As far back as training camp, many of us were raving about the potential of Green Bay tight end Jermichael Finley. Friday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel takes a revealing look at the way Finley has impacted the Packers’ offense since returning from a knee injury four weeks ago.

In the span of those four games, the Packers have targeted Finley more than any other offensive player on their roster. They’ve reduced their three-receiver formations and set out to take full advantage of the mismatch he presents to opposing defenses.

Making Finley a centerpiece means taking away some emphasis from a talented receiving corps. But with the Packers on a five-game winning streak, it would be hard for Greg Jennings and Donald Driver to protest.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Packers nose tackle Ryan Pickett said his injured hamstring is “getting there,” according to Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press Gazette.
• Packers tailback Ryan Grant is having another underappreciated season, writes Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee.
• Minnesota nose tackle Pat Williams said Thursday he will retire if the Vikings win the Super Bowl. Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune has more.
• Vikings safety Tyrell Johnson said he is 100 percent recovered from a concussion and should play Sunday night at Carolina, according to Rick Alonzo of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs wasn’t shy about mentioning the departed players and coaches who could be helping the Bears this season, writes Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• The Bears are maintaining hope that defensive end Gaines Adams will contribute next season, writes Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune.
• Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com chronicles the comings and goings of 10 defensive backs since the season opened in Detroit.
• Lions place-kicker Jason Hanson isn’t sure why he has missed six field goals this season, writes Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.