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Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 24

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:07:31 CST

Packers Story: (How's Scott Wells doing?)
He didn't practice today. Scott Wells is injured and did not practice today. We'll obviously take today and tomorrow to see if he'll be ready for Thursday. Dietrich-Smith took all the reps today.

(What happened to him? Was he playing with the injury for a lot of the game?)
Correct, yes.

(What's your concern level with him at this point?)
We're on a short week, so I'm not exactly sure of how it's going to pan out in a couple of positions. You have people that are hurt, they'll be in treatment all day today, like they've been most of the morning, and we'll be here throughout tonight. We'll have a walk-through tomorrow, and then we'll get on the plane and head over to Detroit.

(Was Chad resting because of the short week or is this a significant issue?)
I think Chad will be ready to go. He did limited work today. He'll work tomorrow.

(Will you s..

RB Ryan Grant Nominated For FedEx Ground NFL Player Of The Week Honors

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:45:19 CST
Packers Story: Fans To Vote For Winners On NFL.com

FedEx Delivers Pedestrian Safety Improvements On Behalf of Winning Players In Their Teams' Markets

Quarterbacks BRETT FAVRE of the Minnesota Vikings, BRADY QUINN of the Cleveland Browns and MATTHEW STAFFORD of the Detroit Lions are the finalists for the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week honors for games played on November 19 - 23, while running backs RYAN GRANT of the Green Bay Packers, CHRIS JOHNSON of the Tennessee Titans and RICKY WILLIAMS of the Miami Dolphins are the finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week, the NFL announced today.

Fans can vote for one player in each category on NFL.com/FedEx from 9 a.m. EST on Tuesday through noon EST on Friday to determine the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week. The winners will be announced Friday evening on NFL.com.

Fans will ..

Packers Sign CB Bell

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:26:55 CST
Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have signed CB Josh Bell. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the transaction Tuesday.

A 5-foot-11, 177-pound second-year player, Bell played in nine games, including five starts, for the Denver Broncos last season. He finished the year with 43 tackles (36 solo) and four passes defensed.

Bell signed with the San Diego Chargers as a non-drafted free agent, where he spent the 2008 preseason. He joined the Broncos' practice squad Sept. 24 and was signed to the active roster four weeks later.

A four-year letterman at Baylor University, he will wear No. 26.

Packers-Lions Week 12 Dope Sheet

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:54:02 CST
Packers Story: Two years after he co-founded the Packers with Curly Lambeau, George Calhoun began writing a piece called The Dope Sheet, which served as the official press release and game program from 1921-24.

Honoring Calhoun, the first publicity director, the Packers are running this weekly feature as their release, which is being made available to fans exclusively on Packers.com.

A complete edition of the Dope Sheet will be available each week during the season in PDF format, located in the Packers.com Game Centers.

This is an abbreviated version of the Packers-Lions Week 12 Dope Sheet. To read the full version, download the PDF by clicking here.

Here are some highlights from the Packers-Lions Week 12 Dope Sheet:

GREEN BAY (6-4) at DETROIT (2-8)
Thursday, Nov. 26 - Ford Field - 11:30 a.m. CST

PACKERS HE..

Packers Fan Fest Set For March 12-13, 2010, At Lambeau Field Atrium; Brandon Jackson, James Jones, Willie Davis, Ron Wolf Among Participants

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:15:49 CST
Packers Story: Fan Fest Kids Camp New For 2010; Tickets Go On Sale Dec. 4 Through Ticketmaster

Packers Fan Fest, the popular event which gathers Packers fans with their favorite past and present players, returns to the Lambeau Field Atrium March 12-13, 2010. Fan Fest is presented by Chevy and Goodwill.

In addition to the Friday Fan Fest kickoff event, autograph sessions and a tour through the team's locker room, this year's event for the first time includes a Fan Fest Kids Camp, a special event at the Don Hutson Center March 13 for kids ages 6-14.

Among the many current players and alumni scheduled to participate in the sixth annual event are Brandon Jackson, James Jones, Willie Davis and Ron Wolf.

