By Rob Demovsky
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Running back Ahman Green has been cleared to make his preseason debut on Monday at Cincinnati but won't play as long as the No. 1 offense, which is expected to go well into the third quarter.
Green has been practicing since Aug. 7 but didn't play in the first two exhibition games. He's coming off a major leg injury, a torn quadriceps tendon that was surgically repaired on Oct. 25. Coach Mike McCarthy said Green probably will take about 18 to 20 snaps, roughly the same amount the No. 1 offense took in the first preseason game.
"Probably a couple of series," McCarthy said when asked how long Green will play against the Bengals. "We're going to be smart with him. We'll see how it goes."
Typically, the third preseason game is a dress rehearsal for the regular-season opener, and the starters see their most snaps of the exhibition season and then scale way back for the fourth and final preseason game.The reps against the Bengals will be critical for Green and the Packers, not only so they can gauge whether he's completely recovered from his surgery but to see how well he has adjusted to McCarthy's new offensive scheme.
"I'm just looking forward to getting back out there and getting banged around," Green said after Wednesday's practice.
Also expected to make their preseason debuts are safety Marquand Manuel and linebacker Brady Poppinga. Both likely will play between 18 to 20 plays.
"They're in the same category (as Green)," McCarthy said.
