Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy met with the media on Thursday in advance of the Green Bay Packers' upcoming game against the Chicago Bears.

The following are select comments from his press conference:

• On the status of Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang: Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang were clearly part of the rehab program today. I was incorrect, we're going to work them tomorrow. The plan was to work them today, but we'll work them tomorrow.
• On the comfort level of playing without practicing: I'd be very comfortable playing T.J. and Josh without any practice time.
• On potential othotics Sitton may be wearing: Those are really conversations for you and Josh. I'm not the footwear guy. They'll try everything.
• On testing the health of Sitton and Lang: We have the ability obviously to go to the CRIC. It's just more of the workout they have to go through.
• On whether Corey Linsley has the ability to make calls without the aid of Sitton and Lang: Corey Linsley yes, I think Corey's ready to make all the calls. … I always refer to the two guards, the center and the quarterback … they all work hand in hand.
• On the team's success on game-opening drives and whether play calling is to credit: I'd like to think so, but I look at some of the opening drives, and anytime you have a big drive, it leads to points. … The extending of plays, the playmaking ability of Aaron.
• On scriping the first 15 plays of the game like some coaches do: We're not the tradition huddle team that gets into groups where you script the first 15. I  was never comfortable with that first 15.
• On deferring after winning the coin fip: Really, it just started with the fact, we wanted to set the tempo … I preferred to defer in the past.
• On the makeup of the inside linebacker position: A.J. (Hawk)'s clearly played the most. He's been our most consistent and his command is excellent, but as far as opportunities for the other guys, we're still working those guys. … I feel we're a better defense when we play more players.
• On Datone Jones coming back from injury: Datone was playing well. He was doing some good things. … Playmaker. He's obviously part of our rotation.
• On his attitude toward playing in London: I like London. I'm for going over there.
• On fixing the run defense: It's a combination of things. It usually is when you have one glaring area. If you had just one thing you need to change, believe me, it would have been fixed a long time ago. … Once you fit, you need to whoop the man over you and make the tackle. … We just have to get back to the basics.