GREEN BAY, Wis. — Following the Packers' division-clinching win Sunday over the Chicago Bears, coach Mike McCarthy was aware of only one new injury for his team: a hamstring issue for tight end Tom Crabtree. But after Wednesday's practice, there was a slew of previously unknown injuries affecting Green Bay's roster.
The 10-4 Packers have been hampered by injuries to big-name players all season, but as those players return, issues with the rank-and-file starters are adding up. Running back Alex Green and offensive lineman T.J. Lang each suffered concussions and did not practice. McCarthy, however, said he was "encouraged" that Green and Lang will be cleared in time for this weekend's game at home against the Tennessee Titans.
Crabtree, along with veteran center Jeff Saturday (neck/shoulder) and outside linebacker Erik Walden (ankle) also did not participate in Wednesday's practice.
"We limited Erik Walden today because he's been playing a lot," McCarthy said. "He's such a physical player. I anticipate he'll be fine for Sunday."
Running back James Starks (knee) and defensive ends Jerel Worthy (hamstring) and C.J. Wilson (knee) also were all held out of Wednesday's practice.
Plus, even though linebacker Clay Matthews and wide receiver Greg Jennings are playing again, a couple of the bigger names are still recovering.
Veteran defensive back Charles Woodson, who's missed the past seven games with a collarbone injury, was limited in practice.
"Charles has not been cleared yet," McCarthy said.
Wide receiver Jordy Nelson is also still unavailable with a nagging hamstring injury that has forced him to miss the last two games.
"Jordy Nelson is getting better," McCarthy said. "His work (Tuesday) was pretty extensive. We'll see how he recovers here the next couple days."
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is listed on the injury report with an ankle injury, but he was a full participant in practice, and there are no concerns that it will hinder him on the field whatsoever.
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