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Latest Packers Player Notes

Sep 1 2010 - James Starks
RB James Starks, who was sidelined the entire preseason, went on the PUP list Aug. 31 for the start of the season. Starks, a sixth-round draft pick out of Buffalo, suffered a hamstring injury in a spring workout after he missed his final college season in 2009 because of shoulder surgery.

Sep 1 2010 - Bryan Bulaga
OL Bryan Bulaga returned to practice for the final week of camp after a hip flexor kept him out of the Colts game and ultimately cost this year's first-round draft pick in his battle with incumbent Daryn Colledge at left guard.

Sep 1 2010 - Brad Jones
OLB Brad Jones, who missed most of the preseason with first a back injury and then a bum shoulder, is penciled in as the opening-day starter on the right side opposite Clay Matthews. Jones will probably have to wear a protective harness in the first game.

Sep 1 2010 - Will Blackmon
S Will Blackmon is iffy for the start of the season after soreness flared up in his surgically repaired left knee following the Aug. 26 preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. Not having Blackmon leaves the Packers in a quandary on punt and even kickoff returns.

Sep 1 2010 - Cullen Jenkins
DE Cullen Jenkins is counting on being healthy again for Week 1 after being beset the final two weeks of camp with a calf injury.

Sep 1 2010 - Clay Matthews
OLB Clay Matthews will enter the season not having played a preseason game after he aggravated a left hamstring injury a week into training camp. Matthews, who led the team with 10 sacks and went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie last year after missing most of camp with the bad hamstring, expects to be ready for the Sept. 12 opener at the Philadelphia Eagles and start on the left side.

Sep 1 2010 - Quinn Porter
RB Quinn Porter was placed on injured reserve Aug. 31. A sprained medical-collateral ligament in his left knee, sustained in the Colts game, cost Porter's bid to win the No. 3 halfback job as an undrafted rookie out of tiny Stillman (Ala.) College.

Sep 1 2010 - Tramon Williams
CB Tramon Williams, who has 19 starts the last two seasons thanks in part to Al Harris' injuries, will again fill the void at right cornerback until Harris returns. Harris is on the Physically Unable to Perform list until mid-October.

Aug 31 2010 - Atari Bigby
S Atari Bigby will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list as expected. Bigby was told he could be out for at least one month and could miss as much as eight weeks after left ankle surgery on Aug. 6.

Aug 31 2010 - Al Harris
CB Al Harris will open the 2010 season on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Harris had a season-ending knee injury late last season and his return has been delayed as he works to get back into peak condition.

Aug 29 2010 - Jarius Wynn
DE Jarius Wynn suffered a concussion Thursday and didn't practice Sunday. Wynn, a sixth-round draft pick in 2009, is on the roster bubble as he's no better than third on the depth chart at right end behind Jenkins and Neal.

Aug 29 2010 - Shawn Gore
WR Shawn Gore, an undrafted rookie, was released by the Packers Saturday. That reduced the team's roster to 79 players ahead of the mandatory cut to 75 by Tuesday.

Aug 29 2010 - Desmond Bishop
LB Desmond Bishop also didn't practice Sunday because of a hamstring injury he sustained Thursday. Bishop was used as a situational inside linebacker in the first half of the game.

Aug 29 2010 - Brandon Underwood
CB Brandon Underwood is out indefinitely after leaving Thursday's game with a shoulder injury. Underwood was the nickel back in the first three preseason games with Harris out. Behind Underwood on the depth chart are Pat Lee and undrafted rookie Sam Shields.

Aug 29 2010 - Greg Jennings
WR Greg Jennings returned to practice on a limited basis Sunday after missing Thursday's game for precautionary reasons. Jennings had been bothered by back spasms earlier in the week.

Aug 29 2010 - Al Harris
CB Al Harris has yet to be cleared for a return to the field after there was some speculation he would be in practice leading up to the game against the Colts. With only one week left in the preseason, the outlook isn't great that Harris will have enough time to get ready for the season opener, more than nine months after he underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee. Tramon Williams continues to hold down Harris' starting spot.

Aug 29 2010 - Cullen Jenkins
DE Cullen Jenkins was limited to the lengthy jog-through Sunday and didn't go through the rest of the workout in pads as he recovers from a calf strain that kept him out of Thursday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie Mike Neal started in Jenkins' place.

Aug 29 2010 - Brad Jones
LB Brad Jones, the Packers' other projected starting outside linebacker, also has missed most of the preseason. A shoulder injury kept Jones out of the last two games before he returned for the jog-through Sunday.

