MUST WIN
From Tom SIlverstein of the JS
Injury report: Packers — WR Adrian Coxson (concussion), WR Javess Blue (shoulder), OL Vince Kowalski (concussion) and WR Jared Abbrederis (concussion) are not expected to play. CB Damarious Randall (groin), CB Tay Glover-Wright (hamstring), S Sean Richardson (chest), CB Demetri Goodson (calf), LB Clay Matthews (knee), DE Mike Daniels (ankle), and DE Letroy Guion (hamstring) are questionable. Patriots (injuries have not been specified except where noted) — DT Chris Jones, LB Dane Fletcher, WR Brandon LaFell (toe), G Ryan Wendell, LB Dont'a Hightower (shoulder), G Caylin Hauptmann and RB LaGarrette Blount (knee) aren't expected to play. WR Brian Tyms (shoulder), WR Matthew Slater, OT Marcus Cannon, TE Scott Chandler (leg), RB Tyler Gaffney, DL Joe Vellano, C Bryan Stork, RB Travaris Cadet and LT Nate Solder are questionable.
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
1. MISSING TOM: Several reports out of New England have indicated that QB Tom Brady will not play after missing practice this week to deal with his Deflategate legal issues. The Packers' young corners would have benefited from facing Brady even if for only a short time. Jimmy Garoppolo will start. The only other QB on the roster is Ryan Lindley, who was signed Monday.
2. GETTING HIS KICKS: This will be the first opportunity for the Packers to see Ty Montgomery return live kickoffs, given, of course, that kicker Stephen Gostkowski doesn't force all touchbacks. Montgomery has had a strong camp and his ability to hit full throttle quickly has been the buzz of training camp. He'll see plenty of time at receiver as well.
3. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Special teams coach Ron Zook has had the luxury of using a lot of veterans on his units. Though backups will come in fairly early, this will be an early peek into how well he has organized coverage and return teams. The last thing coach Mike McCarthy wants to see are total breakdowns in the first game.
4. TIGHT QUARTERS: Richard Rodgers will be the starter at TE this year. That's about all we know of the position. Andrew Quarless has not hit his stride after dealing with the loss of his daughter at birth. Rookie Mitchell Henry was playing well when he broke a finger. He'll wear a club on his hand and probably just take part in blocking. Fellow rookie Harold Spears flashed this week. Veteran Justin Perillo needs to take a big step.
5. OUTSIDE THE LIMITS: Who wants to be the starter opposite OLB Julius Peppers the most? The exhibition games will let you know a little bit about that. With Nick Perry (groin) sidelined and Mike Neal unlikely to play, Andy Mulumba, Jayrone Elliott, Jermauria Rasco and James Vaughters have a chance to catch someone's eye. Last year, Elliott did it with five sacks in the exhibition season.
Tom Silverstein
