Lions lead-up

[0BobLobLaw0]

Loss.

Couldn't beat a Lion's team at Lambeau when they were playing crappy football. Now they're playing better and are at their home.

[MickeyDavis]

Even in the best of times we don't play well there. And yet I somehow think we win this one.

[paulpressey25]

Even in the best of times we don't play well there. And yet I somehow think we win this one.

When you have Rodgers, you have a chance in any game. I think we win.

[Ron Swanson]

Even with all this team's struggles, I just can't imagine going into a game against a 4-7 Lions team expecting a loss. Except for that fumble, Lacy has been great the past two games and we officially have a running game again.

Conversely, the passing game had probably it's worst day of the season (and that's saying something). If the WR's can't get separation and hold onto the ball indoors at Ford Field, then I'm officially worried that this team doesn't make the playoffs.

[LikeABosh]

Maybe our WR corpse will get it going

[thomchatt3rton]

Man, a healthy Quarless and a healthy Montgomery could make a big difference...

[RiotPunch]

Maybe our WR corpse will get it going

[MickeyDavis]

Abby is back and practicing, Quarless is not

Wide receiver Jared Abbrederis returned to practice Sunday after missing the previous two games with rib and chest injuries suffered against the Detroit Lions on Nov. 15.

Abbrederis took part in a light, non-padded practice as the players began their preparation for the second meeting with the Lions, who have won three straight games.

"Just get the dust off a little bit," Abbrederis said. "Run around, have fun. It was a good day. We'll see how it goes, see how it progresses. But I'm happy with where I'm at."

Abbrederis made four catches for 57 yards in the 18-16 loss to the Lions at Lambeau Field. He left the game after making a 32-yard catch down the right sideline and absorbing a big hit from safety Glover Quin.

Coach Mike McCarthy said previously that Abbrederis would miss "several weeks" due to injury. Abbrederis told reporters Sunday that there was no timetable for his return and that he did not want to make any predictions about his availability for Thursday.

"We'll see how the week goes and see what happens," Abbrederis said.

Abbrederis spent the last two weeks focusing first on getting healthy and second on continuing to prepare as if he was going to play. Bogged down by injuries through the early part of his career in Green Bay — an ACL tear last season, a concussion during training camp this season — it has taken Abbrederis a while to settle in with the offense and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Part of earning Rodgers' trust is staying on the field week after week, so Abbrederis understandably was anxious to return. Abbrederis said there was a "little bit of pain" during practice Sunday, which is what he expected given the injury.

"Obviously, being a player you want to get back as quickly as possible," Abbrederis said. "I would have liked to have been back the first week I missed. That's kind of how things go. Tough league. People get injured a lot. Just have to do your best to stay out there as much as possible.

"We'll see whenever I get back out there, see how it goes. Just got to try to pick up where I left off and just keep making plays, take advantage of the opportunities."

The presence of Abbrederis, if he can play, would boost a receiving corps that fell flat against the Chicago Bears. Veteran James Jones was held without a catch for the second time in three games, Davante Adams had multiple drops and finished with just 14 yards and rookie Ty Montgomery, who meshed well with the offense earlier in the season, remains sidelined with a high ankle sprain.

Montgomery, injured in the win over the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 18, was present for Sunday's practice but did not participate during the portion open to the media.

Quarless not activated: Tight end Andrew Quarless remains on the injured reserve/designated to return list after missing another practice Sunday.

Quarless, who suffered a knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 28, fulfilled the eight-week requirement associated with his designation but has not been activated by the Packers.

"He won't be activated today, but maybe this week," McCarthy said during his pre-practice news conference Sunday. "That's kind of where we are."

The tight end position remains a disappointment for the Packers, who have gotten mediocre production from second-year player Richard Rodgers.

Though he has 40 receptions on the season, which ranks 14th in the league at his position, Rodgers is 26th in receiving yards among tight ends and is outside the top 40 in yards per catch for players with at least 10 receptions.