Aug 29 2010 - Clay Matthews
LB Clay Matthews, the team's sacks leader as a rookie in 2009, thinks he is healthy enough to play in the exhibition finale Thursday at the Kansas City Chiefs but won't be cleared until he passes conditioning tests. Matthews had been sidelined since aggravating a left hamstring injury in the team's scrimmage Aug. 7 but took a positive step toward returning to action when he suited up for the jog-through at the beginning of practice Sunday. Matthews doesn't think he will be affected for being mentally ready for the start of the season if the team errs on the side of caution one more week and ensures his availability for the Sept. 12 opener at the Philadelphia Eagles. "I feel just from practice and some live reps I should be good to go (for the season)," Matthews said.

Aug 29 2010 - Daryn Colledge
OL Daryn Colledge, who battled Bryan Bulaga most of training camp, will be the starter at left guard for the Sept. 12 season opener at the Philadelphia Eagles. Colledge had been working ahead of Bulaga since the rookie out of Iowa was moved from being exclusively a backup at left tackle a week into camp. Colledge and Bulaga alternated series with the No. 1 offense the first two preseason games, but Colledge took all of the snaps with the first group in the first half of the last outing with Bulaga out. "Availability is obviously the most important aspect of your job responsibility, and Daryn Colledge has done an excellent job of that throughout his career here," McCarthy said. "Daryn's playing good football. I like what I see so far from him in the preseason."

Aug 29 2010 - Bryan Bulaga
OL Bryan Bulaga didn't play in the Green Bay Packers' 59-24 preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 26 because of a hip flexor, an injury that proved to be costly for the team's first-round draft pick in trying to win a starting job. Bulaga remained out of contact drills Sunday, the team's first day of practice since the game. Head coach Mike McCarthy announced after practice that veteran incumbent Daryn Colledge, who battled Bulaga most of training camp, would be the starter at left guard for the Sept. 12 season opener at the Philadelphia Eagles. Colledge had been working ahead of Bulaga since the rookie out of Iowa was moved from being exclusively a backup at left tackle a week into camp. Colledge and Bulaga alternated series with the No. 1 offense the first two preseason games, but Colledge took all of the snaps with the first group in the first half of the last outing with Bulaga out. "Availability is obviously the most important aspect of your job responsibility, and Daryn Colledge has done an excellent job of that throughout his career here," McCarthy said. "Daryn's playing good football. I like what I see so far from him in the preseason."

Aug 29 2010 - Quinn Porter
RB Quinn Porter, an early standout in camp, suffered ankle and knee injuries the last two games, dimming his prospects for surviving the final roster cut.

Aug 29 2010 - James Starks
RB James Starks' chances for making the roster have taken a hit due to injuries. The sixth-round draft pick out of Buffalo has been out since the opening of training camp because of a pulled hamstring. Starks could wind up on injured reserve.

Aug 29 2010 - Ryan Grant
RB Ryan Grant has two fumbles in three games, though his miscue against the Colts was recovered by center Scott Wells. Grant incidentally will enter the regular season with a career-high streak of 291 carries without a fumble -- the longest active streak among NFL backs. His only fumble in 2009 came on a pass play in a Week 2 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Grant's last fumble by rush was Dec. 28, 2008, against the Detroit Lions.

Aug 29 2010 - Aaron Rodgers
QB Aaron Rodgers is 41-of-53 (77.4 percent) for 470 yards and league highs of six touchdowns and a 141.2 passer rating without an interception in the preseason "When we get into a rhythm like we have this preseason on offense, we're going to be tough to stop," Rodgers said. "It's fun."

Aug 29 2010 - Shawn Gore
WR Shawn Gore was released by Green Bay.

Aug 25 2010 - Al Harris
CB Al Harris didn't pass his physical Monday and it's growing less likely that he'll be ready to return by the Sept. 12 opener. It's possible Harris could stay on the PUP list to start the regular season, which would mean he's out for the first six weeks.

Aug 22 2010 - Derrick Martin
S Derrick Martin, one of the team's top special-teams players, was ejected in the second quarter of Saturday's game. Martin appeared to have thrown a punch at the Seahawks' Kennard Cox while blocking upfield on a Seattle punt. "I want to see the film," McCarthy said after the game. "The communication (from the officials) was that he punched a player on the Seahawks."

Aug 22 2010 - Justin Harrell
DE Justin Harrell, whose brief career since the Packers made him their first-round draft pick in 2007 has been marred by one injury after another, had a back problem again last week. Harrell didn't practice Aug. 17 because of what coach Mike McCarthy said was back tightness. Harrell missed the entire 2009 season after chronic lower-back issues surfaced in the preseason. "It's training camp. It happens," McCarthy said. "He is definitely a factor when he is in there."