On Friday, March 12, doors will open at 3:30 p.m., with a kickoff event at 4 p.m. and programming until 8 p.m. On Saturday, March 13, Fan Fest doors will open at 9:30 a.m., with programming from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Fan Fest Kids Camp will run fro..

Grant Is Hall Of Fame's Featured Player Of The Week

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:03:17 CST
Packers Story: Packers running back Ryan Grant has been chosen as the Packers Hall of Fame Featured Player of the Week in recognition of his performance against the San Francisco 49ers. The exhibit contains memorabilia from the win over the 49ers, including a game ball autographed by Grant.

Grant rushed for 129 yards and one touchdown on 21 carries, leading a ground attack that put up 158 yards against the 49ers, well above the average of 87.7 yards per game they had been allowing coming in. The Packers' rushing game was especially effective as the team ran out the final 5 minutes, 50 seconds of the contest to seal the win. It was the second time this season Grant topped the 100-yard mark.

The Hall of Fame's weekly exhibit, The Hall of Fame Featured Player of the Week, contains memorabilia from each week's game, including a game ball autographed by a featured player of the week.

Each Monday (or in the case of a Monday night game, Tuesday), new items from the previous day'..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 23

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:40:15 CST
Packers Story: I'll start off with the medical report. We have a number of players that are seeing Dr. McKenzie as we speak, so I'm not exactly sure who will or will not practice for tomorrow. We'll release that later today. We just got the confirmation on both Al Harris and Aaron Kampman's results, and both individuals will have season-ending knee surgery. It will be a big challenge for our football team. Both Aaron and Al have meant a lot to us and our football team. Both have over 100-plus starts. Just thinking about it walking down here after visiting with Aaron, not seeing 74 and 31 in the huddle, it's going to be different. But it's a challenge that our younger players, they're going to have to step up and get ready on a short week for Detroit. It's been confirmed, both players will have season-ending surgery. With that I'll take your questions.

(You spoke with Aaron and Al or just Aaron?)
Correct. I just saw Aaron. Spoke with Al last night. Al's results just came ..

'Toys For Tots' Campaign Collects Nearly 1,000 Toys And $8,000 At Game

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:22:11 CST
Packers Story: The yearly 'Toys for Tots' campaign collected 998 toys and $8,011 at today's game vs. the San Francisco 49ers.

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps were at Lambeau Field today to assist in collecting toys and monetary donations.

The Salvation Army will distribute the toys to children in need in the Green Bay area this holiday season.

Additional toys and monetary donations can be made to the Salvation Army.

Mike McCarthy Post-Game Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 22

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:37:38 CST
Packers Story: OK, I'll start with the two injuries to both Aaron Kampman and Al Harris. We will not have all the information until tomorrow. Both injuries did not look very good. There is some concern, but we'll have all the information tomorrow. With that, I'll take your questions.

(What is Aaron's injury. Is it a knee?)
Both of them were knee injuries. Correct.

(Any time a player is carted off, it can be an ACL or MCL injury. What is your comfort level with the two rookies?)
They definitely had... the two rookies had a chance to play today and it'll give them a chance to learn from being in there. Brad had a chance to play some last week so he'll have two games to work off, and Brandon, it was obviously a big opportunity for him so we'll just keep coaching them. We've kind of been going through the injury phase of it and hopefully these two injuries aren't as serious as we may think.

(Obviously things went to so well in th..

Army Brothers John And Michael Williams Recognized Sunday For 'Operation Fan Mail'

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:20:46 CST
Packers Story: The Williams brothers, John, an Army lieutenant colonel, and Michael, an Army Military Police Officer staff sergeant, and their family were recognized by the Green Bay Packers and WPS Health Insurance at today's game vs. the San Francisco 49ers for 'Operation Fan Mail.'

John, a 19-year Army veteran, has seen tours of duty in Kuwait during Desert Storm and, more recently, in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman Badge for combat actions while personally engaging the enemy in the "Sunni Triangle" of Iraq as Operations Officer (S3) for 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. John currently serves as a Division Chief for National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon.

Michael, a 16-year Military Police Officer Army veteran, saw multiple deployments to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Desert Storm, and more recently served in Iraq during Operation Iraq..

