Franks, Harrell out for Sunday
Tight end Bubba Franks (knee) and defensive tackle Justin Harrell (ankle) will sit out for the second consecutive game because of injuries. Cornerback Will Blackmon (foot) also was listed as out on today's injury report. Meanwhile, fullback Korey Hall was added to the injury report with a neck injury, and center Scott Wells (illness) sat out practice again. Wide receiver Koren Robinson (knee) fully participated. The only two players on Kansas City's injury report -- linebacker Keyaron Fox and receiver Eddie Kennison -- have hamstring injuries but participated in full. OUTWill Blackmon, CB (foot) Bubba Franks, TE (knee) Justin Harrell, DT (ankle) DID NOT PARTICIPATEScott Wells, C (illness) LIMITED PARTICIPATIONChad Clifton, T (knee) Nick Collins, S (knee) Junius Coston, G/T (ankle) Korey Hall, FB (neck) Al Harris, CB (back) Ruvell Martin, WR (back) Ryan Pickett, DT (knee) Frank Walker, CB (knee) Charles Woodson, CB (foot) FULL PARTICIPATIONKoren Robinson, WR (knee) -- Press-Gazette
Practice report
Guard Junius Coston and defensive end Cullen Jenkins did not appear to be doing anything at practice today, although they were in attendance. Coston (ankle) has missed the last two games. Jenkins (ankle) did play on Monday against Denver. Center Scott Wells (illness) was not in attendance during the workout. Further details will be available following practice.
Ty Law seeks interception, autograph
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Ty Law said he wants to intercept a Brett Favre pass because he has never done it during his career. If he accomplishes that feat on Sunday, Law said he plans to ask Favre to autograph the football. When told of Law's plan, Favre said: "I’m hoping that it doesn’t happen that way. I’ve had guys come up and ask if they can have my jersey, shoes or whatever, but that may be a first. Does he want me to sign it right after? If he’ll pay the fine if I pull a Sharpie out.” On defenses keying on Donald Driver, Favre said: “He’s drawn more double-coverage. …We’re still seeing that. I think we’ve shown we’ll throw it to other guys, and that our other guys will be productive when we throw it to them. So at some point you have to pay more attention to everyone else as well.” On the Chiefs being the only team he has never beaten during his career, Favre said: “I’ve heard that this week. It was brought to my attention. I’m surprised they’re the only ones. I’ve been playing a long time, played against every team, but I don’t pay a lot of attention to that fact, or the fact that I’ve beaten this team x amount of times or haven’t beaten this one. It’s always the next game. I know we haven’t had success down there. We haven’t played there in a long time. It’s another game for us, obviously important. Heck, they all are. I don’t want to win this game for that reason.” -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Favre seeks consistency
Quarterback Brett Favre spoke to reporters at his mid-week press conference this afternoon. Highlights from Favre's comments: On whether the Packers’ multi-dimensional offense against the Broncos will make it tougher for opposing defenses: “Considering how we had been playing, I think we offered a couple more dimensions. But one game doesn't show a lot of consistency. But it proves we can run ball and we can throw the ball deep. Once again it is just one game.” On where Monday night’s victory ranks: “It ranks up near the top. There's been bigger wins, I guess. To me every win is special. Obviously how you win some of those games probably carries more weight. The fact it was overtime and 82 yards or whatever. … To cap it off that way was huge. But this year has been a case of big wins in all different ways. We’ve got to find a way to make it a little bit easier on ourselves.” -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Wells' status for Sunday uncertain
There's no guarantee center Scott Wells will be ready to return to action this week. "He's struggling to get over the illness, and he doesn't have a lot of strength," coach Mike McCarthy said today. "I always play the high end of those as far as caution, so we'll see how his week goes." Wells suffered a broken eye socket against Chicago and sat out the following week against Washington. He was expected to return Monday but developed a sinus infection, which tests indicated is not related to the other injury, McCarthy said. Like Wells, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett (knee) is expected to be limited in practice this week, but McCarthy indicated his injury isn't serious. Pickett took two shots to the knee in Monday's game, according to McCarthy, but he was fitted with a brace and finished the game. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Packers game gets huge ratings
The Packers-Broncos game on Monday Night football garnered the highest rating of the year, according to ESPN. The Packers' 19-13 overtime victory attracted a 10.5 rating, which represents 10,163,000 homes. That's the most viewers of any cable television show in 2007. -- Press-Gazette
Packers activate Robinson, place Wynn on IR
