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Let's hit Wednesday's newsbits in the NFC North:

Chicago Bears: We've already hashed through comments from quarterback Jay Cutler, who admitted he doesn't know for sure whether he will return to play this season. Cornerback Charles Tillman (knee) didn't practice Wednesday but is expected to return Thursday. Cornerbacks D.J. Moore (ankle) and Zack Bowman (groin) were limited.

Detroit Lions: Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh's appeal of a two-game suspension will be heard Thursday afternoon by appeals officer Art Shell. A decision is expected by the weekend. Safety Louis Delmas (knee) and cornerback Chris Houston (knee) missed another day of practice, as did running back Kevin Smith (ankle). Cornerback Brandon McDonald (thigh) was a limited participant.

Green Bay Packers: Coach Mike McCarthy indicated that linebacker Erik Walden will play Sunday against the New York Giants. Walden was arrested last Friday on suspicion of domestic violence but hasn't been charged yet. Guard Josh Sitton (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday's game, as has left tackle Chad Clifton, who now has a back injury on top of his hamstring issue. Linebackers A.J. Hawk (calf) and Desmond Bishop (calf) didn't practice Wednesday but could get back on the field Friday. Meanwhile, cornerback Pat Lee told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the NFL fined him $15,000 after getting ejected from last Thursday's game against the Lions.

Minnesota Vikings: Tailback Adrian Peterson (ankle) and linebacker E.J. Henderson (shoulder) didn't practice. We'll know more later in the week on both players' status for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Tight end Kyle Rudolph (quadriceps) returned to practice. Meanwhile, the Vikings could catch a break this week after Broncos linebacker Von Miller had thumb surgery. He hasn't been ruled out but at best will be limited in Sunday's game.

After the Green Bay Packers' 27-15 victory over the Detroit Lions, here are three issues that merit further examination:

1. Kevin SeifertFollowing their win over the Lions to move to 11-0, the Packers take their turn in the examination room.
   The San Francisco 49ers' loss Thursday night gave the Packers some breathing room in their race to clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC portion of the playoffs. There is now a two-game difference between the teams with five games remaining, which tells us the Packers are closer to clinching but that it won't happen in Week 13. (Unless there is an insurmountable tiebreaker the Packers have already achieved that I'm not aware of.) The Packers won three playoff games on the road last season on the way to Super Bowl XLV, but I'm guessing there are few opponents who would like to travel to Lambeau Field in January. As quarterback Aaron Rodgers noted Thursday, the Packers haven't had a home playoff game since the 2007 NFC Championship Game. It seems to be a matter of time before that changes.
2. Contrary to what some NFC North blog readers believe, I am aware that Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was not the only player ejected from Sunday's game. I just didn't think the events surrounding special-teams player Pat Lee's dismissal warranted anything close to the coverage of Suh's departure. Lee was ejected after officials caught him retaliating with an open-fist punch/slap during a give-and-take with two Lions players in the first half. In the locker room, Lee said: "I released inside and one pulled me from the back and started holding me and from then I was fighting off. The whistle blew and I was still fighting off, and the ref didn’t do anything. He was just sitting there watching, and I just pushed off at the end, when I finally got loose, that’s when he threw the flag." The most interesting part of the episode is that neither Lee nor anyone on the Packers realized he has been ejected. Lee, in fact, lined up on the Packers' kickoff return team to open the second half before Lions coach Jim Schwartz called his presence to the attention of referee Terry McAulay.
3. The Packers defense had another good day against Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, who was targeted on eight passes but caught only four for 49 yards and a late touchdown. That means in their past four games against them, Johnson has caught a modest 13 passes for 179 yards. He has scored four touchdowns against them, but I think most teams would take that type of production against Johnson over a four-game span. Typically the Packers have matched up cornerback Charles Woodson against Johnson, but as Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel pointed out, this time it was Tramon Williams' turn. Williams made a great play to scuttle a potential touchdown in the first half, and his impact would have been more noticeable to the casual fan had he caught one or both of the interceptions he dropped. The latter almost certainly would have gone for a touchdown.