Packers-49ers Press Box Notes

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:38:14 CST
Packers Story: PACKERS WELCOME 49ERS TO LAMBEAU FIELD
- Two teams battling for position in the NFC playoff picture - Green Bay and San Francisco - square off this afternoon at Lambeau Field.

- The Packers come into the game off one of their best performances in the three-plus seasons under Head Coach Mike McCarthy, a 17-7 victory over Dallas that propelled the team back into playoff contention.

- Coming into Lambeau Field is a team very much in the same position the Packers were one week ago. San Francisco has lost four of its last five games but could vault itself back into the playoff picture with a win.

- Frequent foes in the 1990s and early part of the decade, the Packers and 49ers have met just once since 2003. The rivalry took to new heights when the teams met four straight years (1995-98) in the postseason.

- Including playoffs, the Packers have won six consecutive games over the 49ers in Green Bay. In the overall series, the Packers hav..

Gun Deer Season Opens Saturday; Packers' Orange Caps Will Join The Hunt

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:53:18 CST
Packers Story: Packers Pro Shop Offering Hat Special Through Nov. 28 With Non-Perishable Food Donation

Wisconsin's gun deer season opens Saturday and the Packers' "Hunting Down Hunger" orange caps will be joining many hunters in the woods.

Hunters and non-hunters who are considering purchasing a cap have a unique opportunity through Nov. 28. With the purchase of a cap, along with the donation of a non-perishable food item, the Packers Pro Shop will provide a coupon good for $10 off the next Pro Shop purchase of $25 or more. The offer is valid only in the Pro Shop and Extra Points retail stores and the savings offer expires Jan. 31, 2010.

Overall, more than 16,000 hats have been purchased thus far. Each sale of the hat, with caps priced at $15 and the knit cap at $10, will result in a $5 donation going to statewide pantries, shelters and other organizations that have programs supporting hunger relief. Caps are available online at www.packersproshop.com, as we..

Matthews Named NFL Rookie Of The Week

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:09:58 CST
Packers Story: Voters on NFL.com have made their choice. Linebacker Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers is the NFL Rookie of the Week for games played between Nov. 12-16, the NFL announced Friday.

Matthews had one sack and recovered two fumbles, including one that set up the game-sealing touchdown in the Packers' 17-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Matthews was selected from among five finalists through fan votes on NFL.com/rookies. The other finalists were wide receiver Jeremy Maclin of the Philadelphia Eagles, linebacker Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins, running back Bernard Scott of the Cincinnati Bengals and running back Beanie Wells of the Arizona Cardinals.

After the regular season, five players will be nominated for NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a..

Packers And Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Announce 2009 WFCA All-State Football Team

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:15:34 CST
Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association announced the 2009 WFCA All-State Football Team on Friday.

Players receiving the honors were voted upon by members of the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association.

The Packers and the WFCA salute the young men receiving the honors and congratulate all players on another fine season of high school football.

Click here for the list of the first-team offense and defense, followed by players who received all-state honorable mention.

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 20

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:36:23 CST
Packers Story: (Is Wells OK to go?)
Yes, I thought Scott practiced well today. Unless something changes when we go back inside, into the training room, I fully anticipate that he'll go and start.

(Did Dietrich-Smith hurt himself yesterday?)
Dietrich, yeah, he had a tough time yesterday. He fought through practice, and I'm hopeful that he'll be ready to go for Sunday. He's pretty banged up.

(You don't have Jason, so who's your fourth-string center if it comes to that?)
Daryn Colledge. Daryn worked some there yesterday and has always worked through our quarterback-center exchange drills. Daryn has been prepared for that for some time.

(You spent the offseason talking about getting five guys together ... is this getting a little ridiculous?)
Well, ridiculous is probably a little different word, but it's a challenge. I have not as a coordinator, and I can't really probably remember as an assistant coa..

Packers And Sargento Raise $34,500 Thus Far To Fight Hunger

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:24:55 CST
Packers Story: Effort To Support Wisconsin Hunger Task Force And Paul's Pantry In Seventh Season

The Green Bay Packers and Sargento thus far in 2009 have raised $34,500 for the "Touchdowns for Charity" program to benefit the Wisconsin Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee County and Paul's Pantry in Green Bay.

