National Football League

McCarthy says LB Hawk still valuable to Packers

Published Sep. 16, 2010 10:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says linebacker A.J. Hawk remains a valued member of the team, despite his diminished role in the defense.

Hawk, who plays mostly in the Packers' base defense, spent Sunday's season-opening victory at Philadelphia on the sideline as the Packers opted to use extra defensive backs. Hawk's agent, Mike McCartney, told the Green Bay Press-Gazette this week that Hawk would be open to a trade.

Hawk was not in the locker room Thursday. McCarthy called Hawk a ''very good'' player and said the team has more than 11 good players on defense - a good problem to have.