Packers’ Troubles Linked To Injuries In The Trenches
The Green Bay Packers’ run defense has gone from potent to porous.
The Packers, who had the stingiest defense in the NFL last year, have slipped from fourth-best against the run all the way to 25th this season.
“We’re a normal team now,” All-Pro strong safety LeRoy Butler said. “We WERE a championship team. But that’s gone now. We’ve lost that status.”
Gilbert Brown, the Packers’ 350-plus-pound run-stuffer, has been hampered by injuries all season, and left cornerback Craig Newsome, one of the NFL’s hardest hitters, was lost for the season on the first play from scrimmage with a torn knee ligament.
Earl Dotson’s wrenched back has thrown a wrench into the Packers’ plans to restore their Super Bowl-starting offensive line.
Green Bay announced that 11-year veteran Bruce Wilkerson would start ahead of rookie Ross Verba at left tackle in a move designed to ease the onslaught on two-time MVP Brett Favre, who’s been knocked down 22 times the last two weeks.
But just hours after announcing the move, Dotson injured his back at practice. He was added to the injury list as questionable, meaning there’s a 50-50 chance he’ll play Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Seahawks notes
The Seahawks held halfback Steve Broussard out of practice because of headaches caused from last week’s concussion. Broussard may practice today along with right guard Derrick Graham, who rested a shoulder injury. If Broussard can’t play, Mack Strong will be the backup halfback.
Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson said that left tackle Walter Jones (ankle) may start, and that James McKnight will start at wide receiver.
Wide receivers Ronnie Harris (hamstring) and Brian Blades (knee) did some work and may be able to play against the Oilers.
Defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy missed his second consecutive day of practice because of his knee injury and is not looking as though he will be available.
Around the league
The New York Giants’ Dave Brown has a strained muscle in his chest near his throwing shoulder, and though he insisted he will play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, Danny Kanell was taking the snaps with the first unit in practice. … KiJana Carter, who thought his season might be finished because of an injured left shoulder, plans to start Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cincinnati Bengals coach Bruce Coslet said that both Carter and rookie Corey Dillon would play at Jacksonville. …Tennessee’s Bruce Matthews has a sprained knee ligament, which threatens to end his 153-game starting streak - the NFL’s longest for an active player. … Denver placekicker Jason Elam remained sidelined by a pulled groin and strained hip flexor from the Atlanta game, and he wasn’t reporting any improvement.