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We're Black and Blue All Over:

On Thursday, we outlined the options the Detroit Lions have in for retaining free agent defensive end Cliff Avril, who is heading toward a payday after a career-high 11 sacks in 2011. One possibility we didn't discuss was Avril taking a discount to remain with the team that fostered his success, and there was a good reason for that: Players rarely agree to one.

Avril confirmed just that in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, saying in essence that he wants to return to the Lions but that business is business. Avril, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press: "There's no such thing as a hometown discount in the NFL. Once you can't play anymore, they're going to let you go, so you definitely have to strike gold when you can. That said, if they and another team present the same thing, I'd definitely stay with the Lions."

It's true that players sometimes turn down a slightly higher offer from a team they don't want to play for. But usually the difference is a small percentage of the total package. In a few years, when it comes time for the Lions or whatever team Avril signs with to end his career, that team won't think twice about cutting him. Business is business.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Receiver Randy Moss would not fit in with the Lions, writes Terry Foster of the Detroit News.
• The Chicago-based Indoor Football League team that has offered Moss a contract is coached by former Bears defensive lineman Steve McMichael. Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune has more.
• Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey on free agency, via Brad Biggs of the Tribune: "The bottom line, and Phil [Emery] knows this, if there is someone we want -- and it makes sense -- money is not going to be an issue."
• I didn't think this was even a question, but it garnered headlines nonetheless: Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman acknowledged the team doesn't have an interest in bringing back Moss for a third tour of duty. More from the Associated Press.
• The Vikings aren't expected to raise ticket prices this season, writes Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com.
• The Star Tribune: "A deal to build a Minnesota Vikings stadium next to the Metrodome neared completion Thursday, as stadium planners worked late to put the finishing touches on an agreement among the state, the team and Minneapolis."
• The Vikings haven't changed their outlook on the future of cornerback Chris Cook, notes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• The Oakland Raiders have signed former Green Bay Packers defensive back Brandon Underwood, notes my AFC West colleague Bill Williamson.
• Doug Farrar of Yahoo! Sports explains how renowned reporter Anthony Shadid came to be an obsessive Packers fan. Shadid died on assignment in Syria, apparently because of an asthma attack.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Chicago Bears

Safety Chris Harris remains skeptical that a new labor deal will be in place in time for the Bears to face the Rams in the Hall of Fame Game Aug. 7. "No one wants to play four exhibition games, but that's what we do. I'm cool with playing [the Hall of Fame] game if we get training camp started on time," Harris said. "But anything past [July 22] then I'm not cool with it."

Detroit Lions

How has Ndamukong Suh spent some of his time during the lockout? Cue the video.

Former Lions tight end and color commentator Rob Rubick is of the mindset that Matthew Stafford is unlucky, not injury prone.

Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings both are mentioned in this NFL.com piece as players who could rise up the top-100 rankings next season.

Cornerback Brandon Underwood appeared in court on Wednesday to face a disorderly conduct charge.

Minnesota Vikings

The new Metrodome roof is expected to be completed by Aug. 1.

As expected, the St. Paul City Council voted against a countywide tax for a new Vikings stadium.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Green Bay Packers won't have linebacker Erik Walden for Super Bowl XLV.

Walden (ankle) was among eight game-day deactivations the Packers just announced. Rookie Frank Zombo, who has missed most of the past two months because of a knee injury, will reclaim his starting job.

There was one mild surprise on the Packers' inactive list: Fullback Quinn Johnson, who has been part of the Packers' jumbo wishbone formation on the goal line, won't play. Johnson has been the Packers' primary fullback for a while, but I imagine fullback Korey Hall would take his place if necessary. Here is the rest of the list:

• Quarterback Graham Harrell
• Running back Dimitri Nance
• Cornerback Brandon Underwood
• Cornerback Josh Gordy
• Offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith
• Center/guard Nick McDonald

» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final Power Ranking: 9
Preseason Power Ranking: 3

Biggest surprise: The Packers were knocked out of the playoffs last season when an injury-depleted secondary gave up five touchdown passes to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner. From a personnel standpoint, they did little in the offseason to bolster their personnel, instead counting on a number of players -- Al Harris, Brandon Underwood and Will Blackmon, among others -- to return from injuries. None of them contributed in a meaningful way in 2010, but the Packers are still in much better shape at the start of the postseason. Why? Tramon Williams developed into a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback (he's an alternate), and rookie Sam Shields emerged out of nowhere to give the Packers a reliable nickelback -- just as the Packers planned.

