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Earlier this week, the Minnesota Vikings told defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy that he would be released. That decision left us with some obvious questions: Who will start opposite Kevin Williams if free-agent nose tackle Pat Williams doesn’t return? And who would start in place of Kevin Williams during his presumed four-game suspension?

The Vikings answered one of those questions Thursday by agreeing to terms with free-agent nose tackle Remi Ayodele, who spent the past three seasons with the New Orleans Saints. I believe the Times-Picayune had the news first. Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune reports the deal is worth $9 million over three seasons.

Ayodele figures as a prototypical nose tackle to play opposite the so-called “three-technique” position that Kevin Williams mans. At 28, he is 10 years younger than Pat Williams. And at 6-foot-2 and 318 pounds, he is appropriately squat for the position. (Although like Fletch, his hair style makes him closer to 6-foot-9.)

Recent Vikings posts: The best way to view the acquisition of quarterback Donovan McNabb is as (expensive) insurance for rookie Christian Ponder. Rice wanted a fresh start. The Vikings made the right call in bringing back place-kicker Ryan Longwell. Receiver Percy Harvin plans to play at about 10 pounds lighter this season. The Vikings have a tough decision on Peterson's contract. Adrian Peterson was surprised to see Rice leave.

I'm continuing to get my head around the Minnesota Vikings' reported pursuit of quarterback Donovan McNabb, which to this point qualifies as the biggest NFC North development on Day 1 of the 2011 free-agent market. We've also discussed issues from Matthew Stafford's swagger to Aaron Rodgers' free-agent wish list, and I'm sure there will be much more to come.

For now, let's review in rapid-fire fashion a number of other developments that merit comment but maybe not their own blog post:

Item: Former Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks, where he will reunite with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
Comment: Someone in the Seahawks' building clearly wants someone else to win the starting job, be it Charlie Whitehurst or Matt Leinart. As much as I respect Jackson as a person, I don't see him as an NFL starter -- and neither do many other people in the league.

Item: The Vikings agreed to terms receiver Devin Aromashodu, formerly of the Chicago Bears, to a one-year contract.
Comment: Aromashodu isn't a possible replacement for Sidney Rice or even Bernard Berrian, should he be released. Aromashodu remains an intriguing big target who had a career game against the Vikings in 2009, catching seven passes for 150 yards and a game-winning touchdown. Opponents don't forget games like that.

Item: Free agent receiver Santana Moss agreed to terms with the Washington Redskins.
Comment: Send your condolences to Bears receiver Devin Hester, who publicly lobbied the team to sign Moss.

Item: The Bears have interest in free-agent receiver Brad Smith, according to a report by ESPNChicago.com's Michael C. Wright.
Comment: Smith offers a bigger look than the rest of the Bears' receivers and could also return kickoffs following the expected departure of Danieal Manning. Bring him on.

Item: The Bears want free-agent linebacker Nick Roach to return as a backup, according to a report by ESPNChicago.com's Jeff Dickerson.
Comment: That means the Bears still need a starter at strong-side linebacker. They are interested in Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Justin Durant, according to a ESPNChicago.com report.

Item: The Detroit Lions will release receiver Bryant Johnson, according to report by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Comment: It wouldn't have made sense to bring Johnson to training camp after drafting Titus Young as the likely No. 3 receiver. That gives a player many of you have asked about, Derrick Williams, a fighting chance to make the team as a No. 4 receiver.

Item: The Vikings have told defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy he won't return in 2011, according to Kennedy's Twitter feed.
Comment: Cross off another candidate to start at defensive tackle if free agent Pat Williams signs elsewhere and during Kevin Williams' expected four-game suspension.

Item: The Bears are the only NFC North team to release a list of undrafted free agents they have signed.
Comment: All 26 names are published over at ESPNChicago.com for your enjoyment.

Item: And today will be better than yesterday.
Comment: That's my friend Buster Olney's signature blog sign-off. I like it.