Aug 22 2010 - Will Blackmon
S Will Blackmon is making the conversion from cornerback to safety, but his biggest role with the team is as a return specialist. Blackmon had a 12-yard runback on a punt after a Seattle three-and-out to start the game. "I think Will will bring us some consistency," said Shawn Slocum, special teams coordinator. Slocum suggested Blackmon would be used to return punts and No. 2 halfback Brandon Jackson is the preferred choice for kickoff returns.

Aug 22 2010 - Aaron Rodgers
QB Aaron Rodgers is more than ready to get his third season as a starter under way Sept. 12 at the Philadelphia Eagles. "He's been excellent; he's been sharp," Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's doing all of the little things that are necessary to continue to spread the ball around and keep our offense in good looks." Rodgers' pinpoint accuracy in a little more than two quarters of action in the preseason thus far has translated to 20-of-24 passing (83.3 percent) for 275 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions and a near-perfect passer rating of 154.0. "The decision-making has been good," Rodgers said after his 8-for-11, 116-yard, two-touchdown performance in the first quarter of the Packers' 27-24 win at the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. He was on the money on Green Bay's first play, hurling a 56-yard throw to a lunging Jennings down the middle. "The way I'm seeing the game is how I want it to be going into the season," Rodgers said. "The checks I make at the line of scrimmage are the correct checks. I'm getting us in good situations. And, accuracy-wise, I'm throwing the ball pretty well. "But, it really starts up front -- when those guys give me time, we're tough to stop."

Aug 19 2010 - Bryan Bulaga
OG Bryan Bulaga is working at guard and tackle for the Packers. His future position is more likely to be tackle, but he could break into the lineup as a rookie at guard. Bulaga is competing at left guard for a starting spot, whereas Chad Clifton has the starting job nailed down at left tackle. "Like I've said this entire time, none of these guys come here to play behind someone," Bulaga said. "Everyone wants to be on the field and play. That's what makes a team great is guys push each other to get competition. It feels good to have an opportunity to get on the field and win a job, and if I don't, then I wasn't the best guy for the spot."

Aug 19 2010 - Atari Bigby
S Atari Bigby will be out for at least one month and could miss as much as eight weeks after left ankle surgery on Aug. 6. Bigby could begin the season on the physically unable to perform list, which would make him unavailable for the first six weeks of the 2010 season.

Aug 17 2010 - Al Harris
CB Al Harris is nearing the end of his recovery for major surgery on his left knee late last season and could be activated from the PUP list within the week. The team is hopeful he will be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 12.

Aug 16 2010 - Ryan Grant
RB Ryan Grant was diagnosed with a concussion after Saturday's game with the Browns, which means he's subject to the NFL's strict new procedure on players returning from head injuries. Grant said he had "his bell rung a little bit" when he was sandwiched by linebacker Chris Gocong and Brown on a cut into the middle at the line of scrimmage. The new rule stipulates players diagnosed with a concussion will be kept off the field until they show no symptoms of the concussion and have an independent neurologist instead of the team doctor clear them to return. Coach Mike McCarthy said he hoped to have Grant at practice Tuesday. Grant passed concussion tests Monday and will see a neurologist Tuesday. Grant stumbled as he got to his feet against the Browns but did walk off under his own power. A concussion was initially ruled out after the medical staff performed a battery of alertness tests with Grant on and off the field.

Aug 15 2010 - Quinn Porter
RB Quinn Porter (undrafted) has the inside track to the No. 3 halfback job, particularly with James Starks sidelined indefinitely. Porter showed Saturday the burst that has been on occasional display early in camp, finishing with 38 yards (long of 15) in nine carries.

Aug 15 2010 - Mike Neal
DE Mike Neal (second round) played extensively in the preseason opener Saturday, primarily as the No. 2 right end behind Cullen Jenkins, and has impressed early in camp with his power and good instincts.

Aug 15 2010 - James Starks
RB James Starks could be running out of time to make the season-opening roster. The sixth-round draft pick, who hasn't played since 2008 after he had shoulder surgery before his final college season at Buffalo, is on PUP with a hamstring injury.

Aug 15 2010 - Atari Bigby
S Atari Bigby, like CB Al Harris a returning starter on PUP, will miss the entire preseason after having a cleanup procedure done on his surgically repaired left ankle Aug. 6. Rookie Morgan Burnett has replaced Bigby in the starting lineup and figures to stay there when the season starts.

Aug 15 2010 - Al Harris
CB Al Harris continues to do rehab work away from practice as he aims to play in the season opener, nine months after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee. Harris is on the PUP list.