DeShawn Wynn's strange journey as a Green Bay Packers rookie has come to an end. The rookie running back was placed on season-ending injured reserve today, clearing the way for receiver Koren Robinson to be reinstated to the active roster. The NFL reinstated Robinson on Oct. 18, one year after he began serving a suspension for repeat violations of the league's substance abuse policy. The Packers got a roster exemption for Robinson that expired today. Wynn pulled himself from Monday's win at Denver after his first carry because of a shoulder injury. He also has battled calf, quadriceps and neck injuries, as well as dehydration and illness, since he joined the Packers six months ago. The press release issued by the team did not specify why Wynn is on injured reserve, but chances are it's the shoulder injury. Wynn still leads the Packers with 203 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 50 carries. Ryan Grant replaced Wynn in the lineup Monday and became the Packers' first 100-yard rusher this season. He'll start Sunday at Kansas City. Wynn's departure from the 53-man roster also means second-round draft pick Brandon Jackson likely will be active for the first time since Sept. 23. UPDATE: Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Wynn suffered a "significant" shoulder injury, dubbing it a more serious version of the shoulder stinger that sidelined tackle Tony Moll for a large chunk of August and September. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Packers win
The story of the night may have been the resurgent running game, but the Packers won largely on the strength of Brett Favre's still-capable right arm. For the second time tonight, Favre threw a touchdown bomb on the first play of a drive, this time an 82-yard strike to Greg Jennings down the left sideline that sent home the Packers with a 19-13 victory. It matched the second-longest winning pass in overtime in NFL history at 82 yards. And once again, the Packers just find a way to win a ballgame. The win restores their one-game lead in the NFC North Division as they enter a short week preparing for Sunday's visit to Kansas City. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Game heads to overtime
The Broncos gambled by running a quarterback sneak with 22 seconds to go, but Jay Cutler's run for no gain left just enough time for Jason Elam to come on for a game-tying, 21-yard field goal, sending the game to overtime tied at 13. No play on Denver's tying drive was bigger than the fourth-and-2 conversion -- a quick out to Brandon Stokley, who beat Al Harris to the left sideline. But Harris' blown tackle that allowed Brandon Marshall to turn a short gain into a 35-yard pickup and three missed tackles on Selvin Young's pretty 9-yard run the red zone were huge as well. The Packers won the coin toss and will embark on the first drive of overtime from their own 18-yard line. It's late already, so start sending your postgame chat questions here. I'll be back with answers around 1 a.m. The blog returns late Tuesday afternoon after coach Mike McCarthy's day-after press conference. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Kampman coming up big
Aaron Kampman keeps proving his Pro Bowl season a year ago was no fluke. He now has two sacks tonight -- increasing his season total to seven, on pace to challenge his 15 1/2 of a year ago -- the latest forcing the Broncos to kick a field goal after a 13-play drive. Jason Elam hit from 45 yards to pull Denver within 13-10. After getting shut out in the season opener, Kampman has had at least a half-sack in six consecutive games. He's made life miserable tonight for Denver right tackle Erik Pears, who also was flagged for holding Kampman on the Broncos' latest drive. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Packers lead 13-7
With the way Ryan Grant has been running the football -- now 81 yards on 14 carries -- Tony Moll's false start inside the 1-yard line probably cost Grant his first touchdown. Combined with Chad Clifton's false start a play later, Moll's gaffe means the Packers now have 149 yards but just six points on their past two drives. Mason Crosby hit from 26 yards to make it 13-7 Packers with 1:26 to go in the first half. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Pick up Ryan Grant in your fantasy league now
With DeShawn Wynn sidelined by yet another injury, Ryan Grant is making the most of his first extended action running the football in the NFL, and the Packers lead 10-7. Yes, it's against the league's worst rushing defense, but Grant is showing why there's talk within the Packers organization he's the team's best running back. For a player his size -- 6-foot-1 and 218 pounds -- he shows some explosion. If anything, Grant might need to show more patience to wait for holes to open on zone runs. But he's getting the job done so far, to the tune of seven carries for 53 yards. His efforts on the Packers' latest drive helped the Packers to a 19-yard Mason Crosby field goal midway through the second quarter. It capped a 98-yard drive that began at their own 1 after a Jay Cutler fumble. Wynn is questionable after sustaining a shoulder injury. This comes during the same week he missed a practice because of a neck spasm, prompting coach Mike McCarthy to clarify Wynn remained the No. 1 back. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
About Favre's arm ...