For each touchdown scored by the Packers during the 2009 regular season, Sargento is donating $1,000 to the Hunger Task Force ($27,000 on 27 TDs thus far). Additionally, Sargento is donating $500 to Paul's Pantry for every touchdown scored by the team's wide receivers and tight ends ($7,500 on 15 TDs thus far).

Since partnering six years ago, Sargento - the official cheese of the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field - has contributed more than $422,500 to Wisconsin food charities such as the Hunger Task Force and Paul's Pantry.

Following each Packers home game, a running total of the money raised will be displayed on Lambeau Field's TundraVision, as w..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 19

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:07 CST
Packers Story: (What happened to Wells?)
Scott Wells missed practice today. He had some symptoms in regards to a concussion that was reported to the medical staff yesterday. So we're obviously being smart with him.

(He sustained it yesterday?)
The symptoms were reported to the medical staff yesterday, so that's why we're dealing with it today. He missed practice yesterday, so we held him again today.

(Did you watch any tape of the new quarterback or was today your first look at him?)
I saw some tape on Mike, what was that, in the preseason? Plus also his combine workout and so forth. Very athletic quarterback and did some good things in Pittsburgh during the preseason. So we'll have an opportunity to try to get him acclimated to the way we do things here. I'm glad he's here.

(With Barbre and Jolly, did something happen in practice yesterday?)
Allen had an injury today at practice. It looked like a..

Limited Number Of Tickets Available For Packers-49ers Game

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:33:50 CST
Packers Story: Purchase Online Through Packers.com

A limited number of tickets are available for Sunday's Packers-49ers game, the Packers announced today.

The 49ers returned a portion of their allocated tickets, according to Mark Wagner, the Packers' director of ticket operations.

Tickets can be purchased online by going to www.packers.com/tickets/single_game_tickets. A link to Ticketmaster information is available there, as is information for purchasing tickets over the phone or in person.

Packers Sign QB Reilly To Practice Squad

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:42:26 CST
Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have signed QB Mike Reilly to the practice squad. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signing Thursday.

A 6-foot-3, 214-pound rookie from Central Washington, Reilly was a four-year starter who set nearly every passing record in Wildcat history. He signed with Pittsburgh as a non-drafted free agent and spent the preseason with the Steelers.

He will wear No. 13.

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 18

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:35:47 CST
Packers Story: (How did Finley look today?)
I thought Jermichael practiced well. I'll have a better idea once we watch the tape. I felt that he moved around fine, and he took his normal set of reps that he would take in a Wednesday practice.

(Do you notice a change in the players' attitudes or mood in practice after a win versus a loss?)
I think there's an obvious answer to the question. Winning solves a lot of things. Coming in to work this morning in the weight room, there's a sign up there that says "the food tastes good again." That pretty much tells it in a nutshell how important winning is for everybody. We had a beautiful day out there with the weather today. Practice was OK. We've had better practices. But definitely, when you win, I think, I know, when you win the ability to put that win the column is important, but the ability to stack success, and there's so many things that come with that. The confidence level it gives your football team, t..

Day-After Notes: Kampman, Harris Need Season-Ending Surgeries

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:04 CST
Packers Story: The injury news for the Green Bay Packers was as bad as feared on Monday.

Outside linebacker Aaron Kampman and cornerback Al Harris have both been lost for the season with knee injuries suffered in Sunday's win over the 49ers, and both will have season-ending surgery, Head Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed.

The personnel losses leave the Packers without two of their most experienced and productive defenders as the team tries to make a push for the playoffs over the season's final six games. Kampman was leading the team in quarterback hits by a large margin and had been a stalwart against the run all year, while Harris regularly was matched up with the opposing team's No. 1 receiver and was quietly putting together a solid campaign.

"Both Aaron and Al have meant a lot to us and our football team," McCarthy said. "Both have over 100-plus starts. Just thinking about it walking down here after visiting with Aaron, not seeing 74 and 31 in the huddle, it's going to b..