"The instruction tapes, the coaching points, the video — I could promise you the preparation part of it is intact," McCarthy said when asked about his tight ends. "But the ability to execute from the practice field to the playing field, we need to a better job."

[MickeyDavis]

MM's presser, which just concluded. Montgomery making no progress

(On Linsley and Bulaga) Both did what asked to do. We'll get into heavier loads. We'll get a better idea. They need to be able to put their foot in the ground and explode.

(On Linsley starting) We'll see how the week goes.

(On Abbrederis) He did everything. He's looking good.

(On Montgomery) He's not making progress. You try to reach different thresholds and he's not getting there.

(On message to team) There's key things you focus on when you've had success. But just because you've had it doesn't mean it's going to happen again. We've talked about direct communication. I'm direct and honest about things we're doing well. We've looked at every correction. You learn from those experiences and you continue to work. Our players dealing with when lose, you have conversations about what happened the week before. We have that responsibility. Our fans know we're working and we're preparing for Detroit. It's my job to keep them focused.

(On four straight division games) We knew it would be a challenge. It definitely heightens the challenge. Not a fan of Thursday to Thursday, but both teams are going through it. That's the beauty of the NFL, challenges come in different forms.

(On Randall) I'll know more today.

(On Quarless) He will start today.

(On Rollins) Played well. Very aware. I really like the way he's playing.

(On Nick Perry) He's been great. Been here putting in the extra time.

(On Quarless returning) I think the position has a lot to do with it. Him coming back is by design. Wanted him to practice in pads. That will benefit him as much as anybody.

(On Janis kickoffs) Done a really good job. Definitely looking at him this week.

[trwi7]

What in the actual ****? Jordy is going to be back from a torn ACL before Montgomery is back from a **** sprained ankle.

[MickeyDavis]

If playoffs started today we would be at Washington, Minnesota would be hosting Seattle. I'd take that. We will have to win out to get the #2 seed and I don't see that happening so we'll have to play an extra game. We've played like crap at home.

[MartyConlonOnTheRun]

I guess I can't be too down with Rodgers as QB. Eventually he will get either physically or mentally healthy enough to get back to a MVP caliber QB and we are 2 wins from basically securing a playoff spot. IF Rodgers starts to heat up, is there any team except CAR that you would be going in expecting a loss against?

[MickeyDavis]

Carolina has been playing great but I don't see them as unbeatable. Same with Arizona, they barely won at SF yesterday. Hell even in the AFC I see only NE as a really tough game. I wouldn't be shocked if we miss the playoffs. I wouldn't be shocked if we went one and done. I wouldn't be shocked if we got hot and won it all.

[trwi7]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/zachkruse2/status/671374148590018560[/tweet]

[MickeyDavis]

Watching New England last night really pissed me off.

[BUCKnation]

Demariyus Thomas played like Adams has recently. I believe it took 11 targets for him to get his first catch. Didn't fight through contact, come toward the ball or run clean routes. It was frustrating to watch and reminded me of Adams since he came back.

[thomchatt3rton]

The only team that really scared me was/is NE.
If we end up playing a road game in POs, Id much rather go to CAR than play @SEA. AZ scares me a little, but only a little.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

[thomchatt3rton]

The only team that really scared me was/is NE.
If we end up playing a road game in POs, Id much rather go to CAR than play @SEA. AZ scares me a little, but only a little.


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM Forums

[Flames24Rulz]

What in the actual ****? Jordy is going to be back from a torn ACL before Montgomery is back from a **** sprained ankle.

It has to be a high ankle sprain, based on the length it's taken for him to get back and based on how he reacted when he left the game. But yeah, I'm right there with you on the frustration part of it.

I said this after the SD game when he got hurt, but I don't think it's a coincidence that our offense really started to slip without him in the lineup. At least he gave us an athletic target on the perimeter, something that we haven't really had because Cobb can't really play on the outside and Adams, well, yeah.

Hopefully Abbrederis can at least go on Thursday. Oh, and moar Janis please.

[Balls2TheWalls]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/zachkruse2/status/671374148590018560[/tweet]