The Minnesota Vikings' final injury report of the week contained one eyebrow-raising nugget.

Cornerback Cedric Griffin, who resumed practicing three days ago after nearly eight months of rehabilitation from major knee surgery, is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at the New Orleans Saints. The Vikings have only three healthy cornerbacks on their roster, and coaches have refused to rule out Griffin as a possibility for emergency depth. But it still seems pretty unlikely given his short practice stint. If the Vikings decide they want a fourth cornerback Thursday night, they're expected to use safety Husain Abdullah in that role and/or activate rookie Marcus Sherels from the practice squad.

Rookie tailback Toby Gerhart, who has practiced on a limited basis this week because of a knee injury, is also listed as questionable. Gerhart has been discussed as a candidate to be the Vikings' third-down back, but for the time being it appears starter Adrian Peterson will fill that role when needed with some assistance from Albert Young.

Meanwhile, cornerback Chris Cook (knee) and defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (knee) are out of the game. All other injured players, including center John Sullivan (calf) are probable. That news could mean Sullivan will resume his role as the starting center, suggests Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune.

Let's set up the summer's most important night of preseason football in the NFC North. All three games will be played Saturday.

Chicago Bears

Opponent: Arizona Cardinals

Location: Soldier Field

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Personnel notes: Starters will play at least a half and possibly into the third quarter. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (calf) won't play, and we probably won't see him again until the Sept. 12 opener against the Detroit Lions. Safety Craig Steltz (ankle), receiver Earl Bennett (hamstring), linebacker Nick Roach (knee) and quarterback Caleb Hanie (shoulder) are all expected to be sidelined. It's also unlikely that new quarterback Todd Collins, signed this week as the likely replacement for Hanie, will be ready to play much in this game.

Focal point: The preseason is to be taken with a grain of salt, but it would be nice if the Bears could take at least a granule of optimism with them into the regular season. Their first two outings have been a toxic mix of poor pass protection, special teams gaffes and defensive lethargy. A crisper outing in preseason Week 3 would allow us to file previous efforts in the "learning pains" category. But if it's more of the same Saturday night, Bears fans will have real reason to worry.

Detroit Lions

Opponent: Cleveland Browns

Location: Ford Field

Time: 5 p.m. ET

Personnel notes: Starters will play at least a half. Place-kicker Jason Hanson (knee) might kick beforehand but isn't expected to participate in the game. Safety Louis Delmas (groin) is expected to make his preseason debut, but it's not clear if fellow starter C.C. Brown (hand) can play. We're not expecting to see defensive ends Jared DeVries (knee) or Lawrence Jackson (hamstring).

Focal point: We haven't given the Lions defense much credit this summer, so it will be interesting to see the impact of Delmas' return. First of all, is he finally healthy? Assuming the answer is yes, how much can he impact the entire group? Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton threw for 177 yards in the first half of last week's game. Let's see if Delmas can help the Lions have a better showing against Cleveland's Jake Delhomme.

Minnesota Vikings

Opponent: Seattle Seahawks

Location: Metrodome

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Personnel notes: Starters are expected to play into the third quarter because most will sit out next week's preseason finale for precautionary reasons. As was the case in 2009, that makes this game the primary building block for the offense following the late arrival of quarterback Brett Favre. And like last season, Favre will be playing with a whole new set of receivers. Javon Walker and Greg Camarillo could make their Vikings debut. Receiver Percy Harvin (migraines) isn't expected to play. Neither is defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy (unknown injury).

Focal point: The Vikings' first-team offense hasn't scored a touchdown this preseason, so its development is a crucial storyline Saturday night. So is the continuing competition at right cornerback, where rookie Chris Cook is getting a chance to win the job vacated (temporarily) by the injured Cedric Griffin. Veteran Lito Sheppard and second-year player Asher Allen remain in the mix.

