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The NFL's relatively depressed market for linebackers allowed the Minnesota Vikings to bring back starter Erin Henderson at a low-risk rate. After an encouraging season as a first-time starter in 2011, Henderson agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $2 million, according to Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Our friends at Pro Football Focus (PFF) have been singing Henderson's praises all offseason, concluding he had one of the best performances of any 4-3 outside linebacker in 2011. Among PFF's finds from a season-long analysis: Henderson led all players at the position by making a tackle on 16.1 percent of the plays he was on the field for. He also had the highest percentage of "stops," which are tackles that led to an offensive failure in the running game.

PFF: "Just looking at tackle figures you might not be drawn instantly to his name, but Erin Henderson made more positive defensive plays relative to how much he was on the field than any other linebacker, and showed a real knack for shedding blocks and affecting the play. Against the run he wasn’t just having a good season, but there may not have been a better player in the NFL at his position last year."

Henderson expressed frustration via Twitter recently about the seeming lack of urgency to re-sign him, but the reality is the market value for linebackers has either dropped or at best stayed flat as the NFL continues its shift toward the passing game and pass defense.

In any event, the Vikings can now say they have two of their three starting linebackers under contract in Henderson and Chad Greenway. It's not clear who will start at middle linebacker, where long-term starter E.J. Henderson remains on the market. One possibility is Jasper Brinkley, but he missed all of 2011 because of a hip injury.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

As an unrestricted free agent, tight end Kellen Davis had a chance to test his market value. He did just that, and after a trip to visit the Dallas Cowboys, Davis returned to the Chicago Bears with a two-year deal that will pave the way for him to become a significant factor in their passing offense.

The Bears have vowed to use the position more under new offensive coordinator Mike Tice, and coach Lovie Smith has been singing Davis' praises for years. Now, barring the Bears making an unexpected play at another veteran tight end, Davis has a great opportunity to prove he can be the two-way blocking-receiving tight end the Bears envision he could be.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Bears think they can provide the right environment for receiver Brandon Marshall to succeed, writes Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune.
• They're also hoping his story about Sunday's altercation in New York City holds up, writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune spoke with Rasheedah Watley, Marshall's high school sweetheart who has a civil lawsuit pending against him. Watley: "Brandon thinks he can bash people and get away with it because he has gotten away with it so I don't see why he'd think he can't get away with it again."
• Bears general manager Phil Emery has put his reputation on the line in this trade, writes Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com.
• Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press on the Detroit Lions' monster contract agreement with receiver Calvin Johnson: "The Lions stood at the stake blindfolded, hoping the execution would be quick and painless. Guaranteeing $60 million for a wide receiver is a pretty big bullet, but the Lions had to take the hit. It would have been worse had they let these renegotiations linger, further bloating their salary cap while risking the ire of their lone genuine superstar and their long-suffering fans, who finally can see a little light after decades of darkness."
• The Lions will host former San Diego Chargers left tackle Marcus McNeil on a visit beginning Thursday, according to Tim Twentyman of the team's website. They have also hosted receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and will host former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jacob Lacey.
• Johnson never considered walking away, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• The receiver market has grown nicely for Green Bay Packers receiver Greg Jennings, who has one year remaining on his contract. Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel explains.
• Jennings is currently on a trip to Africa, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• There is no word on center Scott Wells' status with the Tennessee Titans, writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• The felony strangulation case against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chris Cook has gone to the jury, notes Dan Wiederer of the Star Tribune.
• There is no standing offer to bring back Vikings linebackers Erin Henderson or E.J. Henderson, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• The Vikings persuaded new tight end John Carlson to leave Kansas City before taking a visit with the Chiefs, writes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

» AFC Free-Agency Primer: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET

Chicago Bears

Key free agents: Tight end Kellen Davis, running back Matt Forte (franchise), cornerback Corey Graham, quarterback Caleb Hanie, defensive end Israel Idonije, cornerback Tim Jennings, quarterback Josh McCown, safety Brandon Meriweather and receiver Roy Williams.

Where they stand: The Bears will have the most salary-cap space among NFC North teams, upwards of $30 million, and have plenty of potential uses for it. Quarterback Jay Cutler needs more targets in the downfield passing game, whether it's at the receiver or tight end position. And new general manager Phil Emery must start restocking a defense led by four players more than 30 years old: Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, defensive end Julius Peppers and cornerback Charles Tillman.

What to expect: It's widely believed the Bears will be in the running for free-agent receiver Vincent Jackson. But Jackson's price tag could be steep and no one knows if Emery will prove to be a big spender. It seems likely he will re-sign Davis, and Emery should also save some of his cap space to extend Forte's contract. Secondary receiver targets could include Marques Colston. Bears fans are hoping the team will pursue defensive end Mario Williams, but it's hard to imagine the Bears budgeting for Williams two years after breaking their bank on Peppers.

Detroit Lions

Key free agents: Defensive end Cliff Avril (franchise), left tackle Jeff Backus, safety Chris Harris, quarterback Shaun Hill, linebacker DeAndre Levy (restricted), running back Maurice Morris, running back Kevin Smith, quarterback Drew Stanton, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and cornerback Eric Wright.

Where they stand: The Lions are tight against the salary cap after franchising Avril and aren't likely to be big spenders on the free-agent market. They could relieve the situation by reaching long-term agreements with Avril and/or receiver Calvin Johnson, who has a $22 million cap figure for 2012. Tulloch made a big impact last season after signing a one-year deal, but so far the Lions' attention has turned elsewhere.

What to expect: The Lions' best-case scenario is to keep their 2011 core together without mortgaging their future relative to the salary cap. That would mean getting Tulloch re-signed to preserve the linebacker group they upgraded last season by signing him and veteran Justin Durant, moves that allowed Levy to play on the outside. Hill seems likely to re-sign as Matthew Stafford's backup, while Stanton might test the free-agent waters to see if he has a chance to do better than third on a team's depth chart.

Green Bay Packers

Key free agents: Cornerback Jarrett Bush, quarterback Matt Flynn, running back Ryan Grant and center Scott Wells.

Where they stand: The Packers took care of a big challenge by signing tight end Jermichael Finley to a two-year contract last month. They will let Flynn depart for a possible starting job elsewhere and it appears Grant will test the free-agent market. Discussions with Wells haven't led to an agreement, but the Packers often go to the final moments before reaching a deal. There are no obvious internal replacements for Wells, making his return a priority.

What to expect: The Packers will have some flexibility with the salary cap, but general manager Ted Thompson's aversion to veteran free agency is well known. It's been three years since he signed a veteran unrestricted free agent in the offseason. The Packers have needs at defensive line, outside linebacker and possibly at center if Wells leaves. But let's put it this way: Thompson's strong preference is to find depth and future replacements in the draft, not on other teams' rosters.

Minnesota Vikings

Key free agents: Safety Husain Abdullah, receiver Devin Aromashodu, receiver Greg Camarillo, defensive lineman Fred Evans, defensive lineman Letroy Guion, linebacker E.J. Henderson, linebacker Erin Henderson, safety Tyrell Johnson, quarterback Sage Rosenfels, cornerback Benny Sapp and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

Where they stand: The Vikings seem poised for a major roster overhaul in their first offseason since Rick Spielman was promoted to general manager. Players like Shiancoe, E.J. Henderson, Camarillo and Johnson all seem poised to move on. There aren't many positions on the team that appear secure.

What to expect: If the Vikings don't plan to draft USC left tackle Matt Kalil at No. 3 overall next month, the first clue will be if they pursue a free-agent left tackle. That seems unlikely. But they'll need to combine their draft with at least a few veteran free agents if they intend to compete for a playoff spot in 2012. Cornerback could be a point of focus, where Brandon Carr and Cortland Finnegan are among those available. Another could be receiver. The Vikings had major interest in Jackson two years ago.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

After four years of quarterback transition here in the NFC North, I was feeling a bit nostalgic and a little left out Tuesday night as the Indianapolis Colts' divorce with Peyton Manning became official.

I thought back to Brett Favre's departure from Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers' ascension in 2008. I remembered how the Chicago Bears swooped in to trade for Jay Cutler in 2009. A month later, the Detroit Lions made Matthew Stafford the No. 1 pick in the draft. And after two years of Favredemonium, the Minnesota Vikings jump-started their long-term plan by drafting Christian Ponder in 2011.

Manning's departure is the talk of the NFL and will be debated for years in Indianapolis, presuming his neck heals and he resumes his career elsewhere. But as we in the NFC North know, quarterback transitions are often sudden and painful, and they don't always seem to be the obvious decision at the moment.

