to some needy kids, read on.

Meanwhile, in on-field news, Clark’s replacement had a great game in his longest audition of the season. Rookie Tyler Lancaster has outplayed anyone’s expectations of him this season, and it’s entirely reasonable to expect him to be on the roster in 2019. Keep reading for news on him as well.

Packers: Kenny Clark's toy drive for needy kids goes on despite theft | Packersnews.com
The good news coming out of this is the generosity of the community. The toys that were stolen were worth an estimated $5,000, but a GoFundMe has already raised more than twice that number.

Here’s the link to the GoFundMe if you’re inclined to help out.

Tyler Lancaster ‘was close to dominant’ vs. Chicago | Packers.com
Here are a few interesting notes from the Packers' coordinators this week.

• Mike Pettine thought Lancaster was awesome, and he sounds really high on him moving forward.
• Pettine also says that Josh Jackson is having a “typical rookie year,” alluding to the cornerback’s struggles.
• Tony Brown might get some opportunities on punt returns in the final two weeks.

Packers RT Bryan Bulaga tore MCL against Cardinals | Packers Wire
I can't remember for sure, but I seem to remember Bulaga having MCL issues in the past. However, he was back practicing this week so he might suit up on Sunday against the Jets.

Packers Head Coach Candidate: Dave Toub | The Power Sweep
I've been on the Dave Toub train a bit since Mike McCarthy was fired, and Toub would bring some accountability and general football intelligence to the job rather than focusing primarily on the offense.

Pro Bowl Skills Showdown returns with new competitions - NFL.com
If both Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams actually go to the Pro Bowl this year (a possibility but not a sure thing given Rodgers' knee and groin injuries) we could end up seeing them participate in the Best Hands race.

Josh Gordon leaves Patriots, suspended indefinitely by NFL - SBNation.com
Yet again, Gordon is on suspension for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, and this might finally be his last straw. He beat the suspension news, however, announcing that he will step away from football to focus on his mental health.

No, you don’t have to give your Christmas tree Sprite or Viagra or vodka to keep it fresh | Slate
JUST GIVE YOUR TREE WATER. Don't give it any of these other absurd things in the hopes of keeping it fresh longer -- they almost certainly won't work.