Earlier: Our review of the Green Bay Packers' 59-24 victory Thursday night over the Indianapolis Colts.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

To the extent that preseason games mean anything, Thursday night will be the biggest of the summer for the Green Bay Packers. They're hosting the defending AFC champion Indianapolis Colts to kick off preseason Week 3 in a game where starters on both sides could play into the third quarter.

Oh, and apparently the affair will be televised on ESPN as well. Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski will be there. (Just don't tell Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.)

As Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com points out, the Packers are expected to rest a number of starters, including linebackers Clay Matthews and Brad Jones. Defensive end Cullen Jenkins, among others, might also sit. But if you ever want to draw any conclusions from what you see in the preseason, Thursday is your night.

We'll have a few more things to say about the game over the course of the day and plan to post some late-night observations. Until then, let's take our morning spin around the NFC North:

• Wilde takes a look at the Packers' potential 53-man roster. There are some interesting decisions to make at offensive line, among other position groups.
• The Packers know their defensive line can't absorb a season-ending injury, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press-Gazette on Packers tight end Donald Lee: "The Packers tight end has been as professional as possible during a training camp in which he is not competing for a starting job at one of the deepest positions on the field."
• The Detroit Lions are expecting safety Louis Delmas to make his preseason debut Saturday, writes Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com.
• Lions defensive end Jared DeVries has a knee injury that could end his season, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• Wednesday was the Lions' final day of training camp, notes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• The Chicago Bears are following through on plans to incorporate the tight end into their passing offense, writes Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald.
• The Bears are looking for a big step from their defense this weekend, writes Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
• Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times examines the risk-reward of pass protection in Mike Martz's offense.
• The Bears owe quarterback Todd Collins $100,000 even if he doesn't make the team, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. So, he's making the team.
• Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen Jared Allen and Jimmy Kennedy were missing from Wednesday's practices, notes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield tells Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that "I don't think there is anyone" who tackles better in the NFL.
• All three candidates for Minnesota governor agree the state should play a role in building the Vikings a new stadium, according to Baird Helgeson of the Star Tribune.

In the weeks since the NFL draft, we've taken some big-picture looks at the NFC North. We've made a run at naming a preseason division favorite, tried to identify a preseason rookie of the year and examined some faulty assumptions.

Through it all, I've struggled to incorporate a gold mine of statistical analysis forwarded by ESPN's Stats & Information, a series of numbers that help illustrate some of the division's most notable areas of concern entering the offseason. So with the help of ESPN.com editor Brett Longdin, I want to use some of that information to open a unique window into whether NFC North teams have responsibly shored up their weaknesses over the past months.

Chicago Bears

Issue: The short-yardage running game
Stats & Information revelation: The Bears had the NFL's worst per-carry average (1.5 yards) on third-and-2 or less last season.
How the Bears responded: Hiring offensive line coach Mike Tice, who brings a power-running sensibility to Mike Martz's passing offense. Moving left guard Frank Omiyale to right tackle. Signing free agent tailback Chester Taylor.
Seifert analysis: Much of the Bears' hopes rest on Tice's shoulders to make over this group; as many as four 2009 starters will remain in their positions. Starting tailback Matt Forte is known more for shiftiness than power, opening an opportunity for Taylor to take over some of those opportunities. But effective power running, especially in short-yardage situations, requires frequency in play calling. Martz isn't known for his patience in the run game.

Issue: Pass defense in obvious passing situations
Stats & Information revelation: The Bears ranked near the bottom of the NFL when defending against third-and-8 or more.
How the Bears responded: Overhauling their pass rush by signing free-agent defensive end Julius Peppers and jettisoning incumbents Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye (for now). The safety position is also in transition after the re-acquisition of safety Chris Harris and the drafting of Major Wright.
Seifert analysis: That's about as much personnel change as you'll see generated in one offseason from an incumbent coaching staff/front office. (Unless you're in Detroit.) The Peppers acquisition speaks for itself. He'll cause more havoc than Brown or Ogunleye, and new defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli isn't expected to be a heavy blitzer. Harris is no world-beater, but even mediocre play would be an improvement. If nothing else, the Bears get an A for effort in addressing this issue.

