Friday Report: Zombo Practices, Walden Doesn't
Rookie outside linebacker Frank Zombo returned to practice on Friday while fellow outside linebacker Erik Walden remained out with an ankle injury.
Reports out of Green Bay are saying outside linebacker Frank Zombo has returned to practice on Friday for the Green Bay Packers, while fellow outside linebacker Erik Walden was sidelined by an ankle injury.
According to the Packers official website:
Zombo hasn’t played since the Detroit game in Week 14. He had a trial return to practice once before the end of the regular season, but it didn’t go well and he has been inactive for six straight weeks.
Walden has taken over Zombo's starting role while he's been out and has fared surprisingly well dating back to his three-sack performance in the regular season finale against the Chicago Bears for which he was named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week.
One could argue that Zombo is the better player against the run and Walden is better rushing the passer, although both have had their moments in the reverse scenario.
When Walden was knocked out of the NFC Championship game, Rob Francois and Diyral Briggs both received playing time at the position. Francois became the fifth different player to start a game at right outside linebacker this season back during Week 16, to give an idea of how many injuries the Packers have sustained at the position.
It can only be viewed as good news for Zombo to return to practice with over a week to go until the Super Bowl, and his chances of playing would seem to have improved considerably.
As for Walden, Friday was only the first day of on-field practice in preparation for the Packers, so he hasn't missed a ton of work. There may be hope of him playing in the Super Bowl yet if he can progress between now and next Sunday.
Comments (19)
January 28, 2011 at 01:36 pm
I'd be nice to have them both for this game. I still think we need to upgrade this position for next year.
January 28, 2011 at 06:18 pm
I think casey matthews would fit nicely there!!!
January 28, 2011 at 01:42 pm
So, Zombo's now in the photo and Walden's out?
January 28, 2011 at 01:58 pm
nice.
January 28, 2011 at 02:40 pm
I agree, Zombo would be better against the run, but Walden would probably be better covering Heath Miller.
January 29, 2011 at 02:47 pm
Walden on long downs and Zombo on short downs, will also help manage their snaps since they are both dinged up.
January 30, 2011 at 01:39 am
woodson will be covering miller anyways, not walden or zombo. If they were to stick any linebacker on miller it would be Bishop. Covering the TE's is basically his job.
January 28, 2011 at 03:12 pm
I'd like to see Walden healthy. Ideally he could play the same kind of "shadow" role on Ben as he did on Cuntler week 17. Ben can and will hurt you with his feet just like Cuntler, Walden was excellent week 17 shutting gay down.
GBP 4 LIFE
January 28, 2011 at 03:15 pm
I was just thinking about the Holmgren speech following Super Bowl 31 win: "this is the Lombardi trophy, you guys play in Green Bay...for as much as it means to everyone else, it means more to us."
I wish I could find video of that. For that matter, I also wish I could find a youtube of the call during the Carolina game (I think) when Levens scored: "A hole so big you can drive a truck to the Super Bowl through!"
Random thoughts. Carry on.
January 28, 2011 at 04:32 pm
Too funny! I just watched this the other day
http://www.hulu.com/watch/124072/team-highlights-1996-green-bay-packers?...
- team highlights of the 1996 team and both quotes are definitely in there.
There's tons of other packer NFL films videos on there too:
http://www.hulu.com/nfl/green-bay-packers
January 28, 2011 at 06:01 pm
Yes! Thanks. I never think of hulu.
January 28, 2011 at 06:15 pm
So many chills. Thanks again. I can't believe I was just 15 years old.
January 28, 2011 at 03:16 pm
Since Pitt will undoubtedly try to establish the run via Mendenhall, Zombo early may prove wise. Having both Zombo and Walden even better between pass and run plays...either way GB wins!
January 28, 2011 at 04:19 pm
I love zombo....he plays hard every snap. Hope he starts cause he will have a big game!
January 28, 2011 at 10:55 pm
agreed
January 28, 2011 at 11:00 pm
Per Rosenthal ......
"Erik Walden (ankle) sat out of practice, but coach Mike McCarthy anticipated he’d be ready to practice next Wednesday.
Walden is expected to keep his starting job over Zombo for the big game, which Zombo understands."
January 28, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Im upset Waldens hurt but Im really happy Zombo's back. Zombo is a GREAT player but we have to remember Walden is a back up. It would be great if they both could play but i dont think it will effect the way the team plays at the SB.
January 29, 2011 at 09:55 am
Well, if they are both ready to go play, Capers will definitely find a way to put them both in...and quite possibly put both of them on the field at the same time!
January 29, 2011 at 11:15 am
Psycho baby! Psycho!!!!!!!!!!