Packers Practice Report: Only Mike Neal and C.J. Wilson Missing

The Packers were relatively healthy on practice on Wednesday with only two players missing due to injury.

For a team with 12 players on season-ending injured reserve, the health situation in Green Bay could certainly could be better.

But as far as the 53 players on the current roster go, the Packers are in relatively good shape coming off a mini-bye week of sorts, following the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions.

Only linebacker Mike Neal and defensive lineman C.J. Wilson missed practice for the first day of on-field preparations for Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Mike Neal has missed practice multiple times this season while still suiting up for games, giving hope that he'll be ready in time for this weekend's contest as the Packers stay alive in their hopes for a playoff berth.

Wilson, meanwhile, missed the Lions game after suffering an ankle injury the week prior.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers also practiced on Wednesday, but according to reports, Matt Flynn still worked as the starter at the position. Still holding out hope for Rodgers' return, the quarterback has not yet been ruled out for Sunday's game.

Also in the good news department, center Evan Dietrich-Smith returned to practice after being forced to exit the Thanksgiving game after suffering his second knee injury of the season.

According to reports, linebacker Jamari Lattimore (quadriceps) and tight end Brandon Bostick (concussion) also returned to practice after missing the last game.

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Comments (59)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 12:39 pm

Sounds like we are finally getting healthier... Maybe to late? Maybe not... we shall see...

If it were up to me. I would start Lattimore over Jones. I would start Richardson over Jennings.

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Ma Linger's picture

December 04, 2013 at 05:43 pm

I'd start someone who can make plays.

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 06:50 pm

or someone that can tackle?

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fish and crane's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:03 pm

On defense right now.. I hate to say this...but I think I'd start their best 10.

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Gary's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:56 pm

And since Jolly can't seem to get off the field, you'd end up with 11 anyway.

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cLowNEY42's picture

December 04, 2013 at 12:49 pm

Maybe EDS was just tired of getting run over.

So "hurt" he couldn't play on Sunday.... Ready to practice in full on Wednesday.

Hmmmmmmm........

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C's picture

December 04, 2013 at 12:51 pm

The entire team didn't play on Sunday....hmmmmm

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 12:55 pm

Bazinga!

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jack in jersey city's picture

December 04, 2013 at 01:34 pm

EDS twisted his ankle at practice today

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dawg's picture

December 05, 2013 at 12:04 am

Lang giving spirited speeches.

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cLowNEY42's picture

December 04, 2013 at 02:36 pm

oops.

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Ma Linger's picture

December 04, 2013 at 05:44 pm

Does he had braces on both legs like Barclay?

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Evan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 01:19 pm

Great...now start Lattimore.

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jack in jersey city's picture

December 04, 2013 at 01:49 pm

yes x 100!

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Mrweit27's picture

December 04, 2013 at 01:21 pm

Does anybody honestly think we can win the SB this year....why not bench Arod the rest of the season so he can fully heal and get the highest draft picks possible. We need them. Whats the point if we make the playoffs. No chance we can beat Hawks, 9ers, etc. at this point.. I would rather pick around 14, 15 rather then 20,21

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Evan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 01:25 pm

I totally get that thought-process and I'm tempted by it, but ultimately I think with how the NFL works these days, as long as you have a chance to make the playoffs, you have to go for it. Too much crazy stuff happens every season. Get healthy, get hot and anything can happen.

That said, I think the decision will be made for us. Rodgers probably doesn't play this week, they lose to the Falcons and all hope is finally extinguished.

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 01:36 pm

Yeah, I agree with that as well...

When the Packers won the Super Bowl the hot team was Atlanta. No one was going to beat them. Packers got hot, went in there and destroyed them.

There are so many things that can happen any given Sunday.
Right now the Packers are 1 1/2 games back. If they lose and the Lions lose they are still in it. If they lose and the Lions win, they are still mathematically in it, but essentially are out.

I'm not throwing in the towel until we are mathematically out.

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markinmontana's picture

December 04, 2013 at 02:12 pm

I think the Packers need to field the best players available for the rest of the year. Either it builds team continuity or further exposes the most glaring holes in personnel. Plus, as a fan I only get to watch 16 games a year. It would be no fun to watch a tank-job for the last quarter of the season, draft position be damned. I've cared about the outcome of the last game of 4-12 seasons,and I damn sure care this year considering we aren't mathematically elminated yet.

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MurphDawg's picture

December 04, 2013 at 03:58 pm

100% agree. If our defense, most notably our DC, could actually keep opposing offense contained, then it would be worth putting Rodgers back out there. However, our 'bend don't break' play is just not cutting it. The Lions should have beat us 54-0. We got lucky. Capers is living off the playoff run of 2010,...that was a long time ago. The current defense does not warrant risking our QB. It is a given that if Aaron reinjures his collarbone, he will require surgery. Matt Flynn is as good as most starters in this league. If the 2013 Packers were that good, they would be winning, or at least competing, without Rodgers.

