Before X's and O's can be considered, let's take of the Rx's for the Packers first, the medical news. Among the observers the last week or so, only Mark Tauscher remains iffy heading into the Divisional showdown with the Vikings at Lambeau on Sunday night. He's practiced on a limited basis with his sore shoulder but even Mike McCarthy calls him questionable to doubtful at best. Donald Driver hasn't practiced all week with a quad brusie but he should be available. There's better news on the defensive side of the ball where Clay Matthews should make his return after missing a week with a pulled hamstring and Brandon Chillar's shoulder is well enough for him to return, not to mention the distinct possibility that Al Harris and (less likely) Atari Bigby could be activated after coming off the PUP list. Ryan Pickett's sprained ankle also appears to be history. Every able body will need to deliver against a Minnesota team that has scuffled to a 2-3 start despite talent that took them to the NFC title game a year ago. Randy Moss will play his third game with Brett Favre and only the Vikings secondary remains thinned by injury. If the Packers find a way to keep Aaron Rodgers upright (14 sacks in 2 Minnesota games last year), plays can be made against the Minnesota defensive backs. It might have to be a pass happy night considering how stout the Vikes have been against the run for the past several years. Their front 7 has played together for a couple of seasons and it shows. The Vikes also have an edge in the kicking game, Chris Kluwe vs Tim Masthay is no contest, Ryan Longwell hasn't missed yet while Mason Crosby has had big field goal tries either blocked by the Bears, or the upright in Washington. The Lambeau energy will have to carry the shorthanded Pack and the execution will have to be clean to avoid a three game slide and a 4th straight loss to their bitterest rivals. Here's a sweep through the locker room to hear what the boys have to say about the game:


Comments