Injuries remain down in wake of changes

Mike McCarthy would prefer not to talk about it, but once again the Green Bay Packers head into a game with an injury report you can count on one hand.

Starting guards Josh Sitton (toe) and T.J. Lang (ankle) were limited in practice this week, but listed as probable to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Two special-teamers, tight end Brandon Bostick (hip) and linebacker Jayrone Elliott (hamstring), are out but neither injury is considered significant.

It's been a microcosm of the Packers' season to this point. Injury riddled for the past few seasons, all of the adjustments the Packers coach and his staff have made to their in-season schedule seem to have paid dividends.

McCarthy is cautiously optimistic. There's at least another seven games to be played.

"Let's talk about that after the season because I don't want to jinx it," McCarthy said. "The numbers are good."

McCarthy estimates the Packers have used three different generations of schedules since his arrival in 2006. The most recent one seems to be making a difference with both the overall health of the team and its ability to start faster on game day.

The Packers follow a similar script as what Chip Kelly follows in Philadelphia. During a normal week, the team practices Wednesday, puts on pads Thursday, rests on Fridays and then performs a short practice on Saturdays before games.

The team has eight players on injured reserve, but only one (defensive lineman B.J. Raji) is a preferred starter. So far, the schedule has been popular with players in the locker room.

Is that why the team has stayed healthier this year? Sitton isn't certain, but quickly knocks on wood during his response.

"I don't know, man," said Sitton about why the team is healthier at this point. "Two days on and one day off, that could have something to do with it. I personally love the new schedule. I feel like it's helped me and it's helped my body. I don't know if that has to do with it. I don't know. Just luck?"

The Eagles have five players on their injury report, but only quarterback Nick Foles (collarbone) has been ruled out.