Packers center Corey Linsley, both starting tackles active vs. Saints

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers avoided another offensive line catastrophe Sunday when the team announced center Corey Linsley (back) will play against the New Orleans Saints, solidifying the middle in front of quarterback Brett Hundley.

The line was bolstered Friday as left tackle David Bakhtiari (hamstring) and right tackle Bryan Bulaga (concussion) were removed from the injury report. But it appeared for a moment like two steps forward and one step back as Linsley, who practiced in full all week, was added to the injured list with a back issue.

Two days later, order had been restored. The Packers will have four of their five starting offensive linemen for the first start of Hundley’s career, and only left guard Lane Taylor (ankle) landed on the inactive list. Possible replacements for Taylor include Justin McCray, who has been the No. 6 lineman in recent weeks, or Lucas Patrick, who filled in at guard when McCray was forced to play right or left tackle. 

The secondary was the other area of concern for the Packers, especially after safety Morgan Burnett was ruled out for the second consecutive week with a hamstring problem. Cornerbacks Damarious Randall (hamstring), Davon House (quadriceps) and Lenzy Pipkins (concussion) joined Burnett on the injury report this week, setting the stage for a potential skeleton crew after fellow corner Quinten Rollins (Achilles) was placed on injured reserve.

But once again, the crisis was averted. While Burnett remains out, House and Randall both are available for cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt Jr., who will have his full complement of players available against a Saints offense that is fond of bunch and spread formations.

Here are the inactives for the Packers:

RB Devante Mays

S Morgan Burnett

LB Joe Thomas

LB Ahmad Brooks

G Lane Taylor

G/T Adam Pankey

DT Montravius Adams

The Saints, meanwhile, are missing wide receiver Willie Snead IV, the No. 3 target for quarterback Drew Brees.

Here are the inactives for the Saints:

QB Taysom Hill

CB Sterling Moore

LB Hau’oli Kikaha

G John Greco

WR Austin Carr

WR Willie Snead IV

DT John Hughes III