Maybe it was the rain against Washington. Brett Favre didn't have any trouble throwing his first long ball in Denver's thin air tonight, hitting James Jones for a 79-yard score down the right sideline -- and beating Broncos star cornerback Champ Bailey in the process. It pulled the Packers even at 7, just 23 seconds after Denver's first scoring drive. One of Favre's woeful underthrows two weeks ago against the Redskins came with Jones several steps beyond the secondary on the left sideline. It led to some media questioning about the strength of the 38-year-old quarterback's arm. Consider that Favre's response. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Broncos take early lead
The Broncos look like headless chickens in the red zone, but a key penalty gave them enough tries to put the ball in the end zone and take a 7-0 lead. Denver ran the ball twice inside the 5-yard line, and Selvin Young lost 3 and 4 yards, respectively. But in between, Packers safety Atari Bigby picked up his second penalty of the drive to keep Denver going, and Jay Cutler pulled a great play-action fake, directed traffic and hit Tony Scheffler for a 5-yard touchdown. Save those two minus-runs, Young is showing what teams look for in a running back in a zone-blocking scheme. He is exceptional with his first cut, so when there's a hole, he easily accelerates through. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
No blood early
It appeared Brett Favre checked out of one and perhaps two running plays on the Packers' opening, three-and-out drive. Strictly matchup-based, or newly developed habit? That's a question that will be worth asking throughout the night, because for all the talk about running the football more, there's little reason to believe Brett Favre has any more confidence in the Packers' running game than he did before the bye week. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
No Robinson, inactives
Receiver Koren Robinson was not added to the 53-man roster and won't play tonight against the Broncos. Robinson's roster exemption runs through 3 p.m., tomorrow. The following players were listed as inactive: CB Will Blackmon, RB Brandon Jackson, CB Frank Walker, C Scott Wells, TE Bubba Franks, DT Justin Harrell, DT Daniel Muir and DE Michael Montgomery. Lineup changes: Jason Spitz will start at center for Wells, who missed Friday and Saturday's practices due to a sinus infection. Tony Moll will start right guard for Junius Coston, who is active. On defense, Corey Williams will start at defensive tackle for Johnny Jolly, who is active. Inactive for the Broncos are: RB Travis Henry, S Hamza Abdullah, CB Jeff Shoate, FB Mike Bell, DT Amon Gordon, G Isaac Snell, WR Javon Walker and DE Jarvis Moss. Selvin Young will start at running back in place of Henry. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Denver fans want to taste victory
You couldn't ask for a more beautiful day for a football game. The weather is sunny and warm in Denver today. The temperature is expected to cool off for tonight's kickoff, which is set for 7:30 Wisconsin time (6:30 Denver time). Here's guessing the Denver fans at tonight's game will be looking to take out their frustrations. The city of Denver has been largely silent after the home-town Rockies got swept in the World Series by the Boston Red Sox. Game 4 was played Sunday night at Coors Field, which is a couple miles from the Broncos' home: Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium. As I dined last night in Denver, just a few blocks from Coors Field, I couldn't help but notice how low-key people in the city seemed to be about the World Series. Maybe Boston's 3-0 lead going into Sunday's game took the edge off. But there definitely wasn't much excitement, and that was before the Rockies got eliminated. After the game, fans walked somberly from the stadium. Denver is much more a football town than a baseball town. Nothing would cheer the Denver faithful up more than a Broncos' victory over Brett Favre and the Packers. It might serve the Packers well to get off to a fast start. If they don't, the fans could be a big factor in tonight's game. --Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Monday night losing streak
So how have the Packers done on Monday night? They have an all-time 24-25-1 record, which includes a current five-game losing streak. Since a 45-17 victory over the St. Louis Rams on Nov. 29, 2004, the Packers have been blanked on Monday night. During their disastrous 2005 campaign in which they posted a 4-12 record, the Packers lost all three Monday games to Carolina 32-29, Minnesota 20-17, and Baltimore 48-3. Last year the Packers lost to Philadelphia 31-9 and Seattle 34-24. The Packers haven't won a Monday night road game since their 24-14 victory over Carolina to open the 2004 season. -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Prime-time players
Tonight marks the 15th straight year the Packers have appeared on Monday Night Football. The only team with more consecutive appearances is the Packers' opponent tonight, the Denver Broncos, who have been on Monday night prime-time TV 16 straight years. Remember the bad old days when it was a big deal if the Packers appeared on Monday Night Football? There was a stretch of more than seven years -- from Sept. 22, 1986, to Nov. 8, 1993 when the Packers endured a blackout on Monday night. The fact the Packers were producing terrible teams during that span was no coincidence. The fact Brett Favre has been the starting Packers' QB over the last 15 years helps explain why Green Bay is a regular staple on Monday night telecasts. America loves a winner, and the Packers have won consistently over the last decade and a half. But America also loves Favre, and any opportunity to showcase the gunslinging quarterback is a good thing for the TV bean counters who care about ratings. -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Where to watch, listen to tonight's game
-- When: 7:30 p.m. -- Where: Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver -- The line: Broncos by 3 -- Weather watch: 66 degrees and partly cloudy at game time -- Remote control: ESPN and WBAY, Channel 2, with Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser. Suzy Kolber and Michele Tafoya will be on the sidelines. -- Radio dial: WTAQ (1360 AM), WIXX (101.1 FM) and the Packers Radio Network, with Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren.