Detroit Lions

Issue: Explosive running plays, or lack thereof
Stats & Information revelation: The Lions had five running plays of 20 or more yards last season, the second-fewest in the NFL.
How the Lions responded: Trading up to draft Cal tailback Jahvid Best, who runs the 40 in 4.35 seconds and averaged 7.3 yards per carry in his college career.
Seifert analysis: Best was widely considered the most explosive runner in the draft. The Lions did take a step to shore up their offensive line, trading for Seattle guard Rob Sims, but they're hoping Best will be the kind of player who can make big plays on his own. That would make a huge difference for a team that had to work too hard to score touchdowns last season. The Lions ranked No. 29 in the NFL last season in yards per play (4.6) and tied for No. 27 with 28 total touchdowns. To keep up in their division, they need to be able to score quicker and easier.

Issue: Historically horrible pass defense, especially on downfield throws
Stats & Information revelation: The Lions were the only NFL team to allow opponents better than 50 percent completion percentage on passes that traveled 21 or more yards in the air last season.
How the Lions responded: Overhauling their personnel on the defensive line and secondary. Of the eight combined starters in those two units, at least five will be new. Depending on how competition plays out, safety Louis Delmas might be the only returning starter among the eight.
Seifert analysis: The defensive line is far ahead of the secondary in terms of credibility and potential to impact games. At different points in their careers, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and defensive tackle Corey Williams have been dominant pass-rushers relative to their positions. The sky is the limit for defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The Lions' pass defense will go as far as their pass rush takes them. It stands to reason they should at least cut down on opponents' downfield percentage; more pass rush equals less time to let long passes develop. As for coverage, it probably couldn't be much worse than last season.

Green Bay Packers

Issue: Although it settled in the second half of the season, the Packers' pass protection allowed NFL-high sack levels.
Stats & Information revelation: The Packers allowed 31 sacks against defensive formations of four or fewer pass-rushers, tied for the league lead. That rate speaks to consistent 1-on-1 defeats.
How the Packers responded: Re-signing both veteran tackles, Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. Drafting tackle Bryan Bulaga at No. 23 overall.
Seifert analysis: Some might question the wisdom of bringing back a pair of 30-something tackles. But the Packers at least have smoothed out the cliff they started last season on. They have a more reliable safety net should Clifton or Tauscher falter or get injured, and Bulaga promises a solid future at one of the tackle positions. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers also has agreed there are times he should throw the ball quicker. The combination of better depth and Rodgers' experience should minimize the issues Green Bay suffered through last season.

Issue: Elite quarterbacks scorched the Packers' pass defense last season.
Stats & Information revelation: Despite disappointing performances against Minnesota, Pittsburgh and -- in the playoffs -- Arizona, the Packers led the NFL in defense against four-receiver sets.
How the Packers responded: They took only one aggressive step to address their personnel here: Trading up to draft safety Morgan Burnett. Otherwise, they are counting on the healthy return of cornerbacks Al Harris, Will Blackmon, Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood. They also are hoping Brad Jones can provide consistent pass rush as an outside linebacker.
Seifert analysis: Although this statistic is culled from a relatively small sample of the Packers' defensive plays, it might help explain why they are not as worked up about this situation as some of us are. Like it or not, they have chosen not to overreact to some disappointing games against Hall of Fame-caliber quarterbacks. They're trusting their developmental system to give them the personnel reinforcements they need. It should also be re-emphasized that they'll take on "elite" quarterbacks in only three games this season: Twice against Minnesota's Brett Favre, assuming he doesn't retire, and once against New England's Tom Brady.