Aug 15 2010 - Will Blackmon
S Will Blackmon has been sidelined most of camp by soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. Blackmon, the team's preferred kick returner, is confident he will be ready for the Sept. 12 season opener at the Philadelphia Eagles.

Aug 15 2010 - Clay Matthews
LB Clay Matthews is expected to be sidelined another week, which will keep him out of the second preseason game Saturday at the Seattle Seahawks, because of a left hamstring injury he aggravated in the team's Aug. 7 scrimmage. Brady Poppinga started in Matthews' place at the left outside spot Saturday.

Aug 15 2010 - Donald Driver
WR Donald Driver opened the game in his customary starting spot and had three catches for 19 yards. Driver was questionable to play after a calf injury that may have stemmed from offseason surgery on both of his knees flared up during the first week of training camp.

Aug 15 2010 - Tom Crabtree
TE Tom Crabtree aggravated a hand injury late in the first half while blocking on a bungled punt return and didn't return to action. X-rays done during the game on the hand were inconclusive, so a scan was scheduled Sunday.

Aug 15 2010 - Will Blackmon
CB Will Blackmon is desperately needed back on the field to provide sure-handed stability on returns. Blackmon has missed most of camp so far because of lingering soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. He is optimistic about playing in the season opener Sept. 12 at the Philadelphia Eagles.

Aug 15 2010 - Sam Shields
CB Sam Shields, one of the early camp standouts, did himself no favors in trying to make the team by muffing a punt late in the first half Saturday. The speedy Shields has dropped the football on several return chances in camp. The blunder in the game occurred when he called for a fair catch, then ran up to get under a short kick. The Browns recovered the football at the Green Bay 30 but promptly turned it back over three plays later on an interception by cornerback Brandon Underwood in the end zone. "Just a lack of focus," Shields said. "Just keeping my eyes on the ball like I keep working on in practice. I guess I was worrying about what was around me instead of catching the ball."

Aug 15 2010 - Ryan Grant
RB Ryan Grant wasn't so much concerned about his unsteady health as he was his critical blunder earlier in Saturday's game. Grant fumbled the football on a run on the Packers' first play from scrimmage. Browns nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin came off a block by center Scott Wells to make the strip with his right hand, and cornerback Sheldon Brown made the recovery and returned it 11 yards to the Green Bay 13-yard line. Cleveland took advantage of the short field to score a second straight touchdown to increase its lead to 14-0 only 6 � minutes into play. "I've just got to do a better job of ball security with that," said Grant, who will enter the regular season with a career-best streak of 291 carries without a fumble, the longest active streak in the NFL. "That's not a trait of mine," Grant added. "I take that very serious, that's the number one priority, and I think that sets the tone as a backfield. So, that's unacceptable. But, we'll clean it up." Grant left the game after back-to-back runs to start Green Bay's next series. He said he had "his bell rung a little bit" when he was sandwiched by linebacker Chris Gocong and Brown on a cut into the middle at the line of scrimmage. Grant stumbled as he got to his feet but did walk off under his own power. A concussion was initially ruled out after the medical staff performed a battery of alertness tests with Grant on and off the field.

Aug 15 2010 - Aaron Rodgers
QB Aaron Rodgers said it's no secret why he finished a blistering 12-of-13 for 159 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown lob to Greg Jennings on a double move, in the Packers' 27-24 loss to the visiting Cleveland Browns in a preseason opener Saturday. "We've got a lot of weapons," Rodgers said. "When you can throw the ball to the kind of guys we can throw it to, it's going to be just on me to be accurate. (Saturday) I think Mike (McCarthy, the team's head coach and play caller for the offense) allowed me to get in a good flow. We're always talking about rhythm on offense, and the play calling I really felt like got us into a good rhythm." Rodgers and the starting group were on the field for the first four series and a total of 20 plays, the latter of which was McCarthy's plan before the game. Rodgers completed his first 10 passes for 146 yards to seven different receivers. "I thought Aaron was sharp," McCarthy said. "He managed the huddle very well, saw a lot of pressure and made the appropriate checks. He took advantage of the one-on-one opportunities."

Aug 15 2010 - Charles Woodson
CB Charles Woodson didn't play much, but the veteran cornerback played long enough to have a close-up view of the unsettling chain of events in Green Bay's 27-24, last-second loss to the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field. In simply two words, Woodson summed up the performance by the Packers' first-string defense: "Not well."

Aug 15 2010 - Jason Spitz
OL Jason Spitz, a third-round pick by the Packers in '06 with 45 starts in the interior of the offensive line, faces a battle for a roster spot. Spitz, who missed most of last season with a bad back, had been working behind center Scott Wells and right guard Josh Sitton before he suffered a calf injury a little more than a week into this year's camp.