Saturday's report
The Packers did not make any changes to their injury report after Saturday's practice. Coach Mike McCarthy said he expects center Scott Wells to play on Monday against the Broncos despite missing the last two days of practice due to a sinus infection. McCarthy said hasn't decided whether or not to activated Koren Robinson, who's coming off his one-year NFL suspension. "We’ll probably take that up to game day," McCarthy said after practice. "It’s a combination of Koren being ready, the plan for the game and special teams. He was struggling Wednesday and Thursday with soreness, but he looked better out there today." -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Wells ill
Starting center Scott Wells missed the Packers' practice Friday because of an illness. There was no immediate indication of how sick he was, though unless he's extremely ill he presumably will be able to play Monday night at Denver. The Packers still have another full practice Saturday and don't travel to Denver until Sunday. Receiver Ruvell Martin (back) returned to practice in a limited role after sitting out Thursday. His status for Monday night remains uncertain. Defensive end Cullen Jenkins (ankle) was limited in the drills he did also, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to play Monday night as well. He injured his ankle against Washington nearly two weeks ago. -- Pete Dougherty, pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com
Denver debacle
The Packers' trip to Denver for Monday night football brings to mind two other memorable regular-games the Packers played against the Broncos, in 1993 and 1999. To 1999 first. That game at Denver might have been the Packers' worst performance I've seen since I began covering the team in '93. The final score was 31-10, but the game wasn't nearly that close, and it was the first neon sign that the Ray Rhodes hire was a major mistake. The score was tied 3-3 at halftime but turned into a brutal route in the second half. Denver gained 514 yards, the Packers 133. The Packers had five first downs and were 0-for-8 on third downs. Denver had 28 and was 11-for-19. Packers halfback Dorsey Levens gained 12 yards on 10 carries. Favre, playing with an injured thumb, was 7-for-23 passing. It was Week 5 of the '99 season and indicative of the problems to come in the Rhodes regime. The '93 game on the other hand provided Reggie White's first memorable performance with his new team. That as Week 5 as well, and the Mike Holmgren-coached Packers came in with a 1-3 record after signing free-agency's biggest fish in the offseason. The Packers had high expectations, but their season was teetering already. It was a Sunday night game at Lambeau Field, and the Packers led 30-27 late in the fourth quarter, but Broncos' quarterback John Elway, the comeback maestro, had a chance to take Denver to a game-tying field goal or winning touchdown in the final minute. White, though, sacked Elway on back-to-back plays near midfield to end the Broncos' final possession. That turned around the Packers season and started their six-year run of winning at least one playoff game. -- By Pete Dougherty, pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com
McCarthy: Wynn is No. 1 back
Coach Mike McCarthy has been reluctant to declare a No. 1 running back this season, but he made clear today that DeShawn Wynn is the starter until further notice. "He's in the No. 1 slot right now," McCarthy said, "so he has an opportunity to take it and do something with it, so we'll see what he can do." A rookie who battled injuries and illness throughout the offseason and training camp, Wynn returned to practice today after sitting out Tuesday because of neck spasms suffered while weight-lifting before Monday's practice. "We can all overreact to that," McCarthy said. "He's done a good job. I mean, he's been a professional, he's been on time, he's done all the things that have been asked from him as far as the weight room, you know, the training room and so forth. "He had a neck spasm, and he took a shot at practice that was, frankly, unnecessary, and also understand that it was bothering him in the weight room. So, it happens, but this is not a reflection of anything that's happened in the past." -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Injury report: Harrell, Franks out
Rookie first-round draft pick Justin Harrell is out this week and likely will miss at least one more game after he spraining an ankle in practice Tuesday. An offensive lineman rolled into the back of Harrell's legs, "so he may be (out) a couple weeks," coach Mike McCarthy said. Tight end Bubba Franks (knee) and cornerback Will Blackmon (foot) also are out. Meanwhile, receiver Ruvell Martin's lower back bothered him Monday and Tuesday and he did not practice today. McCarthy said more information would be available about Martin's status after he is examined by team physician Dr. Pat McKenzie on Friday morning. Cornerback Frank Walker (knee) also did not participate. Center Scott Wells (eye), end Michael Montgomery (knee) and running back DeShawn Wynn (neck) participated fully in practice and are expected to play Monday night at Denver. Players who will be listed as having limited participation are: G Junius Coston (ankle), CB Al Harris (back), DL Cullen Jenkins (ankle), RB Vernand Morency (knee) and CB Charles Woodson (foot). CORRECTION: Jenkins was listed with an ankle injury, not a knee. He has battled knee and rib injuries in recent weeks. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Wynn in, Martin out at today's practice