Minnesota Vikings

Issue: Minnesota's running game was less effective in 2009.
Stats & Information revelation: Nearly 27 percent of the Vikings' rushing attempts went for no gain or a loss, the second-highest rate in the NFL.
How the Vikings responded: Allowing Taylor to depart via free agency. Trading up to draft Toby Gerhart, a 231-pound tailback.
Seifert analysis: The Taylor-Gerhart swap will be secondary to the larger issues Minnesota must address. First, they'll need more even-handed performances from an offensive line that introduced two new starters in center John Sullivan and right tackle Phil Loadholt. Second, tailback Adrian Peterson must continue his career-long efforts to contain his aggressiveness long enough to allow the hole to develop. It's an especially important task in a zone-blocking scheme.

Issue: Minnesota nose tackle Pat Williams has flirted with retirement, and both he and teammates Kevin Williams might have to serve a four-game suspension after testing positive for a diuretic.
Stats & Information revelation: Even with Williams' advancing age, the Vikings' up-the-gut defense still led the NFL by allowing 3.0 yards per carry last season.
How the Vikings responded: Re-signed backup Jimmy Kennedy and issued a high tender to fellow backup Fred Evans, a restricted free agent.
Seifert analysis: The Vikings are satisfied with their depth at both defensive tackle positions and have long groomed Evans to replace Pat Williams. No matter whom they acquire, there will be a drop-off if their two starters are suspended concurrently. The bigger issue is finding a long-term replacement for Pat Williams. Is Evans the guy? He'll get his chance to prove it should the suspensions stand.

What's next in the Williams Wall case, now that a Hennepin County judge has sided with the NFL and upheld its suspensions of Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams?

Technically, nothing has changed. The suspensions apply to the regular season only, so both players are free to participate in the Vikings' offseason program. And plenty will happen in this case before we get to September.

As we discussed earlier this week, both players will appeal the decision. Judge Gary Larson ruled the NFL did in fact violate Minnesota labor laws, but said the players were not harmed by the violations. Given the yes-no nature of that decision, both players have asked for a temporary injunction that would delay their suspensions until the appeals process is exhausted.*

I think we would have been in for a longer fight if Larson had ruled against the NFL, given the bigger ramifications on drug testing throughout sports if he would have allowed state law to trump federal law. But it appears the players will at least seek a reversal of Larson's decision.

For football fans, the question becomes how long the appeals process will take and whether it could possibly be resolved before the 2010 regular season. If it is, the Vikings will have to tap an 18-month-old contingency plan to replace the heart of their defensive line for a quarter of the season.

If you remember, the team signed free agent Jimmy Kennedy shortly after the suspensions were originally announced in December 2008.

Kennedy re-signed for the 2009 season, had three sacks in limited playing time, and then signed a two-year deal over the winter. Between Kennedy, Fred Evans and 2008 draft pick Letroy Guion, the Vikings consider themselves covered.

"We have pretty good depth there," vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said after the draft last month. Scott Studwell, director of college scouting, said a potential suspension wasn't discussed in the week leading up to the draft.

"That's been an ongoing issue that we're almost immune to," Studwell said. "I know it's ongoing, and it's certainly a concern. But we've got a lot of depth in our defensive tackle group right now."

As always, stay tuned.

*Update: According to Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Larson told attorneys on both sides to submit briefs on the injunction matter and said he would rule on it in two weeks. If he grants the injunction, both players will be available for games until the appeals process is exhausted. If he denies it, they will have to hope they can win an appeal before the start of the 2010 regular season.

As we head into the second full week of free agency, it's probably a good time to revise our look at each NFC North team's unsigned players. We haven't had a restricted free agent (RFA) receive an offer sheet yet, so we'll limit this post to unrestricted free agents (UFAs) -- who have total freedom to sign with another team.

Chicago Bears
UFAs as of March 5: Linebacker Darrell McClover, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, running back Adrian Peterson, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.
Comment: None have re-signed. The Bears are trying to bring back Tinoisamoa.

Detroit Lions
UFAs as of March 5: Linebacker Vinny Ciurciu, offensive lineman Damion Cook, quarterback Daunte Culpepper, tight end Casey Fitzsimmons, linebacker Larry Foote, tight end Will Heller, cornerback Anthony Henry, cornerback Will James, offensive lineman Jon Jansen, safety Marquand Manuel, quarterback Patrick Ramsey.
Comment: Ciurciu, Heller and Jansen have re-signed. Foote seems likely to return to Pittsburgh.

Green Bay Packers
UFAs as of March 5: Offensive lineman Chad Clifton, running back Ahman Green, linebacker Aaron Kampman, offensive lineman Mark Tauscher.
Comment: Clifton and Tauscher have re-signed. Kampman signed with Jacksonville.

Minnesota Vikings
UFAs as of March 5: Offensive lineman Artis Hicks, defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, cornerback Benny Sapp, running back Chester Taylor.
Comment: Kennedy and Sapp re-signed. Taylor signed with Chicago. Hicks signed with Washington.

It might not be the signing Minnesota fans have been hoping for this weekend, but the Vikings did ensure themselves some depth at defensive tackle Saturday by re-signing free agent Jimmy Kennedy. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kennedy could earn a maximum of $6 million over the next two years.

Kennedy and restricted free agent Fred Evans should return in 2010 as the primary backups to starters Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, who have had a four-game suspension hanging over them for more than a year. Evans had a second-round tender applied to him earlier this month and isn't likely to fetch an offer at that level.

We'll let you know if anything arises this weekend on the other player the Vikings are pursuing, free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

It should be an interesting day here in the NFC North.

As we noted Wednesday night, free-agent tailback LaDainian Tomlinson has arrived in the Twin Cities and will meet again with Vikings coaches Thursday. If he likes what he sees, it's not out of the question Tomlinson will agree to terms by the end of the day.

It's also pro day at Nebraska, where Detroit officials will get a first-hand look at defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

We'll be here to take you along for the ride. For now, let's catch up on news around the NFC North:

• Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Tomlinson's visit: "The Vikings need to pull a Don Corleone and make him an offer he can't refuse. They get him, and they get better."
• Mark Craig of the Star Tribune: "My general rule of thumb on picking up discarded 31-year-old running backs is quite similar to the one governing ax-wielding hitchhikers at midnight: Don't do it! But LT certainly would deserve the benefit of the doubt if the Vikings sign him. Especially since he would be coming in as a third-down back and backup to Adrian Peterson."
• Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams testified Wednesday that he took StarCaps to lessen fluid buildup around his knees and ankles.
• Buffalo will host Minnesota defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy on a free-agent visit. Here's more from ESPN.com colleague Tim Graham.
• Green Bay guard Daryn Colledge might skip the Packers' offseason workouts, but Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports that most players are likely to participate.
• Detroit general manager Martin Mayhew was at Oklahoma State's pro day, where left tackle Russell Okung worked out. Murray Evans of The Associated Press has more.
• Lions center Dominic Raiola: "[I]t's a little more exciting around here and you can sense there's a little more buzz to the offseason." Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News checks in with Raiola on the Lions' offseason.
• Chicago signed free-agent fullback Eddie Williams.

Chicago Bears

Potential unrestricted free agents: Linebacker Darrell McClover, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, running back Adrian Peterson, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.

Potential restricted free agents: Defensive end Mark Anderson, safety Josh Bullocks, safety Danieal Manning, linebacker Nick Roach, linebacker Jamar Williams.

Franchise player: None

What to expect: With no picks in the first or second round of next month's draft, the Bears are gearing up for a relatively major jump into free agency. They're expected to bid for defensive end Julius Peppers and possible safety Antrel Rolle and would also like to re-sign linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. Tight end Brandon Manumaleuna could also be a target. Manumaleuna played for new offensive coordinator Mike Martz in St. Louis.

Detroit Lions

Potential unrestricted free agents: Linebacker Vinny Ciurciu, offensive lineman Damion Cook, quarterback Daunte Culpepper, tight end Casey Fitzsimmons, linebacker Larry Foote, tight end Will Heller, cornerback Anthony Henry, cornerback Will James, offensive lineman Jon Jansen, safety Marquand Manuel, quarterback Patrick Ramsey.

Potential restricted free agents: Defensive end Copeland Bryan, offensive lineman Dylan Gandy, defensive lineman Jason Hunter, offensive lineman Daniel Loper, offensive lineman Manny Ramirez, safety Ko Simpson, linebacker Cody Spencer.

Franchise player: None

What to expect: The Lions aren't likely to be as active as they were last year, but general manager Martin Mayhew said over the winter that he could envision a five- or six-man free agent class. Running back, defensive end and defensive back are all positions they will investigate. They'll also need to find a backup quarterback, assuming Daunte Culpepper moves on.

Green Bay Packers

Potential unrestricted free agents: Offensive lineman Chad Clifton, running back Ahman Green, linebacker Aaron Kampman, offensive lineman Mark Tauscher.

Potential restricted free agents: Safety Atari Bigby, defensive back Will Blackmon, offensive lineman Daryn Colledge, safety Nick Collins, defensive end Johnny Jolly, running back John Kuhn, offensive lineman Jason Spitz, cornerback Tramon Williams.

Franchise player: Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett

What to expect: The Packers will have a demanding offseason filled with difficult decisions. To this point, they haven't re-signed either of their starting offensive tackles. They are clearly approaching injured linebacker Aaron Kampman with caution. And they have a long line of restricted free agents who would like long-term contracts, starting with Pro Bowl safety Nick Collins. The Packers have more than enough to keep them busy, but they haven't dabbled much in free agency in recent years, anyway.

Minnesota Vikings

Potential unrestricted free agents: Offensive lineman Artis Hicks, defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, cornerback Benny Sapp, running back Chester Taylor.

Potential restricted free agents: Offensive lineman Ryan Cook, defensive end Ray Edwards, defensive tackle Fred Evans, safety Eric Frampton, quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, fullback Naufahu Tahi.

Franchise player: None.

What to expect: The Vikings are awaiting word from quarterback Brett Favre on the 2010 season, a decision that could impact their offseason plans. They would like tailback Chester Taylor back, but it's possible Taylor will at least test his value on the open market. As a Final Four team, the Vikings will be limited to signing players that have been released by other teams unless they lose one of their own unrestricted free agents first.

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

An early look at the free agency situation in the NFC North.

Note: These projected lists reflect notable unrestricted free agents for each team. The NFL will not issue an official list of free agents until the signing period begins March 5.

Chicago Bears

Unrestricted free agents: Linebacker Darrell McClover, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye, running back Adrian Peterson, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.

Key figures: Defensive end Mark Anderson and safety Danieal Manning are two key players who would have joined the list of unrestricted free agents if the NFL weren't on track for an uncapped offseason. The Bears can block both from moving now. Ogunleye is unlikely to return if he's seeking significant money. The Bears want to re-sign Tinoisamoa, even after his injury-shortened 2009 debut. Peterson's eight-year run with the team might be coming to a close.

Detroit Lions

Unrestricted free agents: Linebacker Vinny Ciurciu, offensive lineman Damion Cook, quarterback Daunte Culpepper, tight end Casey Fitzsimmons, linebacker Larry Foote, tight end Will Heller, cornerback Anthony Henry, cornerback Will James, offensive lineman Jon Jansen, safety Marquand Manuel, quarterback Patrick Ramsey.

Key figures: The Lions have a total of 20 unrestricted and restricted free agents, a product of the extended roster tryouts they held throughout the 2009 season. The biggest name among their UFAs is Foote, who seems unlikely to return and should be replaced by DeAndre Levy. Culpepper will seek offers on the open market, but it's not out of the question he could return as Matthew Stafford's backup. James had some moments in 2009 and might be worth a return engagement.