Biggest disappointment: Tight end Jermichael Finley was lost in Week 5 to a season-ending knee injury, joining tailback Ryan Grant as the two most damaging injuries the Packers suffered this season. The Packers spent the offseason re-centering their entire offense around Finley, and he was on his way to a breakout season with 21 receptions for 301 yards in the first four games. (By my math, that put him on pace for 84 receptions and 1,204 yards.) All indications are that Finley will make a full recovery by next season, but the Packers were forced to make fundamental changes to their offense after his injury.

Biggest need: Grant's injury revealed the Packers to have dangerously thin depth at the position. In essence, they have spent the season without a featured back. Brandon Jackson proved to be a better receiver (8.0 yards per reception) than runner (3.7 yards per rush). John Kuhn is a fan favorite but in reality a specialist, and the Packers have seen only glimpses of promise from rookie James Starks. Even if Grant makes a full recovery, restocking this position is a significant priority.

Team MVP: Defensive coordinator Dom Capers rolled with wholesale injury replacements all season but still managed to hold opponents to the second-fewest total points (240) in the NFL. The Packers had five different starters on the defensive line, 10 different starting linebackers and saw their strong safety position split by rookie Morgan Burnett and veteran Charlie Peprah. Capers' time as a head-coaching candidate might have passed, but what he did this season merits acknowledgment from around the NFL.

A "slump?": Quarterback Aaron Rodgers started the Pro Bowl in 2009 but qualified only as an alternate in 2010. He missed one game because of a concussion and threw four more interceptions than he did last season. Despite what he has referred to as some "inconsistency" in 2010, Rodgers still had one of the best seasons in the NFL. His 8.3 yards-per-attempt average ranked No. 2 in the league, his 101.2 rating ranked No. 3, his 65.7 completion percentage tied for No. 5, and his 28 touchdown passes tied for No. 6. We should all be so inconsistent.

Here are a couple of sentences no Green Bay Packers fan wants to read in December: Cornerback Charles Woodson left practice Wednesday because of a sprained ankle. Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the injury but had no information on its severity.

We'll hold off on a full-scale panic until at least Thursday, when McCarthy presumably will have a better handle on Woodson's prognosis. Remember, Woodson has missed only two games in five seasons with the Packers, both in 2007.

Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that some players didn't notice Woodson leave the practice field, suggesting it was not a catastrophic injury. But if nothing else, the episode is a reminder that the Packers are living a bit dangerously in their defensive backfield.

After waiving veteran Al Harris last month, the Packers entered the playoff push with rookie Sam Shields playing in the nickel. The other cornerbacks on the roster include fellow starter Tramon Williams, Pat Lee (who has missed the past two games and did not practice Wednesday because of an ankle injury), Brandon Underwood and Josh Gordy. Jarrett Bush, currently practicing at safety, has also played cornerback. Stay tuned.

We fretted. We frowned. We looked under rocks to make sure we weren't missing anything. Could it be true? Did the Green Bay Packers largely stand pat this offseason after the late-season collapse of their pass defense?

Yes, they did.

And guess what?

Nine games into the 2010 season, the decision seems validated.

After a mild shuffle of existing personnel and the surprise emergence of a rookie nickelback, the Packers have the NFL's No. 11 pass defense. As the chart illustrates, they rank first in the league with 28 sacks, are second with 14 interceptions and have held opposing quarterbacks to the second-worst passer rating in the NFL (68.3).