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Stroh's picture

December 04, 2013 at 06:30 pm

This Capers M.O. everywhere he's been HC or DC. He comes in turns around the Defense quickly, makes them very good. THe longer he stays the worse his D gets. IMO that is a total loss of respect and desire to play for the DC. We have plenty of talent, but need fresh leadership from the DC. Capers must lack the leadership to sustain success. Get rid of Capers and find a young 34 DC to come in and provide leadership and accountability. THe Defense can be turned around very quickly w/ a new DC.

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 07:00 pm

I wouldn't say that its a lack of respect for the coach. Although I'm speaking on what I'm seeing from the Packers and not his previous jobs.

I will say though that Woodson in the past made comments about the play calling on the defense.

I think Capers biggest problem is he has gotten very conservative and boring with his play calling. When he first came he ran various schemes and packages, and moved guys around to try and confuse offense's. He hasn't done that for a long time now. Basically since 2011 he has been doing that.
The last time that I remember him running the Psycho was when Cullen Jenkins was on the team.

I completely agree that we need a new D-Coordinator. I would love to stay with the 34 defense though. Its a lot more flexible of a scheme, just need a new guy to call the plays. I would like to see a more aggressive play caller as well.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 04, 2013 at 10:52 pm

Totally agree. Yeah a guy that will actually be on the field with his players !! Too many huge losses, with good talent, injured ,tired or not from being on the field, to ignore anymore. Need a fresh approach.

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Ma Linger's picture

December 04, 2013 at 05:46 pm

SuperBowl? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeese! This team is in no way a SB contender if everyone was healthy. There is no skill on this team. Defense can't tackle, can't pass rush, can't cover. Offense can run some but the pass and run is medium this year. This is not even a playoff team.

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Stroh's picture

December 04, 2013 at 06:34 pm

This team is a new Defensive Coordinator from being a SB favorite next year. Mark it down! Its not a lack of talent on offense or defense! It just lack the leadership and accountability from the DC to get back to the SB.

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RunAndHyde's picture

December 04, 2013 at 01:53 pm

If we don't attempt to put AR in and when if he is cleared .....that says a lot about this team's balls or lack there of.

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cLowNEY42's picture

December 04, 2013 at 02:39 pm

I think this 5 game stretch has answered all questions in that regard... Don't you?

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PackerPete's picture

December 04, 2013 at 03:07 pm

ok - now let's assume EDS cannot play after he twisted his ankle today. Newhouse plays G again. First series, Atlanta DT waltzes past Newhouse, falls on #12. #12 tears his ACL. Or maybe not as bad, breaks his collarbone again at the same spot. Out for the rest of the season and can come back maybe October next year. What percentage of posters here would scream "MM should've never played him..." ? I understand the whole "teams who get hot" thing, but those teams usually played badly in Sept / Oct / parts of November and got into the playoffs late by playing their best games in December and then January. This team has gotten worse the last 5 games, with the Lions game the absolute bottom so far. The trend is pointing down, not up.

And for the record, I think it takes more balls to shut him down given how Tolzien and Flynn have been playing than playing him. After all, this could mean the end of some coaching careers in Green Bay.
So far, they've had some (sometimes valid) excuses for every game:
- Bears game: whole team shocked that #12 didn't return, including head coach
- Eagles game: Tolzien had to come in after 1st series, had to run plays he'd never even practiced
- Giants game: Tolzien still didn't have time to practice
- Vikings game: Flynn had to come in just freshly signed
- Lions game: First start for Flynn after a couple of years.
Not anymore - this whole "didn't get enough starter reps" crap can be kicked out the window. Now we can see what this team can legitimately do without #12.

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razor's picture

December 04, 2013 at 02:57 pm

Mike Neal the wussy!

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Al Fresco's picture

December 04, 2013 at 05:34 pm

Ya and how many times has he been injured in the last two years 5?
Funny when we play the Vikes it seems that all their backers and DE's are there ready to take us on. How are they not injured ALL the time but Neil is?

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razor's picture

December 04, 2013 at 02:59 pm

Matt Flynn. One stumble better than Graham Harrell.

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razor's picture

December 04, 2013 at 03:00 pm

Datone "hey I'm invisible" Jones.

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razor's picture

December 04, 2013 at 03:34 pm

I would rather lose out with Tolzien than continue with Flynn - another Ted & Mike stooge.

Get Tolzien ready to be the #2 or #3 for next year.

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Longshanks's picture

December 04, 2013 at 06:01 pm

I agree unless MM feels Flynn gives them the best chance to win against ATL than maybe Rodgers comes back and finishes the final three and we make the playoffs and ultimately win the super bowl. If that's how he feels than I have no problem with it.

Longshanks

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murphy's picture

December 04, 2013 at 10:00 pm

This seems appropriate:

"Playoffs? Don't talk about playoffs. Are you kidding me? Playoffs? I'm just hoping we can win a game, another game."

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 07:04 pm

I'm honestly ok with starting Flynn this week, But if he plays like he did on thanksgiving, I would rather see Tolzien come in and try to jolt the team.

Hopefully Flynn steps up and plays better and we don't have to worry about it.

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Longshanks's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:16 pm

Yeah, hopefully. Hope is all we have left RC. Change? We've done enough of change but if we must yes, stick Tolzein for a jolt.