Running back DeShawn Wynn participated in today's practice, while receiver Ruvell Martin did not. Wynn, the Packers' leading rusher, showed no signs of the neck spasms that kept him out of Tuesday's practice during the portion of today's workout that was open to the media. It remains unclear whether Wynn or Ryan Grant will get the start Monday night at Denver, but if Wynn is healthy, it's almost certain rookie second-round draft pick Brandon Jackson will be inactive for the fourth consecutive game. Meanwhile, Martin was not in pads and left The Don Hutson Center early, presumably to get treatment for an undisclosed injury, along with cornerbacks Al Harris (back) and Charles Woodson (foot). If recently reinstated receiver Koren Robinson is one of the 45 Packers in uniform Monday, Martin could be among the eight inactives, though the Packers still would have to make a roster move to reach the 53-man limit. Also missing from practice today were CBs Will Blackmon (foot) and Frank Walker (knee), TE Bubba Franks (knee) and DT Justin Harrell. DL Cullen Jenkins (knee/ribs) was on the field but did little. UPDATE: Martin has a back injury. Harrell is out this week and could miss more time because of an ankle injury. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Injury report
The Packers did not practice on Wednesday and therefore did not submit an injury report to the league. Here's the Broncos' injury report: OutWR Javon Walker (knee) Did not participateDT Sam Adams (team decision) RB Travis Henry (ribs) Limited participationCB Champ Bailey (quadriceps) Full ParticipationTE Tony Scheffler (lower leg) S Hamza Abdullah (hip) CB Dre' Bly (shoulder) -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
The Harrell pick, from Denver's perspective
Here's something to consider, especially for everyone who criticized Packers General Manager Ted Thompson for taking defensive tackle Justin Harrell with the 16th overall pick in April's draft: The Denver Broncos probably would have taken Harrell with the very next selection. With Harrell off the board, the Broncos took Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss at No. 17. "We were trying to decide with direction we were going to go," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said today during a conference call with reporters who cover the Packers. "We had Harrell, and we had Jarvis. We were kind of split, but we liked Harrell a lot." So the Packers weren't the only team unafraid of Harrell's injury history after playing only three games during his final season at Tennessee due to a torn biceps tendon. "He was a man amongst boys," Shanahan said. "He had everything you look for a in defensive tackle." Harrell was inactive the first four games this season in large part because he was a non-factor during the preseason and was probably the fifth-best defensive tackle on the Packers' roster. He got his first shot to play on Oct. 7 against Chicago after Colin Cole sustained a concussion in practice that week and was inactive. In the two games in which he has dressed, Harrell has played 20 total snaps. "Anytime you don't go through a full offseason program, especially as a young guy, and you don't get the reps, I think you judge a guy like that next year," Shanahan said. "It's really hard to judge a player that doesn't go through the OTAs and doesn't get a full dose of what it's about. "We had Trevor Pryce, and his first year he hardly played for us and ended up being a Pro-Bowl player. I think those defensive linemen, if you get them to play the first year, it's a bonus. Usually the second year, you find out if you've got something or not." -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Favre's thoughts