I realize we've just passed the season's midpoint, and that both of last year's nightmare games -- against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals -- came after Week 14. But to this point, at least, the Packers appear to have chosen the correct path. Speaking via conference call this week, coach Mike McCarthy said he was confident that last year's rough edges would smooth naturally in the second year under defensive coordinator Dom Capers.

"We really just stayed the course," McCarthy said. "... The initial year is always the biggest challenge, which is obvious. A lot of times you end up putting in a lot more volume, because you are teaching fundamentals and you are teaching concepts that you need to put in, but you may not necessarily use because they are building blocks for other concepts and variations that will come off of that. That was no different with us. Any time you go through year one, there is a learning curve, and in the offseason you have a chance to take a step back and tailor it more specifically towards your team and towards your players. I think we've been able to accomplish that in Green Bay."

Typically, however, scheme adjustments can only take you as far as the skill level of your players allows. So to some of us, staying the course was inviting a repeat of the same problems. It was hard to understand how the same players -- or, in the Packers' case, a group they hoped to return from significant injuries -- would perform substantively better.

And for the record, the Packers have gotten almost no help from that group, including Al Harris (waived), Atari Bigby (just returning from an ankle injury), Brandon Underwood (mostly special teams), Will Blackmon (waived) and Pat Lee (special teams). But here is what has changed:

• The consistency, if not big-play ability, of nose tackle B.J. Raji has helped the Packers navigate a number of injuries on the defensive line. Raji has 2.5 sacks and 36 tackles, but the best thing he has done is start and play extensively in all nine games.
• Linebacker Clay Matthews, already the Packers' top pass-rusher, has emerged as the best in the league. A player with 10.5 sacks in eight games can single-handedly elevate any defense.
• Cornerback Tramon Williams has proved worthy of replacing Harris in the starting lineup. He has three interceptions, 12 defensed passes and is on a Pro Bowl pace.
• Bigby's absence has hardly been felt, thanks to four solid starts from rookie safety Morgan Burnett and five more from the surprisingly efficient Charlie Peprah.
• Rookie Sam Shields, signed originally as a kick and punt return specialist, emerged from nowhere to win the nickel job. His speed and athletic ability are evident, but his quick technique advancement has been stunning.

Some of what you just read represents reasonably expected progressions for players from one year to the next, especially in the case of Matthews, Raji and Williams. But no one from the Packers could have told you that Peprah would play well enough to keep Bigby on the bench following his return from ankle surgery. And even McCarthy admitted that "everybody was a bit surprised" that Shields proved ready to play so quickly.

At the same time, that's how good teams come together -- with equal parts design and good fortune. Again, the Packers have 44 percent of their regular-season schedule left in front of them. But the bottom line is they have improved upon their most glaring offseason weakness, and the resulting progress is a big reason the Packers are tied for the NFC North lead.

"We all did some soul-searching in the offseason, trying to figure out what happened in those games," Williams said. "... I don't think it was so [much] the players and the coaches. It was just one of those deals to where we weren't all on the same page at the same time. Now that we are here in the second year, we have another year under our belt and we all understand the defense a lot better. I think that's what it's about."

After the Green Bay Packers' 45-7 victory Sunday over the Dallas Cowboys, here are three issues that merit further examination:

1. Kevin SeifertFollowing their win over the Cowboys, the Packers take their turn in the examination room.
   Quick: After taking in Week 9 action, what NFC teams can you say are definitely playing better than the Packers? Maybe the New York Giants? The Atlanta Falcons? For me, the list stops there. At the season's midpoint, the Packers are essentially where we thought they would be: among the top teams in the conference. They have taken a winding road to get there, and we of course have no assurances they will stay. But if they can beat an NFL team by 38 points, even if it's the semi-professional Cowboys, then you're definitely clicking on most cylinders. That the Packers could get to this point despite their long injury list is a tribute to their entire organization.
2. We can have our jokes about the Packers' decision to keep four tight ends and three fullbacks on their original 53-man roster, but they have made sure it paid off. Tight ends Donald Lee and Tom Crabtree stepped in Sunday night with rookie Andrew Quarless sidelined by injury, and I loved the Packers' three-fullback alignment in the second half -- John Kuhn flanked by Korey Hall and Quinn Johnson. If you're going to keep an unbalanced roster, you better find use for your surplus. Good for the Packers for finding a way, even if it's unconventional.
3. We'll have to do some digging and find out if one team has ever had two different players win back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards. Last season, Packers cornerback Charles Woodson won it. This year, linebacker Clay Matthews is making a strong push. Through nine games, he has 10.5 sacks. He also returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown Sunday night. There aren't many players around the league who are dominating at his level right now.

And here is one issue I don't get:

The Packers have gotten a Pro Bowl performance this season from cornerback Tramon Williams in place of the injured Al Harris. Rookie Sam Shields, when healthy, has been more than solid as a nickel back. But the Packers don't have enough depth behind Shields to release Harris, as they did Monday morning, if they think he can still play. I can only assume that Harris hasn't shown enough from a physical standpoint during three weeks of practice to merit an addition to the 53-man roster. Generally speaking, I would rather have a slowed-down Harris playing in the dime defense than Jarrett Bush or even Brandon Underwood. I can only assume that the Packers believe Harris has slowed down too much.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Detroit Lions will have tailback Jahvid Best for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. It will be interesting to see how long Best can go, and how effective he will be, after the injury forced him out of last weekend's game against the Minnesota Vikings and required two days off from practice during the week.

For insurance, the Lions have activated Kevin Smith for the first time this season. But they still only have three tailbacks available because of Aaron Brown's fractured hand.

As expected, the Lions will be without receiver Nate Burleson and linebacker DeAndre Levy. Landon Johnson will start at middle linebacker for Levy, who has now missed three of the Lions' first games.

Meanwhile, the Packers had no surprises on their deactivation list. Nickelback Sam Shields and linebacker Brandon Chillar are both inactive. Brandon Underwood and A.J. Hawk likely will be their fill-ins Sunday.

Chicago Bears: To no one's surprise, left tackle Chris Williams (hamstring) and safety Major Wright (hamstring) were ruled out of Sunday night's game against the New York Giants. Left guard Roberto Garza (knee) returned to practice and will play. Meanwhile, the Bears caught one and maybe two breaks on the Giants' report. First, defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (bulging disk) was ruled out. Secondly, defensive end Osi Umenyiora reported a swollen knee and was listed as questionable.

Detroit Lions: Running back Jahvid Best (toe) practiced Friday and was listed as questionable for Sunday's game at the Green Bay Packers, but coach Jim Schwartz said: "I think he's on the right track." Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (neck) sat out practice but is probable for the game. That's the good news. The bad news: Receiver Nate Burleson (ankle) and middle linebacker DeAndre Levy (groin) are doubtful after sitting out the entire week of practice. It seems highly unlikely that either will play, meaning Bryant Johnson will start at receiver and either Landon Johnson or Spencer Havner will start at middle linebacker.

Green Bay Packers: It appears that two prominent players will miss Sunday's game. Linebacker Brandon Chillar (shoulder) has been ruled out, while nickel cornerback Sam Shields (calf) is doubtful. It's likely that Brandon Underwood will play in most nickel situations Sunday.

Getting inside the Friday injury report:

Chicago Bears: Linebacker Nick Roach (hamstring) was limited in practice Thursday and Friday and is listed as questionable. The guess is that he won't play Sunday at the Dallas Cowboys. All other Bears players are expected to be available.

Detroit Lions: Defensive end Cliff Avril (knee/finger) and quarterback Matthew Stafford (right shoulder) have been ruled out for Sunday's home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Linebacker DeAndre Levy (groin) and safety Louis Delmas (groin/biceps/leg) are listed as questionable. The guess is Delmas has a better chance of playing than Levy. The Lions haven't given up on the possibility of Levy playing after he participated in two days of practice this week, but he might be set up to make his return in Week 3.

