Cobb, Randall questionable vs. Lions

GREEN BAY – Receiver Randall Cobb was among five Green Bay Packers listed as questionable entering Sunday night’s NFC North title game at the Detroit Lions.

Cobb was held out of practice this week, though he spent a large chunk of early practice periods Thursday catching footballs from a JUGS machine on the sideline. The Packers, targeting to get Cobb ready for Sunday night, planned to rest him after keeping him on the inactive list last week against the Minnesota Vikings.

Coach Mike McCarthy said he hopes Cobb can practice Saturday before the team leaves for Detroit.

DOUGHERTY: Packers in a war of attrition

RELATED: Packers defense 'can never relax' vs. Lions

RELATED: Subpar fourth-down defense could cost Packers

“Randall Cobb’s making progress,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “He’s getting better. An extra day, I think, has helped our whole football team.”

Cobb was joined on the Packers injury report by cornerback Damarious Randall (shoulder), linebacker Joe Thomas (back), center JC Tretter (knee) and outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott (hand), all listed as questionable. Running back James Starks (concussion) was listed as out.

Cornerback Darius Slay was among three Lions players listed as questionable. Slay injured his hamstring Dec. 18 against the New York Giants, his second hamstring injury of the season. With the Lions facing a chance to win their first division title since 1993, they could stretch their top cornerback this week.

Slay joined linebacker DeAndre Levy (knee) and receiver Andre Roberts (shoulder) as questionable. Center Travis Swanson was listed doubtful because of a concussion.

The Lions ruled out running back Theo Riddick (wrist), removing a significant piece of their passing game. Riddick has more receiving yards than rushing yards this season, catching 53 passes for 371 yards and five touchdowns. He hasn’t played since Dec. 4 against the New Orleans Saints.

rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood