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Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Green Bay Packers and why.

Today is May 16. That leaves about 2 1/2 months before training camp and almost four months before the start of the regular season for reinforcements to arrive. But for the time being, there is only one player on the Packers' roster who seems suited to be a No. 1 back in the NFL.

It's difficult to know for sure, but from the outside it appears the Packers are clearing the road for James Starks to take over that role in his third NFL season. Veteran starter Ryan Grant has not been re-signed and the Packers did not draft a running back last month. Behind Starks are veteran fullback/short-yardage specialist John Kuhn and two second-year players in Alex Green and Brandon Saine; Green is recovering from a torn ACL in his knee.

Grant could always re-sign at a later date, but if not, the Packers are taking a bit of a leap in hoping that Starks can stay on the field for a full season. He missed the first 13 games of 2010 because of a hamstring injury and was limited during the second half of 2011 because of knee and ankle ailments. Overall, he's missed as many games (16) as he's played. The pressure is on Starks to demonstrate he is not a part-time back.

In the early days of Mike McCarthy's tenure with the Green Bay Packers, it was fashionable to question his running game and contrast its production with the passing of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. The Packers' recent success amid the NFL's passing explosion has all but stifled such squawking, so it was notable last month when McCarthy brought up the issue unprompted at the NFL scouting combine.

Although he didn't provide much detail, McCarthy made clear he wants more from his running game in 2012.

"We feel we're maxing out the drop-back game in normal down and distance," McCarthy said. "Are we maxing out the run game in normal down and distance? I think it'd be safe to say no as we stand here today. Those are the types of things we are going to take a close look at."

I think we can all agree the Packers' running game has been an afterthought in recent seasons. As the first chart illustrates, they ranked at the bottom of most statistical categories -- including, importantly, attempts -- in 2011. McCarthy said he is "not really worried about how many times we run the ball" but plans to change "how we run the ball."

The second chart shows the Packers' run-pass ratios by down in 2011, one that -- like most teams -- progressively leans toward the pass as you move from first to third down.

McCarthy declined to explain because he hasn't presented his ideas to players yet. My guess is that whatever changes he has in mind -- possibly using different kinds of running plays in certain situations -- won't be obvious to the casual observer. To me, the proverbial elephant in the room is not how often the Packers run the ball or what kind of plays they use. It's who the Packers are going to hand the ball off to in the first place.

As of this moment, it's difficult to count on either of the Packers' top two tailbacks to be a feature back in 2012. Ryan Grant is 29 and appears set to test the free-agent market, while James Starks has quite frankly missed too much time with injuries to merit the Packers' full trust.

The third chart shows every Packers running back who had a carry last season. Alex Green, a third-round draft pick last season, is returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Brandon Saine, who played on 69 snaps last season, was a practice-squad promotion.

Taken altogether, the running back position rises to one of the Packers' more underrated offseason areas of need. It's important for McCarthy to perform his micro-analysis and make the kind of subtle adjustments he's referring to, but its impact will be limited if the Packers don't address the personnel side of the issue.

Last month, McCarthy used words like "very consistent" and "solid" to describe Grant's season. Addressing Starks, he said: "James' availability, that's his issue. When James is available and he's playing week in and week out, he's a young player that gets better. But when he doesn't play he’s not going to make the progress. I think James is a very talented guy, very bright future, but his availability wasn't where you’d like it to be."

Starks played in 13 games last season, but knee and ankle injuries he suffered in Week 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers limited him to 13 carries over the Packers' final six regular-season games. In 2010, you'll remember he made only three regular-season appearances before taking over the position in the playoffs.

So over the course of two seasons, Starks has had two limited spans of good health and production: The Packers' four-game playoff push in 2010 and the first 10 games of 2011. Is that enough to be counted on as a lead back in 2012? Based on McCarthy's comments, I don't think so.

It's quite possible the Packers could make a committee system work with Starks, John Kuhn and perhaps Green or Saine. And I would agree with those who don't want to see the Packers devote too many additional resources to their offense, not when their defense crashed in 2011 and could use depth and upgrades at several positions. Perhaps McCarthy's schematic analysis is designed to minimize the need for additional personnel.

But this isn't the time for committing to a committee system, not as we stand on the doorstep of the NFL's player acquisition period. Committees are what teams settle on, not what they plan for. And at the moment, their personnel situation in the backfield merits at least an attempt to enhance. If other priorities ultimately trump it, so be it. We'll soon see if the Packers agree.

» NFC Final Word: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Five nuggets of knowledge on Week 16:

Busted rivalry: When the NFL released its schedule this spring, many of us had high expectations for a late-December matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Instead, an injury-devastated Bears team will limp north as a (deserved) 13-point underdog. It's possible the Packers will have clinched home-field advantage even before taking the field Sunday night, if the San Francisco 49ers lose Saturday at the Seattle Seahawks. If not, the Packers will attempt to secure it against a team playing without quarterback Jay Cutler, running backs Matt Forte and Marion Barber, and receiver Johnny Knox. Third-string running back Kahlil Bell is expected to start, pairing with third-string quarterback Josh McCown -- who has a history of helping the Packers' playoff positioning. (See: Noooooooooooooooo!) One other interesting bit of history: The Packers are one of five teams in NFL history to open a season 13-0 and then lose in their 14th game. All four of the other teams lost their 15th game, too. That list includes the 2009 and 2005 Indianapolis Colts, the 2009 New Orleans Saints and the 1998 Denver Broncos.

Packers' run game: For several reasons, Sunday night's game would be an obvious target for the Packers to try to enhance their running game. James Starks (ankle) and Brandon Saine (concussion) are expected to return. The Packers will start a makeshift offensive line that likely will include T.J. Lang at right tackle and Evan Dietrich-Smith at left guard; the best way for offensive linemen to get comfortable is via run blocking. And it's also worth repeating that the Bears historically have done a good job limiting Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' downfield opportunities. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Rodgers has completed only five of 26 attempts on throws against the Bears that traveled in the air 21 yards or more. He's thrown for one touchdown, a game-winner to receiver Greg Jennings in 2009, and two interceptions on those passes.

Detroit's challenge: The Detroit Lions will clinch a playoff spot Saturday if they beat the San Diego Chargers in what will likely be a raucous atmosphere at Ford Field. (There are also several scenarios to clinch this weekend even if they lose. They're noted in this post.) Hopefully everyone knows the Chargers are on one of their annual December rolls. They've won three consecutive games after a six-game losing streak. Since Norv Turner took the head coaching job in 2007, the Chargers are 20-2 in December. This will be no cakewalk.

Big targets: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers struggled earlier this season, but he has been the NFL's most efficient quarterback over the past three weeks based on Total Quarterback Rating. Rivers has hit a groove with a pair of 6-foot-5 receivers that will pose significant matchup problems for the Lions. Malcom Floyd has 11 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns over the past two games, while Vincent Jackson has caught 12 passes for 211 yards and a touchdown. Jackson has been sidelined in practice this week by a groin injury. Lions cornerback Chris Houston (knee) clearly wasn't 100 percent last week against the Oakland Raiders, and the team re-signed Brandon McDonald this week for extra depth. Safety Louis Delmas (knee) also remains sidelined, and backup Chris Harris was cleared Thursday to practice following a concussion.

Make it stop: If you're a big-picture observer, you see ample motivation for the Minnesota Vikings to lose Sunday at the Washington Redskins. One more victory by the Indianapolis Colts, in conjunction with two more Vikings defeats, would give the Vikings an excellent chance to secure the No. 1 overall pick of the 2012 draft. A loss to the Redskins would extend the Vikings' losing streak to seven games, tying a franchise record set in their expansion season of 1961. But I'm not sure what would be worse: tying that record or extending their NFL record of games without an interception, which stands at nine. Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman has thrown at least one interception in his past 10 starts, and he is tied for the second-most interceptions in the NFL (18) despite missing three games this season. Something's got to give.

Taking a look at Wednesday's newsbits in the NFC North:

Chicago Bears: A high number of prominent players didn't practice Wednesday. The list included running back Marion Barber (calf), linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle), tight end Kellen Davis (back), receiver Devin Hester (ankle), defensive tackle Henry Melton (shin) and defensive end Julius Peppers (not injury related). Melton doesn't appear to have a great chance to play Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers.

Detroit Lions: Safety Louis Delmas (knee), defensive tackle Corey Williams (hip), right tackle Gosder Cherilus and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (neck) didn't practice. It doesn't appear that Delmas will be ready for Saturday's game against the San Diego Chargers.

Green Bay Packers: Left tackle Chad Clifton finally returned to practice Wednesday but it's almost impossible to imagine him playing Sunday against the Bears. Instead, T.J. Lang is likely to start at right tackle with Evan Dietrich-Smith at Lang's left guard spot. The healthy backups will be Ray Dominguez and newcomer Herb Taylor. Running back James Starks practice an could be on track to play Sunday. Running back Brandon Saine (concussion) also practiced, as did linebacker Desmond Bishop (calf). Defensive end Ryan Pickett (concussion) did not.

Minnesota Vikings: Cornerback Asher Allen and guard Steve Hutchinson both sat out practice Wednesday because of concussions. Joe Berger would start for Hutchinson if he can't play Saturday against the Washington Redskins.

KANSAS CITY -- The Green Bay Packers will look for their 14th victory of the season Sunday without two of their top tailbacks.

James Starks (ankle) and Brandon Saine (concussion) were both deactivated for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Starks missed two days of practice last week and Saine didn't practice at all.

The Packers will use Ryan Grant and John Kuhn as their primary runners. That's not an ideal number, but it's not an untenable situation for one game.

Others on the inactive list: Quarterback Graham Harrell, linebacker Desmond Bishop, tackle Chad Clifton, defensive end Ryan Pickett and receiver Greg Jennings.

KANSAS CITY -- Greetings from Arrowhead Stadium on an unusually warm December day where the high is forecast to reach, yes, 59 degrees. Sunscreen for everyone!

We'll have more information soon for you on the status of Green Bay Packers running backs James Starks (ankle) and Brandon Saine (concussion), both of whom are game-time decisions, and right guard Josh Sitton, who seems to have a decent chance to start after a two-week absence caused by a knee injury.

Finally, we'll soon post a module for the live chat ESPNChicago.com will host during Sunday's game between the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks. I won't be involved, but feel free to jump in if it suits your fancy. Back in a bit.

Getting inside the NFC North's Friday injury report:

Chicago Bears: Receiver Devin Hester tweaked his ankle this week and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive lineman Henry Melton (shin) is also questionable and unlikely to play.

Detroit Lions: Cornerback Aaron Berry (shoulder) and defensive end Lawrence Jackson (thigh) are doubtful and not expected to play Sunday at the Oakland Raiders. Safety Louis Delmas (knee) is questionable, but his status is less clear. Also questionable are linebacker Justin Durant (hamstring), defensive lineman Nick Fairley (foot), running back Kevin Smith (ankle) and cornerback Eric Wright (hamstring). Smith and Wright seem to have decent chances to play. Cornerback Chris Houston (knee) is probable and should play.

Green Bay Packers: The Packers ruled out defensive lineman Ryan Pickett (concussion), and won't take him on their trip to the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. Linebacker Desmond Bishop (calf) was also ruled out, but linebacker A.J. Hawk (calf) is probable. The Packers will make game-time decisions on two running backs: James Starks (ankle) and Brandon Saine (concussion). If neither can play, the Packers will go with Ryan Grant and John Kuhn as their running backs for Sunday's game. Guard Josh Sitton (knee) appears to be a go, but is technically listed as questionable. Meanwhile, the Chiefs confirmed that Kyle Orton will start at quarterback for them, his second start against the Packers this season. Orton also started in Week 4 while playing for the Denver Broncos.

Minnesota Vikings: Every player on the 53-man roster, except cornerback Chris Cook, will be available for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. That includes running back Adrian Peterson, who has missed three consecutive games because of a high ankle sprain. Coach Leslie Frazier said that Peterson's snaps could be limited depending on soreness.

Sifting through Thursday's news bits:

Chicago Bears: There were two big news stories Thursday at Halas Hall. We've covered the arrest of receiver Sam Hurd. We should also note that running back Marion Barber conducted an interview with two reporters Thursday. Via the Chicago Sun-Times, this is what Barber had to say about his late-game mistakes last Sunday in Denver: "My thoughts on it is getting to this next week and just preparing as much as I can to be ready for this game of course."

Detroit Lions: It's going to be tough for safety Louis Delmas (knee), cornerback Aaron Berry (shoulder), linebacker Justin Durant (hamstring) and defensive lineman Nick Fairley (foot) to play Sunday at the Oakland Raiders. All missed practice Thursday for the second consecutive day. Cornerback Eric Wright (hamstring) also missed practice. Cornerback Chris Houston (knee) was again a limited participant, and running back Kevin Smith (ankle) also got some practice work in.

Green Bay Packers: The Packers had no changes in their injury report. Running back James Starks (ankle), defensive lineman Ryan Pickett (concussion) and running back Brandon Saine (concussion) all sat out practice. Guard Josh Sitton was a limited participant for a second consecutive day.

Minnesota Vikings: Things continue to look good for tailback Adrian Peterson (ankle) to return after a three-game absence. Peterson told reporters Thursday that he will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Receiver Greg Camarillo (concussion) returned to practice Thursday, and it appears the Vikings will have all players available for Sunday's game.

Taking a look at Wednesday's newsbits in the NFC North:

Chicago Bears: Defensive lineman Henry Melton (shin) didn't practice. Safety Major Wright (shoulder) was limited. Meanwhile, quarterback Jay Cutler (thumb) told ESPN 1000 that there is an "outside" chance he will be ready to play in the Bears' Week 16 game at the Green Bay Packers. But Cutler admitted he didn't think it was a "good or definite or a real possibility."

Detroit Lions: Cornerback Chris Houston participated in a portion of practice Wednesday for the first time since spraining his knee Nov. 24. The Lions are hopeful of getting him back in the lineup in time for Sunday's game at the Oakland Raiders. But safety Louis Delmas (knee) remained sidelined, as did running back Kevin Smith (ankle) and linebacker Justin Durant (hamstring). Cornerback Aaron Berry (shoulder) did not practice. Defensive tackle Nick Fairley (foot) was a limited participant.

Green Bay Packers: Guard Josh Sitton (knee) returned to practice and linebacker A.J. Hawk (calf) was a full participant. But left tackle Chad Clifton (hamstring) did not practice and has already been declared out for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Linebacker Desmond Bishop (calf), running back James Starks (ankle), defensive end Ryan Pickett (concussion) and running back Brandon Saine (concussion) all sat out practice. Meanwhile, new Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said that quarterback Kyle Orton will start Sunday if healthy. Orton has already started once against the Packers this season, a 49-23 loss while playing for the Denver Broncos in Week 4. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he would be the first quarterback to start two games against the same opponent for two different teams in 13 years. Kerry Collins started against the Atlanta Falcons as a member of the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints in 1998.

Minnesota Vikings: Quarterback Christian Ponder (hip) was a full participant in practice and is expected to start Sunday against the Saints. Tailback Adrian Peterson (ankle) practiced on a limited basis and could be on track to return after a three-game absence. Receiver Greg Camarillo (concussion) was the only player who missed practice Wednesday.

As promised, I have a quick follow-up to a question from Tuesday's SportsNation chat. Brendan Q of Ireland asked if the Green Bay Packers have set an NFL record by having 19 different players score a touchdown this season. Before I got a chance to research it, Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel posted the answer in a story Wednesday morning.

The record, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, is 21. It's been done several times, most recently in 2007 by the New England Patriots.

The Packers still have three games to tie or break the record, but the "problem" is that most of their skill players on offense already have at least one touchdown. All five wide receivers, three of their tight ends, their top two running backs and even their top two quarterbacks have all scored. The remaining candidates on offense are tight end D.J. Williams, who has one catch in 10 games this season, and rookie running back Brandon Saine.

Defensively, the Packers already have touchdowns from both starting cornerbacks and both starting outside linebackers. Safety Charlie Peprah and defensive lineman B.J. Raji (via offense) have also scored. Among those left: cornerback Sam Shields, cornerback/safety Jarrett Bush and safety Morgan Burnett.

Thanks again to everyone for taking part in the chat.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- A few thoughts on a 60-minute romp at Lambeau Field:

What it means: The Green Bay Packers won their 19th consecutive game, dating to last year and including the playoffs, to grab sole possession of second place on the NFL's all-time list of winning streaks. The record is 21, held by the New England Patriots. Now 13-0, the Packers have clinched a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs. They can secure home-field advantage throughout with their next victory. Finally, the Packers have set a team record for points scored in a season, breaking their 16-game mark of 461 set in 2009.

Jennings injury: The Packers began removing their starters when the fourth quarter began, but that was too late to avoid a scary injury to one of their best players. Receiver Greg Jennings limped off the field in obvious pain after suffering a left knee injury early in the third quarter. He never put any weight on the leg and ultimately left the field on a cart. We'll get you further word as soon as we can.

RodgersWatch: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 281 yards in about three quarters of plays. Among his most impressive plays: a 37-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jordy Nelson while trying to catch the Raiders in a defensive switch. Rodgers surpassed the 4,000-yard mark for the season in the second quarter, tying for the second quickest to that milestone in NFL history. (Drew Brees did it for the New Orleans Saints in 12 games.)

Injury report: The Packers opened the game without tailback James Starks, but starter Ryan Grant had a 47-yard touchdown run on the Packers' first official play from scrimmage. Grant finished with 85 yards and had to play late in the fourth quarter because backup Brandon Saine suffered a head injury.

Takeaway city: The Packers defense intercepted Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer four times and also scored on a 5-yard fumble return by linebacker Erik Walden. That's 27 interceptions for the Packers this season.

First time for everything: Packers tight end Ryan Taylor caught a 4-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. It was not only his first NFL catch, but also his first play from scrimmage on offense, according to ESPNMilwaukee.com corporate cousin Jason Wilde.

What's next: The Packers will travel to the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday in search of their 14th win of the season.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The Green Bay Packers will play at least four, and potentially six, consecutive games outdoors on grass fields in cold-weather locales. That means it's time to get their running game in order. But just as they hit that stretch, the Packers are trying to figure out the best way to handle a series of injuries to lead runner James Starks.

As Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press-Gazette points out, Starks has been forced out of three consecutive games because of knee and ankle injuries. He hasn't practiced all week and it might make some sense to hold him out of Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders to allow for additional healing time.

The Packers have a strong fallback in veteran Ryan Grant, and rookie Brandon Saine has been seeing repetitions in recent weeks. But we all know how much of an impact Starks made on the Packers' run to the Super Bowl last season. For what it's worth, Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said that it might help to hold out Starks "from a freshness standpoint" but not a "football development standpoint" down the stretch.

The Packers have three regular-season games remaining at Lambeau Field and could have two playoff games if they win home-field advantage in the playoffs. Their only road game is in Week 15 at the Kansas City Chiefs.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Packers have 30 rushing plays this season that have lost yardage, notes the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Packers punter Tim Masthay has become a big-time weapon, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• The Detroit Lions are expecting the best shot Sunday from the Minnesota Vikings, writes Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
• The New Orleans Saints went to extreme measures to defend Lions receiver Calvin Johnson last Sunday, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• John Niyo of the Detroit News: "The Calvin Rules are in full effect again, and it's up to [offensive coordinator Scott] Linehan and Matthew Stafford and Johnson's pass-catching teammates to take full advantage if the Lions are going to make the playoffs."
• Vikings receiver Percy Harvin suffered from migraine-like symptoms late last week, according to Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Mark Craig of the Star Tribune examines the "catch radius" of Vikings rookie tight end Kyle Rudolph.
• Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder needs to learn when to run and when not to, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• Chicago Bears tailback Matt Forte is using a hyperbaric chamber to help his injured knee recover, notes Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.
• The Bears don't have anything special planned for Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, according to Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• It appears that the Bears will start Craig Steltz in place of injured safety Major Wright (shoulder) this week, notes Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

When he was first bent over backwards this past Sunday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it was reasonable to think that Green Bay Packers tailback James Starks had suffered a significant leg injury. But tests proved otherwise, and the Packers are going to watch Starks test his sprained knee and sore ankle Tuesday in practice before deciding whether he will play Thursday against the Detroit Lions.

With a short week of practice, Starks doesn't have much time to recover. Veteran Ryan Grant will probably play more than usual Thursday regardless, with rookie Brandon Saine behind him. We could know whether Starks will be available even in a limited capacity by the end of Tuesday.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Packers tight end Jermichael Finley on how to stop Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, via Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "You have to do something. Rip his jersey off. Hold him. You have to take a couple penalties against him. You have to eat him up."
• The Lions' defensive line dominated the Packers' offensive line in the teams' matchup at Ford Field last year, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga on that performance, via Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com: "We did not play well. Didn't do anything well, really. It was just a poorly played game. That may be a nice way of putting it, too. If you go back and watch the game like we just did, you're looking going, 'Gosh, what are we doing there?' That wasn't us. We just did not do anything well. We obviously cleaned it up later on in the season, got hot and went on a run [to the Super Bowl XLV title], but that game, there wasn't much that went right."
• David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune on the loss of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler: "As much as losing Cutler for at least the next six weeks should stop Bears fans from wondering if they will drive or fly to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, their team still has no excuse to miss the playoffs. The Bears lost a quarterback, not an identity."
• The Bears are moving back to their underdog role, writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• The Bears' pass rush was poor Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, notes Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune.
• The Bears will sign long-snapper Jake Laptad to replace injured incumbent Patrick Mannelly (knee), according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
• Getting Cutler back before the end of the season is "a tad optimistic," writes Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com.
• The Lions are trying to treat Thursday as just another game, according to Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
• Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press examines the status of Lions safety Amari Spievey, who was benched in the second quarter Sunday after missing two tackles.
• The Lions have lost their last six Thanksgiving Day games by an average of more than 20 points, notes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams was dominant Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, writes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com looks at the tape of the Vikings' loss to the Raiders.
• Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune writes about the big opportunity facing Vikings backup running back Toby Gerhart.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The Green Bay Packers returned from their bye week Monday to a dose of reality: A rare full-padded practice.

Under the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), NFL teams can have more than one full-pads practice in a given week only once during the season. Coach Mike McCarthy chose this one.

Mike Spofford of Packers.com wrote that Monday "harkened back a bit to an August training-camp practice" and added: "Offensive linemen and tight ends were banging head-on against pass-rushers. Receivers were getting jammed one-on-one by defensive backs at the line of scrimmage. Running backs were trying to run interference against blitzing linebackers."

A padded practice doesn't necessarily mean full contact, but it at least allows for some physical drills. The Packers are preparing for Sunday's game at the San Diego Chargers, who are probably spent after a 23-20 overtime loss at the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Tight end Jermichael Finley said that he hopes to sign a long-term contract with the Packers but won't be upset if they place the franchise tag on him next season. Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette has more.
• The Packers promoted running back Brandon Saine from the practice squad to replace the injured Alex Green, notes Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Packers defensive back Sam Shields has been cleared to practice after recovering from a concussion, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News: "Go ahead and say it, even if it's premature, even if it sounds kind of funny and almost never gets said around here. The Lions are a playoff team. Yep, they are. Or should be. Or will be."
• Lions receiver Nate Burleson, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press: "We're not champions, we're not in the playoffs, but we've proven that we can contend with some of the best in the league. Now we have to go out there and have the same type of focus the second half of the season."
• Birkett speaks to Lions receiver Titus Young about jumping into the Denver Broncos' stands after scoring his first NFL touchdown.
• Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times hands out first-half grades to the Chicago Bears.
• Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com looks at the possibility of placing the franchise tag on Bears running back Matt Forte.
• The Bears seem to be following the same script in 2011 that they followed in 2010, writes Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com reviews the tape of the Minnesota Vikings' 24-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
• Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune reviews the first victory of rookie quarterback Christian Ponder's career.
• The Vikings are trying to decide if veteran cornerback Cedric Griffin, who has two surgically repaired knees, should continue as a starter, notes Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com.