Packers' RB James Starks out for Sunday; linebacker A.J Hawk probable to return – NFL News
Green Bay Packers have mixed news for the Raiders game. The newly crowned National Football Conference North Champions have lost running back James Starks for Sunday’s encounter against Oakland Raiders but line backer A.J Hawk
is probable to return.
"I thought A.J. looked good in practice today," Coach Mike McCarthy said. "We'll see how A.J. feels in the morning. That will determine his status for the game."
Starks injury got worse as he played through pain during the Packers close fought 38-35 win over the New York Giants the previous week and was not able to practice on Friday. Coach Mike Martz will replace Starks with Ryan Grant
and Brandon Saine to carry the Packers rushing plays.
The Packers defence is 31st overall in stopping the oppositions rushing and will be lighter on Sunday as linebacker Desmond Bishop is also out from Sunday’s game and will miss his second game running. Rookie D.J Smith
will again start in place of Bishop at linebacker according to Coach Mike Martz.
"D.J. and Robert have taken all of the snaps (in practice), this is two weeks in a row, and we're prepared to go with those two guys," McCarthy said. "Having A.J. up for the game, to me, is a bonus.”
Green Bay Packers who secured the NFC North title after Detroit Lions lost to New Orleans Saints last week are unbeaten in the NFL with a perfect 12-0 record. The NFC Champs can secure a first round playoff bye with a win against
the Raiders.
Green Bay Packers will not be worried much with the injuries in defence. The Packers offensive units led by the brilliant Aaron Rodgers has been scoring an average of 35 points a game more than any other team in the NFL. Oakland
Raiders had a torrid time on offense last week against Miami Dolphins losing 34-14 and were not able to score a single point in the first three quarters.
With Packers in such good knick offensively their defensive frailties will be glossed over and since many better offensive teams than the Raiders have failed at Lambeau a Packers victory is highly likely on Sunday.
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