Packers notes: Josh Sitton unhappy after return to Lambeau Field

GREEN BAY – Former Green Bay Packers guard Josh Sitton didn't particularly enjoy his first game as an opponent at Lambeau Field.

Sitton, now a member of the Chicago Bears, was called for holding early in the second quarter when he wrestled Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark to the ground. The penalty wiped out tailback Tarik Cohen’s 15-yard run, which had set up the Bears in field goal position. Instead, their drive eventually ended with a punt.

When Sitton let his displeasure known on the field, referee John Hussey’s mic picked up the left guard’s objection loud and clear, unleashing a string of obscenities overheard by a stadium full of fans and CBS’ telecast.

There was more vulgarity from Sitton in the Bears’ locker room after their 35-14 loss. Initially, when asked about his return to Lambeau Field, Sitton shrugged off the night.

“It’s just a football game, bud,” Sitton said.

His tone changed when asked about the experience of being an opponent inside his former home stadium.

“We got our (expletive) ass kicked,” he said, walking out of the visitors’ locker room and onto the Bears team bus.

Sitton was the Packers fourth-round draft pick in 2008. He played his first eight seasons in Green Bay, selected to three Pro Bowls and earning three second-team All-Pros honors. The Packers surprisingly cut him days before the 2016 season, a move that was heavily scrutinized at the time.

General manager Ted Thompson’s decision since has been validated. Though Sitton was named to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement last season, replacement Lane Taylor has proven to be solid. The Packers gave Taylor a three-year extension earlier this month.

With injuries decimating the Packers' offensive line, Taylor was asked to play left tackle Thursday. He filled in better than when Sitton was asked to do the same in the Packers' 2015 finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

Sitton did not play last season because of injury when the Bears visited Lambeau Field. It was clear Sitton’s return to Green Bay was something he’d rather forget. Sitton said he did not meet with any former teammates before the game.

“I saw them on the field,” he said.

Injury report: Wide receiver Davante Adams is in the concussion protocol after his scary collision with inside linebacker Danny Trevathan. 

Running back Ty Montgomery, who suffered broken ribs on the first play from scrimmage Thursday night, is preparing to play against the Cowboys, according to McCarthy. But whether that is actually feasible will be determined next week.

Wide receiver Jordy Nelson played through broken ribs in the NFC Championship game last season, but the difference between wideout and running back is significant in terms of contact absorbed. 

"We’re talking about injuries that the specifics of it are different, where exactly it’s located, type of equipment and definitely the position that you play," McCarthy said. "I really don’t have a clear answer on exactly what Ty is dealing with and how he can move forward. I know today the conversation with the trainers, as far as his conversation with the trainers, he’s preparing to get ready to play in Dallas. That’s really what this weekend is for. Tuesday we’ll really get our hands around it and obviously we’ll get you the injury information on Wednesday."

Rest and recover: After three games in 11 days, the Packers' coaches and players are unplugging for a couple days before preparing for the Dallas Cowboys next week. 

McCarthy gave his coaches Friday afternoon and Saturday off to relax with their families. The players are not due back at Lambeau Field until Tuesday and many of them will leave town for the long weekend. 

Fines: Safety Marwin Evans was fined $9,115 for his facemask penalty against Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon.