Vikings vs. Packers Inactives: Sam Shields, Johnny Jolly Out for Week 12 Game

The Green Bay Packers will be without five starters this week, in addition to all the key players on Injured Reserve. Both the Packers and Minnesota Vikings announced their inactive players for today's game, and it's a laundry list of key players on both sides.

First, the Packers' inactives:

OL Don Barclay
WR Chris Harper
DL Johnny Jolly
OLB Nate Palmer
OLB Nick Perry
QB Aaron Rodgers
CB Sam Shields

This is the second straight game that Shields is inactive, and Davon House will start in his place. Thankfully, Micah Hyde is not inactive, and will play. Given his groin injury, however, Hyde may see some of his snaps on defense limited and could rotate with Jarrett Bush in the nickel package.

Also out is starting defensive end Johnny Jolly, who will be replaced in the starting lineup by Mike Daniels. The return of Jerel Worthy to the active roster does give the Packers another body in the line rotation, though.

Also returning from the PUP list is Sean Richardson, who will play today (likely only on special teams).

Barclay's continued absence means that Marshall Newhouse will start again at right tackle, but expect to see some meaningful snaps from Derek Sherrod today.

The Packers again have just three healthy outside linebackers this week, as Clay Matthews and Mike Neal will start with Andy Mulumba backing up.

The Vikings are also missing some starters today, as three of their usuals show up on the inactive report:

DT Chris Baker
G Jeff Baca
QB Josh Freeman
MLB Erin Henderson
CB Josh Robinson
TE Kyle Rudolph
WR Rodney Smith

Henderson was not practicing all week with personal issues, which apparently will cause him to miss today's game. Rookie Audie Cole replaces him in the starting lineup. Xavier Rhodes, who was abused by Jordy Nelson in Week 8, gets the start for the injured Robinson, while Rudolph's absence rids the Vikings of a top pass-catching tight end.

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