Oh well. We might be booked for the moment, but I'll set our next transition cycle to begin around, say, 2018. See you then!

I guess we'll just spend the next six years taking our morning stroll around the NFC North:

• The Bears have informed quarterback Caleb Hanie that he won't be re-signed, according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com. Kyle Orton is a possible replacement to back up Cutler.
• A source close to Lions running back Jahvid Best would be shocked if he isn't cleared to participate in football activities by this summer, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Best is recovering from multiple concussions.
• Lions linebacker Justin Durant believes the team will have one of the NFL's best group of linebackers if Stephen Tulloch an DeAndre Levy re-sign. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press has more.
• The Green Bay Packers want running back Ryan Grant back in 2012 but he is expected to hit free agency, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• It's not clear if the Packers plan to bring back special teams-ace Jarrett Bush, according to Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Packers receiver Donald Driver spoke with Mike Spofford of the team's website about his "Dancing With the Stars" rehearsals.
• Politicians writing the Vikings' stadium bill might have to consider the possibility that electronic pull-tabs won't cover the total $398 million state commitment to the project, according to the Associated Press.
• Minneapolis officials still are trying to get a renovation of the Target Center as part of the Vikings' stadium bill, according to the Star Tribune.
• The Vikings have made clear they want to retain free-agent linebacker Erin Henderson, according to Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.

Previewing some of the big decisions facing NFC North teams early in the 2012 offseason:

A flurry of moves last week left the Minnesota Vikings with two linebacker coaches but no short- or long-term answers at the all-important middle linebacker position. Fred Pagac has returned to coach linebackers, where he will join forces with Mike Singletary, but veteran middle linebacker E.J. Henderson is a pending free agent and his heir apparent hasn't played since 2010.

As of late December, the Vikings hadn't approached Henderson about a new contract. He will turn 32 in August and spent part of this season battling knee problems that stem from a brutal leg injury that probably should have ended his career in 2009.

Now would be a logical time for the Vikings to elevate Jasper Brinkley, a fifth-round draft pick in 2009 who started four regular-season games and another two in the playoffs as a rookie after Henderson fractured his leg. But Brinkley missed all of 2011 after surgery to repair a torn hip labrum and would at least need to clear some rust this offseason before jumping back into the fray.

What other options do the Vikings have? Henderson's younger brother, Erin, started 11 games at outside linebacker but has some experience in the middle. I doubt the Vikings would move the position of Pro Bowl linebacker Chad Greenway, but stranger things have happened. Free agency and the draft typically offer avenues for finding an immediate starter at middle linebacker as well.

Before anything else, the Vikings must determine whether E.J. Henderson should be brought back. Then the Vikings' medical staff will need to evaluate Brinkley; it's worth noting that most players return from hip labrum surgery without any long-term affects.

I don't think any final decisions have been made, but general manager Rick Spielman has said he wants the roster to get younger. Re-signing a 32-year-old middle linebacker probably wouldn't fit into that philosophy.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The Minnesota Vikings are 2-8 with six games remaining this season, tying them for the second-worst record in the NFL. Their season has gone so poorly that Mark Craig of the Star Tribune appropriately took a moment to note the performances of the worst teams in the franchise's 50 previous seasons.

Here is the key paragraph: "In Vikings history, there are two teams that set the benchmark for misery. The 1962 team (2-11-1) had the fewest victories and the worst winning percentage (.179). The 1984 team had the most losses [with 13]. Only three other teams in franchise history lost 11 games, the last coming in 2001."

