McCarthy: Lacy, Adams unlikely to practice

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media on Thursday morning, before the team started practice for Monday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Here are some highlights from his news conference:

On whether running back Eddie Lacy or wide receiver Davante Adams, both injured, will practice today:

I think the last three days helped our whole football team. Eddie and Davante have been here pretty much most of the day, most of the three days. They’re getting better. They’ll both do some pre-practice work and then we’ll see from there, but I don’t have high expectations of them practicing today.

On Clay Matthews at inside linebacker:

Really depends on what the opponents offense brings to the table. We go through the process each and every week the same way and look at their tendencies, look at the matchups, look at our tendencies from a self-scout standpoint and that will continue as we move forward.

On that taking away from his work at outside linebacker:

I want to see Clay chase after the guy with the football. I think that’s the best thing for our defense, and I think the more we move him around, I know from an offensive perspective, targeting issues will help any player’s productivity. But at the same time, teams know where he’s going to line up and he’s obviously a focus point for our opponents. But the more we can move him around, I think it will help us.

On Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith:

Alex Smith is a very bright young man, very good athlete. Experience has made him very well versed about the game of football. More athletic than people give him credit for.

On Don Barclay, starting at right tackle for the injured Bryan Bulaga:

Donnie did a good job. Like everyone on our team, we need more. A lot more to improve on. Mental challenge are things we’re focused on.

On quarterback Aaron Rodgers dropping to No. 24 in the first round of the 2005 draft:

I think Aaron is very self-motivated from a number of things. It’s hard to imagine it’s already his 111th season.

On free plays:

It’s practiced. Our defense will be challenged today. Practiced like any other play.

On playing Lacy with limited practice reps:

I would say so. Eddie is a bright, instinctive football player. I’d feel comfortable playing Eddie on a limited basis.