Asked today whether recently reinstated receiver Koren Robinson will be ready to play Monday night at Denver, Packers quarterback Brett Favre said, "I don't see why not. The Packers have a roster exemption through Oct. 30 for Robinson, who hasn't played since he began serving a one-year suspension for a repeat violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy last October. But he could be activated against the Broncos if coaches feel he's ready. "Will he, you know, be completely ready? No," Favre said. "... Is he a little rusty? Yeah. But I think he's right where he would want to be at this point, and, you know, I expected him to look like he does, and he's running fine. Told me today he was sore, he was going to get in a cold tub just from, you know, there's no way to simulate that many reps and wearing pads and things. But I think he would be ready to play, sure." Also from Favre ... * On Patriots QB Tom Brady's torrid start: "It's off the charts. And I think without those guys, his receivers, I think he's, you know, as good a quarterback, maybe the best quarterback in the league today. And if you go off the championships, he's one of the, you know, maybe one of the all-time greatest." Favre also compared Brady to Joe Montana and said if the Patriots stay healthy they could break "every passing record that's out there. ... He could get 60 touchdown passes. It sounds crazy, but it could happen." * On his play in the Packers' win over Washington: "As I watched the film, I was very unimpressed with the way I played. And I know I said that right after the game that I felt like I could have played better, but without looking at the film, I was a little unsure. I was probably giving Washington maybe a little too much credit. They still played well, but I missed some (down-the-field) throws that I should have made -- at least made one of them. Yeah, our guys could have came back or at least broke the ball up and all those things, but I was just off." * On how to get the running game going: "We all have our own philosophy. I think you install something, you stick with it and, you know, I think my only thing would be to keep it simple. And not that we’re not keeping it simple, but limit, you know, the amount of plays that you have — not only in the running game, the passing game — be very good at those and just kind of go to bat with that. It’s kind of like pitching (in baseball). Don’t have six different pitches; have two or three, and be very good at them." * On his underthrown deep balls against Denver: "That's not happened to me very often. Just don't write some story that he's at the end of his rope now. You know, can't throw it anymore. That's probably what you're getting at -- Favre's done. ... It's a matter of opinion, but I challenge you to come out and catch a couple for me afterwards, and you make that decision." -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Practice notes: Wynn sits out with neck injury
DeShawn Wynn, the Packers' leading rusher, is not practicing today. The reason for his nonparticipation wasn't immediately clear. UPDATE: Wynn sat out because of neck spasms. Speaking briefly before a team meeting, Wynn said he sustained the injury lifting weights Monday and it got worse during practice. Asked whether the injury is anything to be concerned about, he said, "Nah." Coach Mike McCarthy said Ryan Grant is getting more work than he has in the past, Brandon Jackson is "back in the fold" and Vernand Morency is "kind of limited" but didn't indicate whether the injury would impact Wynn's status for Monday night's game at Denver. Wynn practiced Monday, the first time the Packers were on the field in more than a week because of last week's bye. He was on the field during the portion of practice that was open to the media this morning inside The Don Hutson Center, but he wasn't wearing pads and didn't take part in any drills. The rookie seventh-round draft pick out of Florida battled calf and quadriceps injuries as well as illness during his first four months as a Packer but by and large has been healthy since the regular season began. He leads the team with 202 yards on 49 carries (4.1 average) and four touchdowns. G Junius Coston (ankle) and DL Cullen Jenkins (knee/ribs) also were on the field for at least part of practice but didn't participate. TE Bubba Franks (knee), CBs Frank Walker (knee) and Will Blackmon (foot) and practice-squad WR Chris Francies (death in family) were not in attendance. Quick hits* QB Brett Favre grimaced and grabbed his shoulder after pulling back a pass during a passing drill. He spoke briefly with a member of the Packers' training staff before returning to play defense later in the drill. CLARIFICATION: Since there seems to be some confusion about this in the 'comments,' I'll explain. During offensive drills, it is customary for offensive players -- including Favre and Aaron Rodgers -- to jog around as defenders. If I ever write that Favre is playing defense during team drills, then you should get worried. * WR Ruvell Martin was the only player stripped during a ball-security drill. * G Tony Palmer attended practice for the first time since suffering a season-ending and career-threatening neck injury Sept. 16 against the New York Giants. He is on injured reserve. * DE Michael Montgomery participated in team drills, the first time he's done so in the presence of reporters since injuring his knee in the preseason. Perhaps depending on Jenkins' health, he could be active Monday night. * RB Brandon Jackson, the likely beneficiary if Wynn were to miss time because of injury, fumbled a handoff during an offensive running period. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Will the real Broncos and Chiefs please stand up?