When the season began, few of us thought the Vikings would compete in the NFC North this season. But I'm not sure we thought they had a terrible team, either. After losing big leads in their first three games, they've produced some increasingly uncompetitive losses. It's hard to imagine them doing anything other than adding another one Sunday at the Atlanta Falcons.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Vikings haven't invested nearly enough in drafting offensive linemen in recent years, writes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• In an appearance on ESPN 1500, Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (hamstring) said he hopes to return to the starting lineup this week.
• Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wonders how much a knee injury is bothering Green Bay Packers right guard Josh Sitton, who has been inconsistent this season.
• Packers running back James Starks credits being bowlegged for escaping a significant injury last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune on why the Chicago Bears should acquire quarterback Kyle Orton: "Orton is by far the best available player who is not on an NFL roster. He plays a position of need for the Bears."
• Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times profiles current Bears quarterback Caleb Hanie.
• ESPNChicago.com writers think Hanie will need to be more than a game manager in place of starter Jay Cutler.
• The Detroit Lions' coverage teams face a big test in Packers returner Randall Cobb, writes Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.
• Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: "The Lions haven't exactly made Thanksgiving Day games compelling holiday viewing in recent years. They have lost six in a row by an average of 23.3 points. Talk grows louder every year the league should take the game away from Detroit. Owner William Clay Ford and vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. have fought diligently at the owners' meetings over the years to keep the tradition that started here in 1934. It's time the team held up its end of the bargain."

A few pregame notes as we await Week 11 kickoffs:

• Detroit Lions nickel back Aaron Berry woke up sick Sunday morning and is inactive. Brandon McDonald and Alphonso Smith are two candidates to replace him Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
• The Minnesota Vikings knew they wouldn't have safety Husain Abdullah (concussion) available for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders. But they were hopeful on linebacker Erin Henderson (hamstring). Henderson, however, is inactive and will be replaced in the starting lineup by special teams ace Kenny Onatolu.
• Alas. Chicago Bears receiver Earl Bennett won't wear his orange cleats for the third consecutive games. After issuing him $15,000 in fines the past two weeks, the NFL told Bennett he would not be allowed on the field with them Sunday, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Oh well.

Getting inside the Friday injury report:

Chicago Bears: Nickel back D.J. Moore (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game and isn't expected to play against the San Diego Chargers. Corey Graham will be the nickel back. All other players should be available.

Detroit Lions: Punter Ryan Donahue (quadriceps) was ruled out, confirming that newcomer Ben Graham will punt Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Safety Amari Spievey (toe) is probable and expected to play. The Lions could be thin on the defensive line, based on the availability of defensive ends Willie Young (ankle) and Lawrence Jackson (thigh). Both are listed as questionable.

Green Bay Packers: The only injury issue this week has been defensive end Mike Neal (knee), who made it through portions of all three practices. The Packers are listing him as questionable for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an encouraging sign. Even if he doesn't play this week, it appears Neal hasn't had any setbacks to prevent an imminent return.

Minnesota Vikings: Guard Anthony Herrera (knee) and safety Husain Abdullah (concussion ) were ruled out for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders. Joe Berger will again start at right guard, and it's expected the Vikings will use a three-man rotation at safety between Jamarca Sanford, Tyrell Johnson and rookie Mistral Raymond. Meanwhile, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring) is questionable, as is linebacker Erin Henderson (hamstring). Kyle Rudolph and Kenny Onatolu, respectively, could see additional playing time Sunday.

Checking in on Wednesday news bits in the NFC North:

Chicago Bears: Receiver Devin Hester (illness) didn't practice Wednesday but is expected to play Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

Detroit Lions: Running back Jahvid Best made an appearance at practice Wednesday. He did not participate, but he hadn't been seen anywhere near practice since suffering a concussion last month. Agent Tony Fleming told ESPN's Josina Anderson that Best has been seeing specialists and will be "re-evaluated" when his symptoms subside. Quarterback Matthew Stafford (finger) wore gloves again during practice but was a full participant. Safety Amari Spievey (toe) was among those who did not practice. Meanwhile, Lions receivers coach Shawn Jefferson opened practice with a full-squad breakdown that ended with "[Expletive] them."

Green Bay Packers: Defensive end Mike Neal (knee) is continuing to increase his workload in practice and hasn't been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Running back Ryan Grant (knee) did not practice but should be ready for Sunday's game. Linebacker Desmond Bishop and guard T.J. Lang were attending to personal matters Wednesday and didn't practice.

Minnesota Vikings: Guard Anthony Herrera (knee), safety Husain Abdullah (concussion), linebacker Erin Henderson (hamstring) and long snapper Cullen Loeffler (shoulder) all missed practice. The Vikings will wait another day or so before deciding whether to sign an emergency long-snapper for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders.

