Burnett reaggravates calf injury

Green Bay Packers safety Morgan Burnett felt “something on his calf” during Friday’s practice, which is why he received limited reps.

Burnett, an integral part of the Packers’ run defense, missed the team’s opener at the Chicago Bears with a strained calf. Coach Mike McCarthy cited his absence in the opener for reason to be especially cautious with Burnett in practice Friday.

“With the history two weeks ago,” McCarthy said, “we pulled him out of practice. We’ll see how he gets through today.”

The Packers will next practice Sunday, their final tuneup before Monday night’s home game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Burnett will receive treatment on his calf today.

The Chiefs have one of the NFL’s elite running backs in Jamaal Charles, a speedster capable of breaking off long, game-changing runs. Burnett’s availability Monday is unknown. His importance on the field is unquestioned.

The Packers’ run defense struggled against the Bears, allowing running back Matt Forte to gain 141 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries. Burnett returned for last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, and the Packers held running back Marshawn Lynch to 41 yards on 15 carries.

“Morgan means a lot,” McCarthy said. “Just look at Week 1 and Week 2, just the communication, the productivity. He definitely makes a difference when he’s on the field. He’s an excellent communicator, No. 1, a heck of a football player, is involved with your matchup plans and things like that. He’s definitely one of our best players on defense.”