According to coach Mike McCarthy, starting linebacker Nick Barnett is out for the season. In his Monday press conference the Packer's stated the bad news.

"We've lost Nick Barnett for the season because of a ligament tear in his knee," said Mike McCarthy. "Got the word about a half-hour ago."  The coach did not say which ligament, though odds are it's the ACL.

Desmond Bishop should start in his place.

I never like to see a guy go down. I hope Nick makes a speedy recovery and comes back at one hundred percent next season.

However, with the total lack of presence by Barnett this season, perhaps the blow won't be as terrible as it seems.

Here is more on McCarthy's quotes on Barnett.

"We've lost Nick Barnett for the season because of a ligament tear in his knee. So, we just got the word here about a half-hour ago. He's very disappointed. It's unfortunate. But we need the other guys to step up. He has a ligament tear."

When asked about who will start?

"Well, that's what we're talking about. We talked about it as a defensive staff this morning, the potentials. Obviously, Desmond Bishop. A.J. Hawk, and Brandon Chillar also factors into that, too, so we'll probably make that call tomorrow."

(Stay Tuned)