Green Bay Packers: Left guard Daryn Colledge (illness) and fullback Korey Hall (hip) were added to the injury report and listed as questionable, but it seems likely that Colledge will play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. If he can't, rookie Bryan Bulaga would get his first NFL start. Defensive end Mike Neal (side/rib) and cornerback Brandon Underwood (shoulder) are questionable but might be a week away from returning. All other players, including cornerback Charles Woodson (toe), should be available.

Minnesota Vikings: Receiver Percy Harvin (hip) returned to practice Friday and is expected to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins even though he is listed as questionable. Cornerbacks Cedric Griffin (knee) and Chris Cook (knee) are also questionable, but much less likely to play than Harvin. Running back Toby Gerhart (knee) is probable and will be available to play.

Every Friday, NFL teams are required to classify each injured player's availability for the next game. And so traditionally on this blog, we take that occasion to translate the information as best we can. The big Week 1 news is that Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy (groin) appears awfully, awfully unlikely to play against the Chicago Bears.

Let's get to it:

Chicago Bears: The only player at risk is safety Craig Steltz (ankle), who participated fully in Friday's practice but is still listed as questionable. At most, Steltz would be a special teams participant Sunday against the Lions. Linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle), who missed practice earlier in the week, is listed as probable and will definitely play. The same goes for tight end Desmond Clark (ankle).

Detroit Lions: Levy never practiced this week and is listed as doubtful. Veteran Landon Johnson is expected to start in his place. Safety Louis Delmas (groin) has been limited in practice but is expected to play. Safety C.C. Brown (fractured forearm) and cornerback Jonathan Wade (fractured finger) are both probable and will play with heavy padding.

Green Bay Packers: Cornerback Brandon Underwood (shoulder) was declared out. The only other players at risk are linebacker Desmond Bishop (hamstring) and defensive lineman Mike Neal (side). They're listed as questionable, but neither participated in practice on Thursday and Friday. That's not a good sign. Linebacker Brady Poppinga (knee) returned to practice Friday and is probable. Linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) had full participation all week.

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

Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 1:

1. With national discussion centering so squarely on the Green Bay Packers' postseason chances, we've probably failed to address adequately their far-from-a-gimmee regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers have opened on the road only four times in the past 25 years, and their recent history in Philadelphia hasn't been great. In fact, the Packers have lost nine consecutive games there. But that type of history is irrelevant to this game. In reality, the Eagles are a team in flux as they transition from Donovan McNabb to Kevin Kolb at quarterback. And as we discussed earlier this week, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is equipped to nullify the Eagles' pressure defense. We should always account for the inevitable surprises of Week 1, but the fact remains that the Packers will have the better team at kickoff.

2. The Packers should find out whether their pass defense made any progress this offseason. They have made some personnel moves, among them moving B.J. Raji to nose tackle, inserting rookie safety Morgan Burnett into the starting lineup and shifting Pro Bowl linebacker Clay Matthews to the other side of the line of scrimmage. But depth at cornerback remains an issue with Al Harris (knee) and Brandon Underwood (shoulder) sidelined by injury. Rookie Sam Shields could be the Packers' nickel back against an offense that attempted the fourth-most pass attempts of 15 yards or longer last season, according to research by ESPN's Stats & Information. With or without McNabb, the Eagles will try pushing the ball downfield. We'll find out if the Packers can handle it.

3. It's been a while since the Detroit Lions' defense had a notable advantage in any type of matchup. But it's hard to ignore the intensity and production with which their defensive line played this preseason, and if nothing else they'll carry a newfound confidence into Soldier Field. More than anything, I'm interested in seeing whether left end Cliff Avril is able capitalize on the presence of better-known teammates Kyle Vanden Bosch, Ndamukong Suh and Corey Williams. As we've discussed, the Bears' offensive line didn't inspire much confidence during the preseason. We'll find out if Avril is capable of capitalizing against Bears right tackle Frank Omiyale. I'm also interested in whether Bears left tackle Chris Williams can match Lions right end Vanden Bosch's intensity.