I'll have a full and formal injury report later Friday, but let's update a few significant developments that have already occurred:

1. Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (shoulder) was not seen at the start of practice, according to Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week he would let Williams play against the Carolina Panthers if he missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but it's not clear if that invitation extended to Friday.
2. Minnesota Vikings linebacker E.J. Henderson wasn't at practice Friday, according to Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com. Henderson woke up Thursday morning with knee swelling and was sent for a round of tests. It's far from certain that he'll be able to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Candidates to replace him include his younger brother, Erin Henderson, and waiver claim Xavier Adibi.
3. Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) and safety Louis Delmas (hip) both were present at the start of practice, according to Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News. That qualifies as a good sign for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Some prominent NFC North players have missed a significant portion of Week 2 practices. The most recent addition is Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker E.J. Henderson. The details:

Chicago Bears: Linebacker Brian Urlacher returned to practice after rejoining the team following his mother's death. But the Bears were without safety Chris Harris (hamstring) and receiver Roy Williams (groin) for the second consecutive day. Meanwhile, tailback Marion Barber (calf) returned to the sideline after practicing Wednesday.

Detroit Lions: Receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) and safety Louis Delmas (hip) again sat out practice. Johnson has said he will play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, but Delmas' status is less clear. He would probably be replaced by Erik Coleman if he can't play against the Chiefs.

Green Bay Packers: Cornerback Tramon Williams (shoulder) again missed practice, but coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday he would be comfortable playing Williams on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers even if he missed Thursday's workout. The key will be whether Williams gets on the practice field for at least a portion of the work Friday.

Minnesota Vikings: Henderson woke up with knee swelling and didn't practice Thursday while undergoing tests. Henderson's primary backup, Jasper Brinkley, is out for the season because of hip surgery. So during practice Thursday, waiver claim Xavier Adibi worked at middle linebacker. Weakside linebacker Erin Henderson also took some repetitions.

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

Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 1:

All Forte: After so much summer discussion about his contract, his strengths and his weaknesses, it appears Matt Forte will be the Chicago Bears' second-most important offensive player Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons and beyond. (Quarterback Jay Cutler is obviously No. 1.) Backup tailback Marion Barber didn't practice this week because of a calf injury, and the Bears' only reserve help could be little-used Kahlil Bell. Barber's primary role this season was likely to take some pounding away from Forte in goal-line and short-yardage situations, which has never been a strength of Forte's anyway. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Forte has managed only five touchdowns on 57 goal-to-go carries since the start of the 2009 season. Against a team like the Falcons, the Bears can't afford too many red-zone breakdowns. They'll either need Forte to convert or they'll have to take to the air. For what it's worth, Cutler has thrown more red-zone interceptions (13) than any other NFL quarterback over the past three seasons.

Unknown quantity: We didn't learn much this summer about the Bears' defense, which has moving parts at several positions and didn't make much of an impact on preseason games one way or the other. The Falcons are a power running team that made a big offseason splash to trade up in the draft for big-play receiver Julio Jones. If they're on task, that's a tough combination to defend. We still don't know who, other than Julius Peppers, can provide a pass rush for the Bears and we're awaiting a safety transition involving newcomer Brandon Meriweather. The Bears will have their hands full defensively, but keep in mind that the Falcons haven't come to Chicago and won a game since the 1983 season opener.

HotHotHot: Sunday's updated weather forecast for Tampa calls for a high of 91 degrees with 77 percent humidity at Raymond James Stadium. As we discussed during the week, it's been a hot summer in the upper midwest. I'm not sure the Detroit Lions practiced in anything quite like they're going to experience Sunday, but all NFL players should be in condition to play a hot-weather game in Week 1. To me, it's the less-expected hot weather you might experience in October or even November that can catch you off guard. The Lions will need to stay on top of their hydration to avoid cramping and the like, but I'm not sure this issue will impact the outcome of the game.

Matchup of young stars: This game will feature two of the top three quarterbacks in the 2009 draft, the Lions' Matthew Stafford and the Buccaneers' Josh Freeman. It also will put on display the Lions' good fortune in having the No. 2 overall pick of the 2010 draft rather than No. 3. The Lions chose defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, leaving the Bucs to take defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. As it turns out, McCoy has been a pretty good player. But Suh is ready to break out as one of the NFL's best. Suh and nose tackle Corey Williams will look to stuff Bucs tailback LeGarrette Blount, who gashed them for 61 yards on seven carries on runs up the middle in the teams' 2010 matchup.