And here is one issue I still don't get:

The Packers obviously kept their poise in a game full of shenanigans, most of which were generated by the Lions. I think it's especially notable, and not totally explainable, that they did so with four significant players sidelined during different portions of the game. The Packers had backups playing at right guard (Evan Dietrich-Smith) and both inside linebacker positions (D.J. Smith and Robert Francois), in addition to replacing Lee on special teams. Dietrich-Smith proved to be the calm and collected participant in the episode that led to Suh's ejection, and overall the performance of their backups was a credit to the Packers' program. You would think at least one of those inside linebackers will be in the lineup Dec. 4 against the New York Giants. Starter Desmond Bishop (calf) was on crutches after the game.

Updating a few key injury situations in the NFC North:

Chicago Bears: Safety Chris Harris (hamstring) was held out of Thursday's practice after participating on Wednesday, making his status for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers uncertain at best. Tight end Matt Spaeth (calf) missed his second consecutive practice, and running back Kahlil Bell (back) was sidelined Thursday as well. Marion Barber (calf) has made it through consecutive practices with no limitations.

Detroit Lions: Linebacker Justin Durant (concussion) hasn't been cleared yet to return to practice and would be replaced by Bobby Carpenter if he can't play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Durant has been the Lions' leading tackler through three games with a total of 21.

Green Bay Packers: Linebacker Clay Matthews (quadriceps) and cornerback Pat Lee (back) returned to practice Thursday. Neither Ryan Grant (kidney) nor right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee) practiced.

Minnesota Vikings: All players participated in at least a portion of practice, including tailback Adrian Peterson (calf) and linebacker E.J. Henderson (knee).

We're Black and Blue All Over:

We've discussed on several occasions already the Green Bay Packers' challenge in keeping a slew of offensive skill players involved and contributing to the offense. Receiver James Jones' case was of particular interest this week after he had only one pass thrown his way in the Packers' 42-34 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Speaking to Wisconsin reporters Wednesday, Jones said he had no issue with quarterback Aaron Rodgers' selection of targets. But Jones made clear he wasn't thrilled that he played 19 snaps, of which six were in a running formation.

Jones: "I don't care about the ball at all, but I truly, truly want to be in the game plan. Everybody plays this game because they want to play. I'm not selfish; I understand we've got a lot of weapons, so I'm not saying I want the ball every play. But I think I deserve to be on the field more than I was."

Jones isn't asking for the ball, but what he is requesting -- more playing time -- falls in the same realm of this issue. The Packers have plenty of deserving candidates to get on the field, something he knew when he re-signed with the team this summer. I'm guessing the Packers will involve him more in at least some weeks, but when you share the No. 3 receiver role on a talented and healthy offense, you're probably not going to play as much as you would like.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette wonders if defensive end Mike Neal, who had knee surgery Tuesday, "will hold up well enough physically to be a core player for the next few years."
• If Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (shoulder) can't play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, Jarrett Bush would be the Packers' nickelback and Pat Lee would play in the dime, according to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Sam Shields would start.
• David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune on the death of Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher's mother: "From coaches to teammates, everybody at Halas Hall empathized with Urlacher. Even Sunday's opponent, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose mother died unexpectedly two years ago during training camp, sincerely expressed sympathy in a conference call. But nobody dared rule Urlacher out of Sunday's game because they know the Bears captain too well. Expect Urlacher to start at middle linebacker like usual even if the game will pose the most unusual of circumstances for him."
• Although Bears right guard Lance Louis isn't expected to play Sunday against the Saints, he is expected to retain his starting job when he returns from an ankle injury, writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Bears safety Chris Harris' hamstring injury could open the door for newcomer Brandon Meriweather, notes Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com.
• Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson on his ankle injury, via the Detroit Free Press: "Get the swelling out, and I'll be ready [for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.] I'm walking fine, it's just you've got to get the swelling out before you can do anything. If you don't get that out, it'll just blow back up. Then I'll be down for even longer."
• Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News: "The Lions' evolution continues, and this week's shocking revelation is, we actually have to ask if they might take an opponent lightly."
• The Lions thought they had a long touchdown set up for rookie Titus Young last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Justin Rogers of Mlive.com explains.
• Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com thinks the Minnesota Vikings need a legitimate deep threat in the passing game.
• The Vikings could end up on the hook for about $500 million to build their new stadium, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton said, according to the Star Tribune.
• Two public hearings have been set by the Ramsey County Charter Commission to discuss whether to hold a county referendum on the stadium tax in November 2012, according to Frederick Melo of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

