Brad Jones, James Starks Back at Packers Practice
The Packers received some welcome news with a couple injured players returning to practice on Wednesday.
#Packers getting healthier: Starks, B. Jones, Bush back. J.Jones, Finley, Matthews, Perry, R. Taylor not practicing. No Worthy or Rich. yet
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) October 23, 2013
For a team that couldn't even field a full 46-man game day roster this past Sunday against the Cleveland Browns when Jarrett Bush suited up but didn't play, the Green Bay Packers received some welcome news on Wednesday.
In their first day of on-field preparations for the Minnesota Vikings this upcoming weekend, linebacker Brad Jones and cornerback Jarrett Bush were able to return from hamstring injuries, while running back James Starks returned from a bum knee.
Simply practicing doesn't guarantee anyone will play on Sunday, but it's a step in the right direction with so many other players out injured.
The Packers remain thin on A-caliber receiving targets for quarterback Aaron Rodgers with Jermichael Finley, James Jones and Randall Cobb all out.
James Jones has yet to be ruled out for the Week 8 Vikings game, but with Mike McCarthy saying he'll be out two to three weeks, his prospects aren't encouraging.
It's possible and perhaps likely that the Packers will be down to Jordy Nelson and an inexperienced cast catching passes from Rodgers in Minnesota.
The status of players on the PUP list also remained status quo with Derek Sherrod practicing, but Jerel Worthy, Sean Richardson and J.C. Tretter all still sidelined.
Comments (26)
October 23, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Wednesday's injury reports: Take one step forward. Sunday after games injury reports: Take two steps back.
October 23, 2013 at 12:54 pm
I forgot about Richardson. Is he similar to McMillian? Or can he actually roam?
October 23, 2013 at 01:14 pm
He seems to be a physical specimen (6'2", 216lbs, 4.5 40) if they can just get him on the field.
October 23, 2013 at 02:49 pm
I really question if he will play again. I would like to see him play, because I liked him, but I do wonder if he will play again. And if so will he play with the Packers?
October 23, 2013 at 02:51 pm
Just now via twitter: "@TomSilverstein: #Packers S Sean Richardson (neck) said team doctor cleared him to resume career. Said 5 of 5 doctors agreed it's safe."
So...what's the hold up?
October 23, 2013 at 03:00 pm
That's interesting. That's a really good question. Maybe he hasn't passed his physical?
I wonder if McCarthy isn't comfortable playing him.
October 23, 2013 at 03:59 pm
They would have to cut somebody to bring him back, right? Right now do you cut a known quantity to take a chance on an unknown one? My guess is that they IR him and give him a chance to compete next year.
October 23, 2013 at 04:25 pm
They wouldn't have to cut anyone for 3 weeks once he starts practicing.
As for known vs unknown, I'd probably take Richardson over McMillian in a second.
October 23, 2013 at 04:34 pm
They're maybe just biding time right now giving themselves wiggle room and flexibility in-case of further injuries. They'd be able to start his 3 week practice window with the intention of signing him to the 53 if he demonstrates he can contribute when they know there's a spot for him. Meanwhile, they will still be able to make other moves while he's within that 5 week & 3 week window.
October 23, 2013 at 05:17 pm
I'll tell you who to cut! MD M-F Jennings! I don't care if Richardson is still much of an unknown. I'll roll the dice on Banjo/Richardson/McMillian. Coach 'em up! Coach 'em up! Coach 'em up!
October 24, 2013 at 03:21 pm
McMillian over the Doctor? Are you watching the same games?
October 23, 2013 at 12:57 pm
Is Hayward going to play anytime soon?
October 23, 2013 at 01:04 pm
Yeah, he'll be back "right after the bye"
Oh wait....
October 23, 2013 at 01:29 pm
good point :)
October 23, 2013 at 01:41 pm
Better bring your A GAME B-rad.
October 23, 2013 at 02:37 pm
Is Hayward ever going to suit up? Can't be a hamstring has to be something more serious. If it is a hamstring, they are recurring in some people, and its takes this long to heal, better think of him being a non factor and a non player.
No one is a giant contributor sitting on the bench.
October 23, 2013 at 02:41 pm
Should to be ready to go this week per Jason Wilde
https://twitter.com/jasonjwilde/status/393082170115244032
October 23, 2013 at 06:54 pm
Is it just me or is there a question in the back of your mind regarding whether you'd rather see Brad Jones or Jamari Lattimore out there?
Maybe this is over-simplified, but it seemed the Hawk/Lattimore combo (i.e. calculated + raw enthusiasm) seemed to be a great combo the last few weeks.
He's no where near perfect, but the guy has shown an ability to stop the run and sufficiently cover. Seems to have more side-line to side-line speed/enthusiasm than we've seen in awhile from that position.
Happy to hear opposing thoughts on this.
October 23, 2013 at 06:59 pm
I think it should be Jones Hawk Lattimore Neal all on the field at the same time ...if Jones is healthy.
October 23, 2013 at 10:55 pm
Jones is not an OLB anymore. Neither is Lattimore for that matter. Palmer and Mulumba played just fine last week. They won't be moving either Jones or Lattimore back outside. Neither has the size or physicality for OLB. Jones better step up his play or the coaches will continue to give Lattimore the starts. He's been more impactful than Jones has. Neither one is moving back outside tho.
October 23, 2013 at 08:52 pm
Yeah, I tend to agree with you. Lattimore has really impressed me. Jones is good, but Lattimore's speed and hitting have been so good. I think the more he plays the better he will get too.
I think we'll see both Jones and Lattimore play. But right now i'm hoping to see more Lattimore then Jones.
I really do like how Lattimore and Hawk have played together as well. Seems like a good combination.
October 23, 2013 at 09:14 pm
Hawk has been tremendous this year, carefully dissecting plays and picking his spots to be aggressive. I can't help but feel, again based on pure speculation, that having a more aggressive "go with your first instinct" guy out there along-side him has created a successful dynamic.
Without getting spiritual, the Ying Yang relationship between the two seems to have actually played out well.
Or maybe I'm just full of BS. Which is completely possible.
October 23, 2013 at 09:23 pm
One thing I do know for sure is that I am full of BS.
October 24, 2013 at 02:01 am
i have been downright awed by lattimore's insincts and coverage abilities,guy can play! but brad jones is soooo good,no way he gets playing time cut,but we could sure find a way to use jamari's athletisism and coverage abilities in a number of packages. anybody know off hand,if he is in 3rd or 4th year??
October 24, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Lattimores 3rd season. Jones is good but I'll take Lattimore. Just more impactfull and a better tackler IMO. He's a ballin!
October 24, 2013 at 09:45 am
Does any of this really mater? It's the VIKINGS, I would put all of our younger guys out there. They seem to have more drive against teams we are "Supposed" to beat. The Vets can sometimes take the week off if they think the competition is below them and then loose the game. See the Chiefs game 2011 or Colts 2012.