4. It will be interesting to see how heavily the Chicago Bears rely on a passing game that struggled all preseason. It doesn't fit the history of offensive coordinator Mike Martz, but the best way to slow a pass rush is to establish your running game. Tailback Matt Forte appeared to have regained his burst during the preseason, most notably on an 89-yard touchdown run, and backup Chester Taylor had a nice 34-yard burst during the preseason as well. Running the ball straight at the Lions doesn't sound exciting or even a long-term answer, but it might be a good way to eat up yardage, control the clock and keep the Lions' explosive offense off the field while the passing game gets settled.

5. Credit goes to Chris Burke of NFLFanHouse for this one. Technically, the Minnesota Vikings' loss to the New Orleans Saints lifted the Lions out of last place in the NFC North for the first time since December 2007. Let's take it one step further. A win against the Bears would give the Lions a share of first place for the first time since September 2007. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. The Lions should have as much pause about their linebackers and secondary as they do excitement about their offense. Middle linebacker DeAndre Levy is struggling with a groin injury and might not play. Safety C.C. Brown and cornerback Jonathan Wade are both playing with bone fractures, and safety Louis Delmas has been limited by a groin injury. That's a lot of limitations to overcome.

As the Green Bay Packers began Week 1 practice Monday, here were my two questions:

1. Who will be the Packers' nickel and/or dime backs when they open the season Sunday at Philadelphia?
2. Is linebacker Clay Matthews ever going to practice again?

We've already got partial answers on both questions. Matthews is participating in practice Monday for the first time since straining his hamstring Aug. 7. Matthews will need to regain his conditioning and timing in short order if he's going to make a significant impact so quickly after his return. His situation will be worth monitoring throughout the week.

Meanwhile, cornerback Brandon Underwood (shoulder) is not practicing. Underwood was once considered the leading candidate to be the Packers' fifth defensive back, but his injury would seem to have scuttled those plans. Other candidates include Sam Shields, Pat Lee and Jarrett Bush, probably in that order.

Coach Mike McCarthy is scheduled to speak with reporters later Monday, and we'll pass along any news he might provide.

*Update: Here's what McCarthy said about the nickel and dime situations: "We'll work through that this week. I would like to take that as far as I need to as far as who is lining up where. I know you guys respect that."

As the preseason draws to a close, it's time to start updating some of our offseason threads. Let's begin with a Feb. 22 post that suggested four players whose potential development could ease depth concerns at their respective positions. As it turned out, we did a better job of identifying need positions than we did in suggesting candidates to fill them. Better luck next year, I guess.

Chicago Bears defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert


What we said then: The road couldn't be paved any more clearly for Gilbert, the Bears' top pick of the 2009 draft. Left end Adewale Ogunleye is a pending free agent and is expected to move on. Ogunleye's likely replacement, Gaines Adams, died last month. That left Gilbert and Henry Melton as the remaining internal candidates to start at left end. Good outside pass-rushers almost never become available on the free-agent market, and without a pick in the first or second round this season, it will be difficult for the Bears to draft one capable of making an immediate impact. To this point, Gilbert's greatest claim to fame is being the draft prospect who jumped out of a pool. He spent most of 2009 in an unofficial redshirt year under defensive line guru Rod Marinelli, so it's hard to know if Gilbert is capable of holding down a starting job in 2010. It's not even clear if the Bears consider him an end or a tackle. But if it's the former, Gilbert will get every opportunity to help the Bears out of this jam.


What's happened since: This year, a good outside pass rusher actually did become available via free agency, and the Bears pounced on Julius Peppers. Gilbert, meanwhile, has been nearly invisible in preseason games and could be waived this weekend.

Detroit Lions running back Aaron Brown


What we said then: Starting tailback Kevin Smith is rehabilitating a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while also trying to overcome two shoulder injuries that slowed him in 2009. Backup Maurice Morris is also under contract, but Morris doesn't have the kind of big-play abilities Brown displayed last season. The Lions were exasperated at times with Brown's mental errors, but perhaps an offseason of studying can help him move past those issues. He might not be an ideal every-down back, but Brown could add an explosive element to the Lions' offense if they trust him enough to put him on the field. His development could ease some of the urgency to add further depth behind Smith and Morris.


What's happened since: The Lions traded up to select Jahvid Best with the No. 30 overall pick in the draft. Best will fill the playmaker role we suggested for Brown. Can't argue with that one. But Brown has shown enough this summer to earn a spot on the Lions' roster.

Green Bay Packers defensive back Will Blackmon


What we said then: Because the Packers haven't revealed their tender offers for restricted free agents, we can't say with certainty that Blackmon will return to the Packers in 2010. But based on the typical timetable for ACL rehabilitation, Blackmon should be cleared for the start of training camp. And if he's healthy and ready, Blackmon would add experienced depth to a position ravaged by injuries at the end of last season. With Al Harris rehabilitating a similar injury on a later timetable, the Packers might have to open camp with nickelback Tramon Williams as a starter. It's always possible that a rookie could help at nickelback, but all things equal, the Packers would probably be more comfortable with veteran experience at the position. Jarrett Bush struggled in that role during some games last season, opening up an opportunity for Blackmon if he's up to it.

What's happened since: The Packers moved Blackmon to safety late in spring practice and instead gave Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee and rookie Sam Shields the opportunity we envisioned for Blackmon. It was probably a wise move; he continues to be bothered by knee soreness. It's not clear if he will make the team.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen


What we said then: The Vikings need Allen to become a full-time player, if not a starter, to avoid facing a sudden shortage at cornerback. Starter Cedric Griffin's status is uncertain after he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the NFC Championship Game; it would be a surprise if Griffin is cleared for the beginning of training camp. The 2009 nickelback, Benny Sapp, is a pending unrestricted free agent and probably earned himself a decent contract after making seven starts in 2009. I'm guessing the Vikings don't want to overpay to bring back Sapp, especially considering Griffin will eventually return and that fellow starter, Antoine Winfield, is signed through 2013. As a rookie, Allen had a strong training camp but was buried on the depth chart when the season began. He's aggressive against the run, a decent tackler and displayed solid instincts when on the field. A natural progression would make him the nickelback in 2010, a role that would allow him to fill in for Griffin. Otherwise, the Vikings will have to shell out more money for Sapp or another free agent.

What's happened since: Injuries, attrition and solid play have put Allen in position to be the Week 1 nickel back. Griffin hasn't started practicing. Sapp was traded to Miami, and while the Vikings made cornerback Chris Cook their top draft pick, he will miss up to four weeks because of knee surgery.

As many of you pointed out, I omitted a critical issue in Monday's post on NFC North positional battles: The Green Bay Packers' nickel spot.

Considering how frequently the Packers use sub packages under coordinator Dom Capers, the nickel back is almost like a 12th starter. That fact requires some pause in light of recent developments, most notably the swift ascent of undrafted rookie Sam Shields to the top of the depth chart.

As we discussed during our training camp tour, Shields displayed surprisingly mature instincts in coverage and looked much more comfortable as a cornerback than he did as a kick and punt returner -- the original role the Packers envisioned for him. But to add some context to the original observation, those instincts merely provided a hint that Shields had a chance to make the team, which in itself is a pretty nice result for a rookie free agent. At that point in camp, I don't think anyone considered him a potential Week 1 nickel back.

Much has changed since then, and now I think it's fair at least to scrutinize the Packers' offseason decision to sit tight from a personnel perspective. If you recall, their plan was to deploy some combination of second-year player Brandon Underwood with three players returning from significant injuries to create depth and competition.

Underwood, however, has been limited by a shoulder injury that dates back to his college career. Veteran Al Harris remains on the physically unable to perform list. Will Blackmon has been unable to shake knee soreness, and Pat Lee's preseason performance has been shaky. That left a void behind starters Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams, one that Shields has been given an opportunity to fill. If he wins the job, the Packers will have two rookies -- Shields and safety Morgan Burnett -- in their five-man nickel package.

Is Shields' opportunity based on merit, or is it because the Packers' options are so limited? I'm guessing that's a question the team didn't think it would face in the final week of the preseason.