Thursday Report: Matthews Practices In Pads

Outside linebacker Clay Matthews reportedly practiced in pads for the first time in more than a month on Thursday.

Outside linebacker Clay Matthews practiced in pads on Thursday for the first time in more than a month, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Twitter.

Matthews has been limited by shin splints for several weeks now, a nagging injury that typically won't fully heal until after the season is over.

Head coach Mike McCarthy indicated weeks ago that playing on turf is harder on Matthews' shins than playing on natural grass. That being the case, it makes sense that he could be feeling better following the game at New England played on turf.

The Packers' next two games are also on grass at home in Lambeau Field against the Giants and the Bears. After several weeks without making much of an impact, one wonders if Matthews could be primed to make his biggest contribution since before the bye week.

Opposite Matthews, the Packers are facing a bit of a dilemma.

Rookie Frank Zombo did not practice on Thursday with his non-participation dating back to his injury incurred Week 14 against the Detroit Lions. His status for Sunday would appear to be questionable at best.

Also limited during practice today were Erik Walden–this past week's starter at outside linebacker who as of yet has an undisclosed injury–and Diyral Briggs who sufferred an ankle injury in practice last week and re-aggravated it against the Patriots.

Robert Francois appears the only other completely healthy outside linebacker on the roster apart from Matthews, and Francois isn't even a true outside linebacker. He spends some of his time on the inside.

This past week the Packers used Desmond Bishop lined up at outside linebacker in some passing situations against the Patriots and could do more of the same this week against the Giants.

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Comments (10)

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400metres's picture

December 23, 2010 at 02:23 pm

Geez, the injuries...it's a wonder this team is even competitive, much less pushing for a playoff spot. I don't know if there's an award for coordinator of the year, but if so, it has to go to Dom Capers, hands down.

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Tommyboy's picture

December 23, 2010 at 03:18 pm

Agreed.

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hyperRevue's picture

December 23, 2010 at 03:24 pm

And a GM of the Year award to Thompson.

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cow42's picture

December 23, 2010 at 04:53 pm

I don't think that anyone associated with a non-playoff team should win any type of award.

I take that back...

Maybe the "Nice Try - Let's All Go Out For Ice Cream" award.

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Tommyboy's picture

December 24, 2010 at 12:46 am

It's not really that black and white - people just want it to be. In football, there are too many players and variables to assume one player or coach can't be great, even the best in the game, at what they do. The best running back in the league this year - Foster? Peterson?...won't even make the playoffs. Suh deserves an award, but plays for the Lions. The Packers have been riddled with injuries and Capers keeps them atop the NFL in defense? Yeesh - this is a little too black and white to just say that only playoff-teams have exclusive rights to awards.

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TPackers's picture

December 24, 2010 at 01:35 am

Well said. Thank you.

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BubbaOne's picture

December 23, 2010 at 03:24 pm

Going up against a very good running offense and w/ all the LB injuries I had a flashback to the 1972 playoff loss to the Redskins. They lined up w/ 5 DL to combat Brockington/MacLane forcing Scott Hunter to beat them.
Any chance Dom comes up w/ some version of this D vs. the Giants...probably not...but I never thought he would use Chillar at safety either. As long as I'm dreaming I wonder what the over/under run totals would be vs a DL of Jolly, Raji, Green, Pickett, and Jenkins.
Maybe Matthews was in pads b/c they use alot of 4-3 this Sunday?

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FITZCORE1252's picture

December 23, 2010 at 11:14 pm

Jenkins is out too.

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Tommyboy's picture

December 23, 2010 at 03:47 pm

We could see more of the Jumbo Package...or whatever that's called, or as Brian pointed out, Bishop lined up on the outside. Nothing sounds too sexy to me, but then again, not much has with all the injuries we've had, yet our defense consistently finds a way to get it done. I frankly would like to see a combination of Collins, Peprah, and Bigby out there sometimes.

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FITZCORE1252's picture

December 23, 2010 at 11:16 pm

Well we can't control who's in or out. What we can control are gaps, cutbacks and most important this week SOUND TACKLING. You gotta suck-it-up and get Jacobs to the ground, Bradshaw too.

GBP 4 LIFE

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