Slow starts: Many observers have the Minnesota Vikings pegged to limp out of the gate this season, noting their offensive scheme transition, along with the presence of a new quarterback (Donovan McNabb) and left tackle (Charlie Johnson). But as it turns out, the Vikings on Sunday will face the NFL's most notorious slow starters over the past seven seasons. The San Diego Chargers have a combined 30-26 record during the first half of those seasons and a 46-10 record in the second half. For whatever reason, the Vikings are getting the Chargers at the proverbial right time. For what it's worth, the preseason showed us that if the Vikings struggle early in 2011, it will be because of their shaky personnel situation on defense. Their starting lineup Sunday will include three new defensive linemen, one untested linebacker (Erin Henderson) and a rotation at strong safety between Jamarca Sanford and Tyrell Johnson. On the other hand, their offense appeared relatively cohesive both in camp and in the preseason.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

NOT FAR FROM GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Well. Our 2011 regular season got off to a bang Thursday night, didn't it? In a few hours, I'll post our weekly Free Head Exam post to review the Green Bay Packers' 42-34 victory against the New Orleans Saints, discussing among other things quarterback Aaron Rodgers' uncharacteristic postgame expression of vengeance.

My plans for Friday also include a Final Word on the rest of Sunday's games, which obviously and unavoidably have gotten the short shrift here this week. At some point, I also need to make it back to NFC North blog headquarters. But while we have a moment, let's catch some reaction to the game from around the country and also spin ourselves around the division:

• Rodgers turned three post-game questions into opportunities to point out the Packers' offense was sharp despite choosing not to work out together in the offseason, writes Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports. Rodgers: "I've just got to ask myself, 'What would have happened if we had offseason workouts? Could we have started any faster and scored more points tonight?'"
• Packers general manager Ted Thompson, via Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "This was a lot different than a regular-season game. This was more like a playoff-tempo game. I think both teams geared up for this."
• Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN.com: "In case you're wondering if the Packers are better this season than last, they are. And those concerns about a Super Bowl hangover? Forget it. The Packers must have taken a couple of aspirin and chowed down on some White Castle sliders after they partied in February."
• Don Banks of SportsIllustrated.com: "You get the feeling that maybe, just maybe, we saw the NFL's real dream team here Thursday night? The Green Bay Packers certainly couldn't have scripted their 2011 opener -- the night they got to unfurl their Super Bowl title banner -- much better than the way this one played out. Especially on offense, which as everyone knows is the key to championships these days in the NFL."
• The Packers' offense is "unrelenting," writes Alex Marvez of Fox Sports.com.
• Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette examines the final play of the game: The Packers' stuff of Saints running back Mark Ingram at the 1-yard line.
• The Packers hadn't scored as many points in an opener since 1919, their first year as a franchise, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• The Chicago Bears aren't targeting new safety Brandon Meriweather much for their special teams, writes Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com.
• Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler: "Cutler has endured a litany of criticisms, and his leadership is chief among them, especially after the departure of offensive co-captain Olin Kreutz. But several high school, college and Bears teammates have his back and insist that -- while he's not overly vocal -- Cutler leads by example and speaks up when necessary."
• Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune: "The Bears might be a better team and have a worse record."
• Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press on Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford: "Yes, the Lions have won when Stafford was out. But they never look like they could win a lot unless he's in."
• Brandon McDonald isn't happy to have lost the Lions' third cornerback job to Aaron Berry, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• Getting defensive end Lawrence Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks was "a steal," Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said, according to Justin Rogers of Mlive.com.
• The Minnesota Vikings are in unfamiliar territory at the start of this season, writes Mark Craig of the Star Tribune.
• Tom Powers of the St. Paul Pioneer Press profiles new Vikings starting linebacker Erin Henderson.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com: "Leslie Frazier has spent the past six weeks selling players on the idea this is a new era for the Minnesota Vikings. The way players speak about Frazier and the direction of the franchise indicate they're buying in, too. But good vibes won't get Frazier's crew too far on Sunday at San Diego, where they'll have their first confrontation with the reality of what looks like a rebuilding season."

Check here for a complete list of the Minnesota Vikings' roster moves.