Green Bay Packers

Unrestricted free agents: Offensive tackle Chad Clifton, running back Ahman Green, linebacker Aaron Kampman, nose tackle Ryan Pickett, offensive tackle Mark Tauscher.

Key figures: The Packers have a notable list that includes four starters and would have included six more if not for the uncapped year. Clifton will be 34 this summer and Tauscher will turn 33, and it's time for the Packers to begin a succession plan at both positions. T.J. Lang figures as Tauscher's replacement, but Tauscher was actually playing better than Clifton at the end of 2009. Kampman seems unlikely to return as a linebacker in the 3-4, especially while he rehabilitates a knee injury. Pickett could be phased out by B.J. Raji.

Minnesota Vikings

Unrestricted free agents: Offensive lineman Artis Hicks, defensive lineman Jimmy Kennedy, receiver Greg Lewis, cornerback Benny Sapp, running back Chester Taylor.

Key figures: Taylor is perhaps the most valuable backup tailback in the league, considering his abilities as a receiver and third-down converter. He will be 31 when the 2010 season begins, but figures to get some attention if he enters the free-agent market. The Vikings want him back, but probably won't devote a huge salary to him with starter Adrian Peterson approaching the expiration of his contract. Sapp probably made himself some money with a credible replacement of injured starter Antoine Winfield.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Half of Minnesota’s starting defensive line sat out practice Wednesday, a situation that will be closely monitored as the NFC Championship Game approaches.

Left end Ray Edwards’ absence was expected after he sprained his right knee in the Vikings’ divisional-round victory over Dallas. But All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams was also absent from practice. The Vikings hadn’t previously indicated he was hobbled in any way. But according to the injury report they just released, Williams has a knee injury.

At this point, there’s no reason to believe that either Williams or Edwards are injured seriously enough to miss Sunday’s game. But at Wednesday’s practice, at least, the Vikings were using third-year player Brian Robison at left end and veteran Jimmy Kennedy in Williams’ tackle position.

Meanwhile, three key players missed practice in New Orleans: Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), receiver Robert Meacham (ankle) and tight end Jeremy Shockey (knee).

UPDATE: Safety Darren Sharper (knee) was a late addition to the Saints' injury report. He did not practice Wednesday, but is not believed to be seriously injured.

MINNEAPOLIS -- There were no surprises from either Dallas or Minnesota on Sunday morning’s inactive lists.

Cowboys tailback Marion Barber (knee) is in uniform and will play. So will the Vikings’ two hobbled nose tackles, Pat Williams (elbow) and Jimmy Kennedy (thumb).

Getting inside the final Friday injury report of the 2009 season. (Sniff, sniff….)

Chicago Bears: Safety Al Afalava (knee), receiver Johnny Knox (ankle) and safety Danieal Manning (calf) are all listed as doubtful and not expected to play Sunday at Detroit. All other active players, including safety Craig Steltz (foot) should be available. Defensive tackle Israel Idonije (foot) and cornerback Charles Tillman (ribs) were placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

Detroit Lions: Linebacker Larry Foote (foot) won’t play against the Bears. Safety Louis Delmas (knee) and cornerback Phillip Buchanon (shoulder) are questionable. Delmas seems likely to play. Buchanon will be a Sunday decision.

Green Bay Packers: Safety Derrick Martin (ankle) is out and linebacker Brandon Chillar (back) is doubtful for Sunday’s game at Arizona. Nose tackle Ryan Pickett (hamstring) is listed as questionable, but it will be a surprise if he plays. Fullback Korey Hall (elbow) and defensive end Michael Montgomery (ankle) are questionable.

Minnesota Vikings: Nose tackle Pat Williams (elbow) made it through a week of practice and coach Brad Childress said he thinks Williams might be over the hump with the injury. His primary backup, Jimmy Kennedy, isn’t likely to play Sunday against the New York Giants because of a thumb injury. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (thigh) is questionable but expected to play.