As you know, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy has alleviated the worst of concerns regarding cornerback Tramon Williams' right shoulder injury last week. But does that mean Williams will play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers? I wouldn't necessarily assume so.

Coach Mike McCarthy was pretty tight-lipped about Williams' condition during a news conference Monday, saying he would address the situation Wednesday. That might mean nothing, considering the Packers aren't required to divulge any injury information Monday. But it's also likely McCarthy would prefer to keep the Carolina Panthers guessing for as long as possible after quarterback Cam Newton threw for 422 yards in his debut Sunday.

The Packers have a pretty good nickel back in Sam Shields who would presumably step into Williams' role, but that would move up everyone else on their depth chart as well. Either Jarrett Bush and/or Pat Lee would play a prominent role in the Packers' nickel defense. We'll have more for you on Wednesday.

Related: ESPN.com's Gene Wojciechowski covered Newton's debut Sunday, writing it was a "revelation."

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Most of the Green Bay Packers' starting positions were set long before training camp began, and now the two positions with legitimate competition are beginning to favor at least a mid-August winner.

T.J. Lang appears to have moved ahead of rookie Derek Sherrod at left guard, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. And for at least the time being, the Packers have stopped their three-way rotation at right outside linebacker and installed Erik Walden as the player taking consistent first-team repetitions, writes Bob McGinn.

Obviously these arrangements could change at any time. Typically a first-round draft choice like Sherrod will have an advantage in a position competition, but the Packers aren't looking to make any projections when it comes to protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Walden, meanwhile, probably has more playmaking ability than Frank Zombo or Brad Jones. Stay tuned.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Packers have pulled back the practice reps even more for left tackle Chad Clifton to protect his knees, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Cornerback Pat Lee made a stunning interception during practice Wednesday, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz has gotten into the head of backup quarterback Caleb Hanie, and not in a good way, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune.
• Bears right guard Lance Louis left practice Wednesday because he was ill, forcing center Roberto Garza to slide over and reserve Chris Spencer to play center during team drills. Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com has more.
• Bears receiver Roy Williams is (playfully) lobbying quarterback Jay Cutler for more passes, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz stopped practice Wednesday and forced his team to run gassers to "expel" energy they had channeled into a number of practice fights, writes Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News.
• John Niyo of the Detroit News on the NFL's $20,000 fine of Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh: "For fans in Detroit, it's all the more exhilarating. Honestly, when's the last time Detroit had a defensive star who was cheered -- and feared -- quite like this guy already is after one full season?"
• Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham on Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, via the Detroit Free Press: "You've got one guy in the league, Nnamdi, and all he does is press. You ever see him make a tackle? He presses the wide receiver, and he's great at it. But there's more to playing DB than just pressing wide receivers."
• Minnesota Vikings tight end Allen Reisner is one of a handful of rookie free agents with a chance to make the final roster, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• Seattle Seahawks receiver Sidney Rice told Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that the Vikings didn't demonstrate much interest in re-signing him.
• Vikings receiver Percy Harvin might not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Seahawks because of a rib injury, notes the Star Tribune.

Let's cruise Monday's training camp highlights in quick-hitting fashion:

Item: Speaking of his competition at left guard, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that T.J. Lang graded out slightly higher than rookie Derek Sherrod in Saturday's preseason opener.
Comment: Both players continue to split practice repetitions while also getting work at tackle. Conventional wisdom suggests that a first-round draft pick is always the favorite in a competition that is anywhere close, but I'm sure the Packers will do what's best for protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 1.