Surprise move: Either the Vikings have confidence in a number of unproven offensive linemen or they have their sights on some veteran acquisitions later this weekend. They released guard/tackles Chris DeGeare and Ryan Cook, both of whom saw substantial action at right guard during the injury rehabilitation of starter Anthony Herrera. This version of their 53-man roster features three centers and a total of 10 offensive linemen. The group includes two rookies (DeMarcus Love and Brandon Fusco) and one first-year player in Patrick Brown. The Vikings' arrangement here remains under construction, as far as I’m concerned.

No-brainers: Undrafted tight end Allen Reisner was one of the big surprises of camp. He not only pushed veteran Jeff Dugan off the roster but also forced the Vikings to keep four tight ends on their roster. I wondered whether the Vikings would release safety Tyrell Johnson, who has struggled to maintain his starting job in the face of a modest challenge from Jamarca Sanford. In the end, the Vikings didn’t have enough in-house experience to make that move. But watch out down the road for rookie Mistral Raymond, who forced his way onto the initial 53-man roster and is clearly respected by coaches.

What’s next: You would think the Vikings would be on the lookout for two areas in particular: Linebackers and running backs. The decision to release veteran Heath Farwell left them with five linebackers, only two of whom have starting experience. The current backups are special-teams ace Kenny Onatolu and undrafted rookie Larry Dean. With new starter Erin Henderson still establishing himself, you wonder if that is enough depth. Meanwhile, the Vikings kept only three tailbacks (and no fullbacks). Both of Adrian Peterson's backups, Toby Gerhart and Lorenzo Booker, were dealing with injuries as recently as last week. Depth is definitely an issue and could be addressed in the next 24-48 hours.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

On Wednesday, we discussed in several installments the future of Green Bay Packers tailback Ryan Grant. Let's consider the (presumable) final word on the topic.

Although Grant agreed to a $1 million reduction in his base salary, the remaining $2.5 million is fully guaranteed, according to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. That means the Packers would owe Grant the entire $2.5 million if they release him, and any team that acquires him in a trade would be inheriting the same $2.5 million guarantee.

That fact, on top of the previous knowledge that the Packers have already paid Grant a $1 million-plus roster bonus, makes it less likely from a financial perspective that the Packers will enter the season without him. There is nothing precluding them from doing so, but generally it's not good business to part ways with a player whose salary you've just guaranteed.

As we discussed Wednesday, it would still require a perfect storm of circumstances for this all to make sense. Moving on ...

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette looks at the Packers' roster to see who is a lock and who is on the bubble. Interesting bubble names include tight end Andrew Quarless and safety Charlie Peprah.
• The Packers are looking for special-teams contributions from their young receivers, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• The Chicago Bears are planning no personnel changes on their offensive line, according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com. Offensive line coach Mike Tice: "We had some guys get better across the board. I think each one of the guys got better at some thing, some guys got better at multiple things. Mental errors were at a minimum and they played hard. We played with good technique, for the most part, so it was a good stepping stone for us. But we've got a long way to go still."
• Bears wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher has a pretty big booster in quarterback Jay Cutler. David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune explains.
• Here's what Bears receivers coach Darryl Drake had to say about receiver Roy Williams, via Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times: "He's not where he needs to be, and he knows that. He and I have talked about that -- and the good thing is, you've got Johnny Knox, who's fighting and working hard. And believe you me, Roy understands Johnny's there. Johnny's hungry, and Johnny wants his spot back. If things don't start changing, then Johnny's going to be in there. That's straight from the horse's mouth."
• Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe had a mild setback on his return from a hamstring injury and won't play in the team's preseason game this weekend, according to Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune. That means Shiancoe is likely to miss the entire preseason assuming coach Leslie Frazier doesn't play many starters in the final week.
• Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson appears to have won a starting job by default, notes Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com.
• Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press speaks with Vikings rookie defensive tackle Christian Ballard, who has made an impression this summer.
• Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News on Detroit Lions tight end Will Heller: "Entering his 10th season in the league, Heller is certainly that, playing all of the above positions for the Lions. His primary position remains tight end, but he's also playing the 'H' back when offensive coordinator Scott Linehan chooses to go to a two-back set. In those sets, Heller can either be a fullback, a pass protector or receiver."
• Lions rookie receiver Titus Young is still recovering from a hamstring injury but made a nice catch in practice Wednesday, notes Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com.
• All three of the linebackers who started in Week 1 last year for the Lions last season are out of the league, notes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.