Playing on the road against an uncommon opponent always is a challenge, and the Packers' prospects the next two weeks are difficult to gauge because of the recent play of their opponents, the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. The San Diego Chargers, who lost to the Packers 31-24 on Sept. 23, massacred the Broncos 41-3 on Oct. 7 in Denver. But after the bye week, the Broncos surprised the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-28 on Sunday to move to 3-3 and within a half-game of first-place Kansas City (4-3). The Chiefs beat the Chargers on Sept. 30 and have won four of their past five games, including a 12-10 squeaker Sunday at Oakland. Larry Johnson, who struggled early on after a training camp holdout, has run for 100 yards or more in Kansas City's past three wins. But the Chiefs still rank 29th in rushing, and QB Damon Huard remains inconsistent. So which teams will show up against the Packers the next two weeks? Both have significant home-field advantages -- the altitude of Denver's Invesco Field and the raucous atmosphere at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium -- but both have lost at home this season. It's also worth noting the Chiefs haven't beaten a team with a winning record, nor had Broncos before Sunday. These two games, and the matchup with the Minnesota Vikings (2-4) on Nov. 11 at Lambeau Field, are crucial because of the stretch that follows. The Packers (5-1) play three games (two on the road) in a 12-day span from Nov. 18 and Nov. 29 against teams with a combined record of 14-5 -- Carolina, Detroit and Dallas. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Potential game-time change
The NFL said on Monday that kickoff for the Packers-Broncos' game on Monday could be 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled 7:30 p.m., central start time if there is a game 5 of the World Series. That World Series game between the Colorado Rockies and the Boston Red Sox is scheduled for Monday in Denver, but the time hasn't been announced. If a game 5 is necessary, the NFL will move its game to 7 p.m., central time. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
Wells cleared
Center Scott Wells said he was medically cleared this morning and expects to return this week after missing the Oct. 14 game against Washington due to a fractured bone in his eye socket. He was injured against the Chicago Bears on Oct. 7. Wells said he will have to wear a protective shield over his facemask. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
McCarthy: Robinson 'in good shape'
Koren Robinson practiced well today and appears to be in good shape, coach Mike McCarthy said, but the team will wait until the end of the week to make an "educated decision" on whether the recently reinstated receiver will play Monday night at Denver. "Everybody's excited he's back," McCarthy said. Robinson had a couple of drops during the portion of practice that was open to the media but appeared to be moving well after undergoing knee surgery during his one-year suspension. McCarthy said it's the "perfect week" for Robinson to return because coaches are installing the game plan more slowly than usual, with two extra practice days. Robinson arrived in Green Bay on Thursday to work out and met with offensive quality control assistant Ty Knott throughout the week. McCarthy said he plans to discuss Robinson's status with General Manager Ted Thompson on Wednesday. The team has a roster exemption for Robinson through Oct. 30 but would lose it if he plays against the Broncos. Also from McCarthy ... * After five days off for the bye week, players lifted this morning, had team and position meetings in the afternoon and then began practice at 2:30. * McCarthy split his off-time between Houston -- where he visited with practice-squad WR Chris Francies, whose father passed away last week -- Austin and Kansas City. McCarthy also was inducted into the hall of fame at his alma mater, Kansas' Baker University. He played tight end there and went to the NAIA Division II national championship game as a senior captain in 1986. His daughter and parents attended the festivities. * Last week's "self scouting" revealed, among other things, some pressure issues that can be cleaned up on defense and the need for multiple-player rotations on special teams to give more players opportuities. * TE Bubba Franks' likely absence Monday will limit some flexibility for the Packers to get in and out of packages. Franks spent significant time rehabilitating his injured knee during the bye week. There is no updated timetable for his return. * C Scott Wells (eye) practiced, but his status may not be known until Thursday. * DL Cullen Jenkins (knee/ribs) is "still banged up," and the team is proceeding slowly. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
Robinson practices; Krause signed
Receiver Koren Robinson is on the practice field today for the first time since being reinstated by the NFL on Wednesday. Robinson had been serving a one-year suspension for repeat violations of the league's substance abuse policy. The Packers were granted a roster exemption through Oct. 30, allowing the active roster to temporarily stand at 54. The team also signed tight end Ryan Krause to the active roster, replacing tackle Orrin Thompson, who was waived last week. Krause, a fourth-year player from Nebraska-Omaha, spent three seasons with San Diego. The 6-foot-3, 244-pounder was a sixth-round draft pick of the Chargers in 2004 and has played in five career games. The team needed an additional tight end because Bubba Franks is expected to miss the upcoming Monday night game at Denver with a knee injury. Thompson was re-signed to the practice squad. The team also signed Tristan Burge to the practice squad and released receiver Onrea Jones. Burge, a rookie from Eastern Illinois, is a 6-foot, 210-pound safety. UPDATE* Franks was not on the field during practice today. CB Will Blackmon, who has a broken foot, and practice-squad WR Chris Francies also were absent. * CB Frank Walker (knee), G Junius Coston (ankle) and DL Cullen Jenkins (knee/ribs) left practice early, presumably to receive treatment. -- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
