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McCarthy speaks
We'll have the highlights from coach Mike McCarthy's media conference as they come. It was scheduled to kick off at 1:20 p.m. but has been delayed. Refresh this page for the latest.
* On QB Aaron Rodgers, who was listed on the injury report as a limited participant in practice: "We're going to not throw him in practice today and tomorrow. He will be re-examined again on Friday morning" as all injured players are. "He's gotten better each day in rehab. He's very positive and feels like he's improving, and I'm going to give him every chance, every possible chance, to play in the game."
* On not practicing today: Might have been "a little ambitious" to say that could happen. Can't speculate on availability until Friday. Reiterates he'll have "every chance" to play. Strength is the issue. "Long-term effects ... with Aaron will be our primary focus." Rodgers felt he made a lot of progress.
* Resting or strengthening? He's in rehab, exercising. Started with throwing tennis ball to heavier-weighted ball. "He's rehabbed it pretty hard." Little sore this morning. Worked this morning, left for a massage, came back and worked some more.
* What like about Pettway? "Pass rush and special teams. The little that I was involved in the evaluation, the special teams is the part that he'll probably be up this week. ... You're always looking to add pass rush. It's a shame for Cullen Jenkins on a personal note. ... I would classify his first four games as dominant time and time again, just the way he graded out."
* On Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm today: Impressed with both of them. Eyes were in right places. Energy as a team was good. Focused on fundamentals.
* Does Jenkins' loss hurt more in base at end or inside on nickel? Played so well in both. Been so disruptive at end on first and second down. Equally or moreso in passing game. In four grading sessions, "he graded out extremely high."
* If go with Mike Montgomery, what does he give the most? "Mike has the reps. He's a natural to slide up into the first and second down." Sounds like he'll be the starter, though the rotation will continue.
* Definite Flynn would start if Rodgers can't? "I look at those two as one. We're getting both ready. ... Our goal is to make sure Matt and Brian are ready for this game. It's a challenge." Tom Clements working in a two-a-day mindset. "Matt Flynn will be the starter." Wants to make sure Brohm is ready in case, though.
* On offensive problems: "The one constant, the thing you have to always look for ... the negative as a team, the mistakes that are common, are penalties." Had to address every week. Seem high around league. Timing has been hurtful, affected down and distance. Focused on that. Secondary are little things like footwork, pad level. Practiced today like need to practice, like training camp. Players were challenged to work in practice like night camp practices.
* On Atlanta QB Matt Ryan: Have to be impressed. Very smart. "You knew you were getting a well-schooled college quarterback, as far as the preparation. ... Fundamentally sound." Good point of release, vision, played in big games. Promising future, but he's still young.
* Encouraged by LB A.J. Hawk doing jogthrough: Like Rodgers, will have every chance to play.
* On S Atari Bigby: Getting close. Bigby would like to go this week.
* On DE Jason Hunter: Won't make it this week. Hopeful for next week.
* No changes to starting five on offensive line. All players, including LT Chad Clifton, got more work on fundamentals. Will go pads again Thursday. Put 25-minute block back toward fundamentals. Injuries are challenging practice schedule.
Here's the full injury report: S Atari Bigby (hamstring, DNP), T Chad Clifton (knees, limited), S Nick Collins (back, limited), FB Korey HAll (knee, DNP), CB Al Harris (spleen, out), LB A.J. Hawk (groin, limited), DE Jason Hunter (hamstring, DNP), DL Cullen Jenkins (chest, out/IR), WR James Jones (knee, full participation), RB Kregg Lumpkin (hamstring, DNP), DT Ryan Pickett (knee, limited), QB Aaron Rodgers (shoulder, limited), S Aaron Rouse (knee, limited), CB Charles Woodson (toe, DNP).
That's it from here for now.
-- Tom Pelissero, [email protected]