Longshanks

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Ma Linger's picture

December 04, 2013 at 05:42 pm

Just wonder at what point do the pack fans start to put things together and get it: Like Oakland in the 70's, Ted is committed to cheap ball. Get as many late round draft picks others passed on for numerous reasons - too slow, too small, poor skills, played at lower level schools, etc. Tell the fans our brilliant strategy to develop our players.
Big Problemo. In baseball they have a league to do this called Triple A.
In football you have nothing. Either you hit the real field and show your stuff or you sit on the bench. Training camp and pre season does nothing any more.
My take, all the suspicious injuries can be easily traced to the fact the bulk of the packs players were smallish and injury prone in college and carry that into the pro's.

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 07:10 pm

How many small school players are on the roster?

How many of players on the roster were considered injury prone in college?

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RunAndHyde's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:03 pm

Hey! Nick Collins is from Bethune-Cookman....oh wait...

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:07 pm

point being what?
That he was from a small school and that he was a pro bowl player?

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RunAndHyde's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:39 pm

No that he was one of the few examples of a small school player that ever amounted to much for ol Ted.

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Longshanks's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:40 pm

Hyde, have you forgotten about Dr. Samkon Gado? Guess where? Yep, Liberty. Try finding that on the map. My guess is maybe Clay Matthews and a few others tops could find it. I can't.

Longshanks

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RunAndHyde's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:45 pm

Lol Gado wasn't a pro bowler bub

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Longshanks's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:48 pm

Yeah, but he would have been had Ted not traded him for Morency. Gado's wishes to be a doctor probably had an effect on Ted's decision probably thinking Gado's heart wasn't all in it. I still believe Gado has the all time rookie rushing record for a game. It was against Detroit in the cold cold game. Gado was a special back but for some reason was never given a good opportunity.

Longshanks

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Longshanks's picture

December 04, 2013 at 09:06 pm

RC and Hyde, I have a question for you.

How do you feel so far about the team's overall execution? Are you:

A. Happy
B. Disappointed
C. Furious
D. All for it

John McKay

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RunAndHyde's picture

December 04, 2013 at 10:55 pm

Um ....embarrassed.

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 11:03 pm

Yeah, I knew what you were getting at. I was just trying to further your point. I wasn't meaning anything sarcastic towards you.

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 11:17 pm

Overall execution is hard to say. Are we talking before or after Rodgers injury?

Before the injury, A. Happy. Very happy.

After the injury, Sad, very sad...

So to answer with what you have, I say B, Disappointing.

If we are talking about the entire season, then I say D. All of it.

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Longshanks's picture

December 04, 2013 at 11:24 pm

Well RC, I am with John McKay on this one. If this team loses against Atlanta I am all for executing the entire team. lol
Man, I love that joke when he said it back in 1976 or so. He was quite the hilarious guy.

Longshanks

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Stroh's picture

December 04, 2013 at 07:47 pm

Your "take" would be WRONG!

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The TKstinator's picture

December 04, 2013 at 09:47 pm

Please tell Rodgers and CM3 that Ted is committed to cheap ball.

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4thand1's picture

December 04, 2013 at 07:40 pm

I've got nothing. If they lose again I don't give a shit who wins. Except for Seattle, those smartasses really suck. TT and MM will wait for the end of the season to can Capers, if they do at all. God forbid , I'll have to join Cow at training camp practice to voice my disapproval.

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fish and crane's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:07 pm

I wonder how many teams have won super bowls the first year after replacing an OC or DC ?

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 08:09 pm

That is actually a very good question. I would like to know that answer as well.

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leo's picture

December 04, 2013 at 10:07 pm

I think the ravens replaced their OC in the middle of the season last year. Although I don't mean to say that is a good idea.

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Joe's picture

December 04, 2013 at 10:56 pm

Beside Lacy and Franklin who is the other RB under contract next year.

Here's hoping Packers get another stud at RB like Hyde from Ohio St. or the kid from Boston College because Starks should not return

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RC Packer Fan's picture

December 04, 2013 at 11:10 pm

Harris will be under contract.

I don't think Starks will be back, but I doubt to many teams will be after him as well...

If they do lose Starks, I expect them to look at a RB maybe later in the draft, if not they will bring in some free agent RB's.

To me Hyde is this years version of Eddie Lacy.

I am wondering about Franklin though. I heard his injury was a concussion, then I heard it was concussion/neck, then i heard neck. So i'm just wondering how severe it is. If it is a more severe injury I could see them try drafting a RB higher.

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Stroh's picture

December 04, 2013 at 11:11 pm

Lacy Franklin and Harris makes a damn good triumvirate in my book! That's assuming Franklin learns to hold onto the ball. Harris is a nice mixture of Lacy and Franklin. He's small compact and powerful, yet quick and shifty. Keep a RB on the PS and find a FB that can block and catch. I would consider drafting a FB, but not a RB.

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Joe's picture

December 05, 2013 at 11:43 am

Franklin went on IR because the concussion. Though it was reported he had a neck injury, it wasn't serious enough to be concerned about.

I feel he needs to get stronger in order to handle the blitz pickup.

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