Item: Tight end Jermichael Finley (glute) returned to practice Monday after missing Saturday's game.
Comment: Finley is by all accounts ready to get back on the field after his October knee injury. It will happen soon, possibly as early as Week 2 of the preseason.

Item: Former Packers guard Daryn Colledge said "it's a disappointing fact" that neither he nor most other former Packers were invited to last Friday's White House ceremony.
Comment: Reminder No. 6,363 that the NFL is a cold business. Surely Colledge knew that by now.

Item: Minnesota Vikings right guard Anthony Herrera, who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Comment: It's not clear if Herrera's return is imminent, but he is a feisty and crafty veteran whose presence would no doubt be welcomed by quarterback Donovan McNabb. The timing of Herrera's return from the PUP suggests he is on track to be ready to play sometime next month.

Item: Detroit Lions left tackle Jeff Backus, recovering from a pectoral injury, has begun working out on the side with shoulder pads.
Comment: Lions coach Jim Schwartz has expressed full confidence that Backus will be ready to start the regular season, and this is a step toward that direction.

Item: The Chicago Bears made no changes to their starting offensive line in practice Monday after giving up four sacks in the first half of their preseason opener Saturday.
Comment: I wouldn't have expected a quick hook from offensive line coach Mike Tice. You might as well give this group a chance to take steps from one week to the next before blowing it up.

Item: I am an idiot, news that comes as no surprise to many of you.
Comment: In this particular instance, I goofed in a post early Sunday morning about the Packers' starting cornerbacks in their preseason opener. Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams sat out, leaving Jarrett Bush and Pat Lee as the starters. I didn't read the comments on that post but I'm sure I deserve (most) everything that you wrote.

Reviewing Saturday's action at Cleveland Browns Stadium:

Cleveland Browns 27, Green Bay Packers 17

Preseason record: 0-1

Of interest: The first-team offense played two series. The first ended in a punt and the second a 21-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings. It's worth noting that tailback Ryan Grant and left guard Derek Sherrod both started but gave way to James Starks and T.J. Lang, respectively, on the second series. Starks later suffered an ankle injury. ... Defensive end Mike Neal started and made a nice back-side tackle of Browns tailback Peyton Hillis. ... It was hard not to be impressed by receiver/kick returner Randall Cobb, who finished with three receptions for 60 yards and returned two kickoffs for a 29-yard average. I thought his diving catch on third-and-5 was particularly noteworthy. That's the type of tough catch you don't always see a rookie make. ... Backup quarterback Matt Flynn once again showed he is capable of running the offense in Rodgers' absence, completing 11 of 18 passes for 126 yards. ... Cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams didn't start, pushing Jarrett Bush and Pat Lee into higher-profile roles. The Browns beat Lee on their first touchdown, a 27-yard pass from Colt McCoy to Josh Cribbs.

Local coverage: Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Cobb looks as if he has a chance to make the weakest part of the defending Super Bowl champions' game considerably better." ... The Packers "didn't look any worse or more ragged than preseason openers of the past," writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. ... Tight end Jermichael Finley, who didn't play, said there was no reason to rush back onto the field but indicated he will probably play in Week 2, according to Tyler Dunne of the Journal Sentinel. ... The Packers' no-huddle offense looked good, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. ... Coach Mike McCarthy considered personnel evaluation the top priority Saturday night, according to Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.

Next: Friday vs. Arizona Cardinals

ARLINGTON, Texas -- One look at the X-ray was all it took. Charles Woodson turned away and sobbed. The fracture in his left collarbone was clear as day. His season was done at halftime of Super Bowl XLV.

Woodson emerged this season as the Green Bay Packers' spiritual leader, and so through his tears he felt compelled to address his teammates before the third quarter began. He stood up and began to speak.

"I just asked the guys to understand how much I wanted it," Woodson said.

"That's all he could get out," linebacker Desmond Bishop said. "He was all choked up, and there was just something about it that motivated all of us."

After a season of navigating injuries by the dozen, the Packers plowed through their biggest challenge yet in taking a 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. They held off a Steelers offense that seemed set to capitalize on injuries to both Woodson and nickel back Sam Shields. Meanwhile, their offense survived the loss of receiver Donald Driver, an injury that sidetracked their plan to spread the Steelers' defense with their four- and five-receiver sets.

"We have a lot of practice at this type of situation," coach Mike McCarthy said. "And it definitely paid off. No one blinked. ... It was like a heavyweight fight. They had delivered a bunch of blows to us, and we had cut them. Good fighters and good boxers, they keep pounding away at the cut. We knew they would come after us.

"Sometimes it's not as clean as you want, but at the end of the day we're Super Bowl champions."

Indeed, the Packers made a habit of moving past seemingly debilitating injuries all season, beginning with the loss of tailback Ryan Grant in Week 1 and continuing until they had 15 players on injured reserve. Seven of the 22 players who started Sunday night were reserves when the season began. But this was the Super Bowl, and these were the Steelers -- the same team that lit them up for 503 passing yards against a similarly undermanned defense in 2009. You would be excused if you were having flashbacks to that game Sunday night. I know I was.

At the 2-minute warning of the first half, Shields departed with a shoulder injury. On the next play, Woodson broke the collarbone while diving for a pass deep down the left sideline. Suddenly, the Packers were using reserves Pat Lee at cornerback and Jarrett Bush in the nickel.

The Steelers didn't miss a beat, moving to a four-receiver set and driving 60 yards in four plays. They targeted Bush on Hines Ward's 8-yard touchdown reception, pulling within 21-10 at halftime, and you wondered how the Packers could stop them. On their opening drive of the third quarter, the Steelers needed only five plays to cut the deficit to 21-17.

Meanwhile, the Packers offense was struggling to find a rhythm after Driver's departure in the second quarter. They had jumped to leads of 14-0 and 21-3 thanks to a strategy we spent much of last week discussing; by spreading out the Steelers' defense, they were mitigating the effectiveness of outside linebackers Lamar Woodley and James Harrison.

According to receiver Greg Jennings, Driver offered his own words of encouragement after learning his fate at halftime. Two, to be exact.

"Just win."

All season, I've tried to bring you schematic explanations for what happened on the field during a game. But I don't have any for this evening. I don't think defensive coordinator Dom Capers made any dramatic adjustments while playing without Woodson and Shields for most of the second half. And McCarthy certainly stayed with his spread offense in the second half, even as his wide receivers finished with six drops.

On this night, the players who remained simply found a way to the endgame. They just won. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a 118.0 passer rating after Woodson's departure, but cornerback Tramon Williams tipped away a fourth-down pass with 49 seconds remaining to seal the game. The Packers offense managed only 10 points after Driver's injury, but they played the entire game without a turnover and receiver Jordy Nelson filled the gaps with nine receptions for 140 yards.

"That's who we are," Bishop said. "And it's who we've been all season. If you're the next man up, you're expected to find your helmet and find a way."

Said Jennings: "This team had a certain dynamic that a lot of teams don't have. What separated us from the other 31 teams are the unity and the will to overcome adversity."

If I had to attribute that will to anything, I would put it on McCarthy's increasing bravado as the season continued on. McCarthy is a tough-talking Pittsburgh native behind closed doors, but publicly he has always tended to keep his comments even-keeled.

But beginning in Week 16, when the Packers started a six-game winning streak that culminated Sunday night, McCarthy began insisting they were a "championship-caliber team." McCarthy turned up the heat late last week, saying that Sunday "will be our night," and saved his best shot of adrenaline for Saturday night.

During a team meeting, McCarthy had players and coaches fitted for Super Bowl rings. It's a highly unusual move that served to enhance the Packers' confidence.

"Absolutely I did," McCarthy said. "No disrespect to the Steelers. We respect their football team. We respect the way they play. They're a good tough physical football team. But we fully expected to win this game. This is our time. We talked about it the first day we watched film [two weeks ago]. You could see the confidence building during the week."

Only a team fully convinced of its destiny and place in history could have persevered in such circumstances. By all rights, the healthier and more-experienced Steelers should have plowed to victory in this game. Simply put, the Packers willed themselves to their perch atop the NFL.

It was enough to make a grown man cry, which is exactly what Woodson seemed ready to do again as he spoken to reporters after the game.

"Just an unbelievable journey for this team," he said, finally. "Driver goes down, I go down, and just like all season, somebody stepped in and somebody stepped it up. I let all my emotions out at halftime. It broke me down. It was tough.

"But I'm champ. Nothing else matters."

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Hitting a few quick topics from Green Bay's 31-25 victory in Super Bowl XLV:

What it means: The Green Bay Packers won their fourth Super Bowl championship in five tries. It was their 13th world championship, dating back to 1929. Much as they did during the regular season, the Packers overcame a series of rapid-fire injuries to hold off a Pittsburgh Steelers team that roared back from a 21-3 second-quarter deficit.

RodgersWatch: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't have the game of his life, but he did throw for 304 yard and three touchdowns. Most important, he was at his best on the Packers' final drive of the game. The Packers consumed 5 minutes and 19 seconds after the Steelers had pulled within 28-25, capping with a 23-yard field goal from Mason Crosby. Rodgers completed 5 of 6 passes on the drive, including a 31-yard strike to receiver Greg Jennings on third-and-10. I'm sure the Packers would have preferred a touchdown on that drive, but Rodgers more than did his part in a winning effort.

InjuryWatch I: The Packers lost two of their top three defensive backs on consecutive plays near the end of the second quarter, creating a situation that seemed reminiscent of their undermanned performance against the Steelers in 2009. In that game, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 503 yards against a Packers defense that was forced to reach to the bottom of its depth chart. Sunday, nickel back Sam Shields injured his shoulder and cornerback Charles Woodson injured his collarbone. Although Shields returned briefly in the second half, the Packers played a significant chunk of the game with Pat Lee at cornerback and Jarrett Bush as their nickel back. The Packers were on the ropes for a while thereafter, giving up touchdowns on successive drives to allow the Steelers to move from a 21-3 deficit to 21-17.

InjuryWatch II: The Packers opened the game with an obvious intent to spread out the Steelers' defense with their four- and five-receivers set packages. It worked splendidly as the Packers took a 14-0 lead, but Donald Driver's ankle injury in the second quarter reduced the Packers' advantage considerably. Packers receivers unofficially dropped six passes as everyone but Jennings moved up a rung on the depth chart. Jennings caught two touchdown passes and Jordy Nelson caught one among his nine overall catches. But No. 5 receiver Brett Swain struggled when used as the No. 4 receiver.

What's next: An offseason of labor uncertainty for the entire NFL. Hope you enjoyed what you saw Sunday night. It's not clear when we'll see something like that again.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Green Bay Packers have taken a 21-10 lead into halftime here at Cowboys Stadium. Most of our discussion is taking place over in our Super Bowl Countdown Live, but it's worth noting here on the blog that the Packers finished the half with four starting players receiving treatment in the locker room.

Receiver Donald Driver (ankle), cornerback Charles Woodson (shoulder/arm) and cornerback Sam Shields (shoulder) were all injured in the second quarter. Safety Nick Collins headed to the locker room early for an IV of fluids.

Woodson is out for the game. X-rays on Driver's ankle were negative, and he and Shields are questionable to return.

The Packers finished the half with Pat Lee playing in Woodson's place and Jarrett Bush serving as the nickel. The Steelers attacked both players on their final drive of the half, culminating when Bush lost track of receiver Hines Ward on an 8-yard touchdown reception.

Remember, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 503 yards against the Packers last season against a similarly undermanned Packers defense. Back to Super Bowl Countdown Live.

CHICAGO -- We don’t yet have the Chicago Bears’ gameday roster decisions, but the Green Bay Packers were prompt this morning.

Safety Atari Bigby is active and so is offensive lineman Jason Spitz. Cornerback Pat Lee is inactive, meaning he isn’t a candidate to return kickoffs. Here are the rest of the Packers’ deactivations:

• Quarterback Graham Harrell
• Running back Dimitri Nance
• Cornerback Josh Gordy
• Linebacker Frank Zombo
• Offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith
• Offensive lineman Nick McDonald
• Defensive lineman Jarius Wynn

Because we're at the Epicenter of Humanity and all, we'll be elevating to daily injury and practice reports. Let's get right to it, pulling from a variety of media sources:

Chicago Bears: Coach Lovie Smith took his team to its outdoor practice field in Lake Forest, Ill., where the conditions were partly cloudy and 24 degrees. The only player who missed practice for injury reasons was safety Chris Harris, who has a hip pointer. Harris is insisting he will be ready for this game. Receiver Earl Bennett and cornerback Zack Bowman also missed practice for non-injury reasons -- both are expecting babies this week, according to ESPNChicago.com's Jeff Dickerson.

Green Bay Packers: Coach Mike McCarthy had the Packers on their outdoor field, where the conditions were cloudy and 16 degrees, and also in their indoor facility -- where McCarthy said the temperature was between 29 and 32 degrees. Linebacker Frank Zombo (knee) was the only player who sat out practice. Limited were left tackle Chad Clifton (knees), defensive end Cullen Jenkins (calf), running back John Kuhn (shoulder), cornerback Pat Lee (hip), linebacker Clay Matthews (shin), defensive lineman Ryan Pickett (ankle) and offensive lineman Jason Spitz (calf). At this point, Zombo appears to be the only player on the Packers' 53-man roster who is a health question for this game.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The Green Bay Packers are dealing with a new injury to a key player as they prepare for Sunday's critical showdown with the Chicago Bears.

Nickelback Sam Shields couldn't practice Wednesday because of a knee injury that flared up during conditioning earlier this week. Shields told Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he still plans to play against the Bears. Ultimately, of course, that won't be his decision. As we've noted before, the Packers' depth behind Shields is a question mark, and it's an area the team probably doesn't want to test in a game that could determine whether it receives a playoff berth.

At the very least, Shields is likely to cede his kickoff return duties. Shields suggested that Pat Lee could handle that role Sunday.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Packers aren't planning to give Bears punt returner Devin Hester much of an opportunity to get a return, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji has 6.5 sacks this season, the most for a 3-4 nose tackle since 1990, according to Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Hester bought gifts for his teammates after he was elected to the Pro Bowl, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
• Over the past five games, the Bears are averaging 28 points, notes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Bears tailback Matt Forte is 22 yards away from 1,000 and 13 receiving yards from 500 for the season. If he accomplishes both feats, he will join Walter Payton as the only running back in franchise history to do so, according to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.
• Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre failed a post-concussion impact test Wednesday, writes Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune, meaning he still isn't cleared to practice.
• Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier reached out to his veterans to keep the team engaged during the past week, writes Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com breaks down the tape of the Vikings' victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
• The Detroit Lions fined center Dominic Raiola $15,000 for using obscene words and a hand gesture while responding to fans in Miami, according to The Associated Press.
• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press: "Brandon Pettigrew didn't make the Pro Bowl this year, but the prevailing sentiment in the Lions organization is that the tight end will earn an invite to Hawaii before long."
• Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: "Calvin Johnson has done something that hasn't been done in 12 years. He will start at wide receiver in the Pro Bowl despite having three different quarterbacks throw to him this season."

Getting inside a truncated Friday injury report. The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, who are playing Monday night at TCF Bank Stadium, don't have to classify their injured players until Saturday.

Detroit Lions: Quarterback Shaun Hill (finger) was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Drew Stanton is the more likely starter. Landon Johnson (neck) is doubtful and won't play. Defensive end Cliff Avril (rib) is questionable but could see some action, as is the case for linebacker Vinny Ciurciu (concussion). All other players should be available.

Green Bay Packers: Defensive end Cullen Jenkins (calf) is ruled out for Sunday's night's game against the New England Patriots. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (concussion) and linebacker Frank Zombo (knee) are doubtful, and it would be a shock if either played. Cornerback Pat Lee (ankle), safety Anthony Smith (ankle) and linebacker Diyral Briggs (ankle) are all questionable. All other players will be available.