Titans Lead Up

[MickeyDavis]

GREEN BAY - If everything goes right this week, the Green Bay Packers could have two key members of their offense back for the Tennessee Titans game Sunday.

Running back James Starks (knee) and tight end Jared Cook (ankle) both were given the green light to practice at full speed Wednesday. Last week, they were able to do a few individual drills but nothing more than that and went inside after the pre-practice.

"We’re going to put them in, probably, if you want to put it in a classification or category, I’d say limited," coach Mike McCarthy said before practice. "But we’re going to cut them loose today and then tomorrow’s the padded work so that’ll be the best indication on where they are."

The Packers desperately need Cook to return following a six-week absence due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered against Detroit. Opposing teams have been playing lots of man-to-man defense and without a fast tight end to stress the middle of the field, their offense has struggled.

Cook was in his third game as a Packer when he injured his ankle. He has six catches for 53 yards.

Starks' return would also be a big boost. Though his numbers were poor before he underwent minor knee surgery Oct. 16 -- 24 carries for 42 yards (1.8 average) -- he's the most experienced back they have and has had success in the offense.

It's expected that even if Starks does play that Ty Montgomery would be the main back and Starks would be limited.

Missing practice for the Packers were: LB Clay Matthews (personal), G T.J. Lang (hip), CB Damarious Randall (groin), C JC Tretter (knee) and NT Letroy Guion (unspecified).

Randall did some work on the sideline for the first time since his surgery.

Also at practice was cornerback Jermaine Whitehead, who was re-signed to the practice squad. Whitehead had been promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster before the Atlanta game and played in two games before being cut Monday.

[Mags FTW]

We are only favored by a point. Luckily I think our weakness right now, pass defense, isn't a strong point of theirs because of their crap receivers. Contain the run, cover Walker.

[HKPackFan]

Sad when we are hoping for a key boost from Starks, this isn't 2010. He's an average 2nd string back on the wrong side of 30.

[Ron Swanson]

At this point, any actual RB is a bonus. Having Cook (hopefully) back is the bigger story. I know the Titans have looked better this year, but if we can't pull this one out, well....

[jazzfanWA]

Is McCarthy going to keep Cook on the sidelines the entire first half and then insert him sometime in the 3rd quarter?

[Asher]

Rishard Matthews has made some sneaky-good plays lately. And Mariota has been slinging it pretty well the last five games, though he has been turning it over with the worst results---fumbles and ints inside the 20, defensive tds---let's hope that keeps up. Stop the run, control the clock, no turnovers...Should win this game. I'll be there in club seats

[MickeyDavis]

We get Triplette and his crew

[ibanezjp]

Clay out. Another game with no pass rush.

[jazzfanWA]

Clay out. Another game with no pass rush.

He will be back soon enough to help the Packers go 8-8.

[Jollay]

It is wise to keep Clay out and be cautious.

Guys, all it is is get in and win three games on the road and shut down Caleb Hannie and the Bears in the title game.

Well, at least they'll probably be missing Henry, but I expect their OL to get to the linebackers and ground pound us by the 2nd half. And I don't expect our corners to hang with their mediocre receivers.

[Mags FTW]

Clay out, Randall out, Cook doubtful, Starks and Hyde questionable.

[rilamann]

We get Triplette and his crew

Tripplette was bad even back when NFL officiating was good lol.

[jlyons043]

I'm really worried about how the run D is going to hold up in this one. Not only do we have to worry about Murray and Henry, but Mariota is one of the best running QBs in the league. Our front 7 hasn't shown up in a while either, and if they don't come to play I don't see us winning this game.

[HKPackFan]

Starks is active.

[Profound23]

Assuming Starks and Cook are active, do I start J.J. Nelson over Montgomery?

[trwi7]

Can't wait to see how far we fall behind while McCarthy tries to establish the run.