NFL grants Packers exemption
The Green Bay Packers have been granted an exemption for wide receiver Koren Robinson until Oct. 30, General Manager Ted Thompson said Thursday. The National Football League reinstated Robinson Wednesday after he served a one-year suspension for multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy. The exemption means Robinson won't count against the Packers' 53-man roster as long as he remains inactive. If the Packers choose to activate Robinson for their next game on Oct. 29 at Denver, the team would have to cut another player. Robinson is expected to arrive in Green Bay this week, when the team's medical staff will examine him and he'll work out for the strength and conditioning coaches. Robinson, 27, said Wednesday he hopes to play in the Broncos game. With their bye this weekend, the Packers won't practice until Monday. The Packers requested a roster exemption when Robinson was reinstated, and the league followed its standard policy of granting a two-week exemption. -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
Assessing the RB situation
Last week in an interview with Charlie Casserly, the former General Manager of the Houston Texans who now works as an analyst for CBS, I asked him to assess the Packers' running back situation. He didn't mince words. "They've got to find a back -- a franchise back," Casserly said. This from the guy who used a third-round pick to draft one of the Packers' current running backs, Vernand Morency. Casserly picked Morency on the first day of the 2005 draft. The Packers acquired Morency in a trade with the Texans last season for Samkon Gado. "I drafted him and I liked him, but the bottom line is he's got to be on the field every day," Casserly said of the injury-prone Morency, who missed all of training camp and the first three games of the season due to a knee injury. Casserly said even a healthy Morency isn't a franchise back. He views him more of a change-of-pace guy or a third-down back. "I think that's what his role is," Casserly said. "We took him with the idea that he'd be a second back, a rotation back because we had Dominic Davis at the time, and he was doing real well. So Morency would be like a relief guy." As for the rest of the Packers' running backs -- rookies Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn and former New York Giants backup Ryan Grant -- Casserly apparently doesn't see much there either. "Once again, they're going to have to find a back," Casserly reiterated. -- Rob Demovsky, rdemovsk@greenbaypressgazette.com
NFL to Broncos: You can't move Packers game
With the Colorado Rockies making it to the World Series, that means Game 5 -- if the Series goes five games -- will be played in Denver on Monday, Oct. 29. That's the same night the Packers are scheduled to play the Broncos at Invesco Field in Denver. So the Broncos asked the NFL if the game against the Packers could be moved to Sunday, Oct. 28, according to the Denver Post. The NFL said no. The only time the league changes dates is when there are two events booked into the same stadium. The Rockies play at Coors Field, which is 2 miles away from Invesco Field. Game 5 of the Series would start at 7 p.m. Central time. The Packers and Broncos kick off at 7:30 p.m. Central time. Jim Saccomano, the Broncos' vice president of public relations, explained their thinking to the Denver paper: "We approached the NFL about it because we're open to options. We understand many of our fans are Rockies fans as well, and it may not be possible for everybody to watch both games. But it is going to be a great night for Denver sports fans."-- Jeff Ash, jash@greenbaypressgazette.com
Number crunching
A look at the Packers' statistics through six games shows the team is very similar to the 2006 club in some key areas. Let's count the ways: *The Packers are averaging 341 total yards per game on offense this year, compared to 339 for the 2006 season. *The Packers are allowing 321 yards per game on defense in 2007, compared to 324 last season. * The Packers have a turnover differential of 0 (six fumbles and six interceptions given up; six fumbles and six interceptions forced). Last year, the Packers' turnover differential for the entire season was also 0 (15 fumbles and 18 interceptions given up; 10 fumbles and 23 interceptions forced). * The Packers are averaging 5.0 yards per offensive play, compared to 5.4 last season. On defense, this year's team is allowing an identical average per play to last year – 5.1 yards. The biggest difference between this year's team and last year's is the scoreboard. The Packers are averaging 23.6 points per game so far, compared to 18.8 for the 2006 season. On defense, the Packers are allowing 17.8 points per game this season, compared to 22.8 last year. The Packers have regressed in one significant area: They are only gaining 66 yards rushing per game this season, compared to 104 yards per game last season. The Packers' run defense, meanwhile, is slightly better than last year, giving up 100 yards per game this season compared to 114 in 2006. In terms of overall ranking, the Packers are 13th in offense and 13th in defense in the 32-team NFL this year, based on yards gained and allowed. Last year, the Packers finished 9th in offense and 12th in defense. In the only numbers that really matter, the Packers have a 5-1 record. They finished 8-8 last season, including a 2-4 mark after six games. -- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com
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