Game Notes: Defense Potentially Dealt A Blow With Injuries

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:55:09 CST
Packers Story: The excitement over the Packers' second straight win was tempered a bit by the loss of two veteran leaders on the defense as linebacker Aaron Kampman and cornerback Al Harris were both carted off the field in the second half with knee injuries.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said the team would know more about the players' status on Monday, but said both injuries "did not look very good" and that "there is some concern."

Kampman injured his knee midway through the third quarter. With the 49ers facing a 2nd-and-20 from the Green Bay 38, Kampman was rushing the passer against San Francisco tackle Adam Snyder when his knee seemed to give out on him.

Harris sustained his injury with just under 11 minutes remaining in the game. On first-and-10 at the Green Bay 24, Harris was covering wide receiver Michael Crabtree down near the goal line on quarterback Alex Smith's incomplete pass to Frank Gore. Television replays did not have a good angle on Harris as he went down, b..

Jennings Making Big Plays Again

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:55:44 CST
Packers Story: Receiver Greg Jennings hadn't topped 100 yards in a game since Week 3, and he had found the end zone only once this season since catching that dramatic 50-yard touchdown pass to beat the Bears back in the season opener.

So Sunday's big game for the fourth-year wideout had been a while in coming. His five-catch, 126-yard outing, which included a 64-yard touchdown, played a huge role in the Packers' 30-24 victory over the 49ers.

"It felt good," Jennings said. "Felt good just to get the ball in my hands and make a play afterwards."

Despite the lack of highlight reel performances, Jennings had still been productive this season. But his 543 yards and two touchdowns through the first nine games were well off the pace that saw him post 1,292 yards and nine scores a year ago, a monster season that earned him a lucrative contract extension.

His big season in 2008 naturally led to more attention from opposing defenses, however, and that has had an impact on ..

Grant Takes It Right At 49ers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:55:25 CST
Packers Story: Coming into Sunday's game, the San Francisco 49ers' defense was ranked an impressive third in the league against the run but an alarming 29th against the pass.

That didn't mean the Packers were going to attack in one-dimensional fashion, however. Far from it.

Green Bay tried to and succeeded in establishing the run early with feature back Ryan Grant, and the third-year pro was pretty darn effective all day long, churning out 129 yards on 21 carries in the Packers' 30-24 victory at Lambeau Field.

Grant, who also had a 1-yard touchdown run, topped 100 yards for the second time this season. But more importantly, he let the 49ers know right away he would be a factor in the game, and the ground attack remained a key all the way to the end when the offense killed the final five minutes, 50 seconds on the clock to seal the win.

"We did a good job of executing," Grant said of the ground game, which produced 158 yards in all, well above the average of 87.7 ..

Game Review: Packers Start Fast, Close Out Victory

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:54:49 CST
Packers Story: The Packers played one of their most impressive halves of football this season on the way to a 20-point halftime lead over San Francisco, and withheld a second-half rally by the 49ers to post a 30-24 victory and stay in the thick of the NFC playoff race.

Green Bay's second straight win improved the Packers to 6-4 on the season, which ties them with the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles for fifth in the NFC and the top wild-card spot.

The Packers dominated the 49ers in every statistical category in the opening half, outgaining them by over 300 yards, 362 to 57, posting 17 first downs to San Francisco's one, and controlling the ball for 22:32 to 7:28 for the 49ers. The 362 yards were the most in a half since the Packers put up the same number at Oakland on Dec. 22, 2003, in the opening half.

"I thought we played an extremely productive first half as a football team, you know, in all three phases," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "I thought the defens..

AP Game Summary: Packers Hold On, Defeat 49ers 30-24

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:33:44 CST
Packers Story: Sure, Aaron Rodgers enjoyed beating the San Francisco 49ers. It's the team he grew up rooting for, and the team that snubbed him on draft day in 2005.

But Rodgers wasn't gloating after Sunday's 30-24 victory, and neither were the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay (6-4) nearly blew a big lead in the second half, and now might have to hang in the playoff race without two key cogs in the defense: outside linebacker Aaron Kampman and cornerback Al Harris, who sustained potentially serious knee injuries.

Kampman and Harris both were carted to the locker room in the second half, and Packers coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged there is "some concern" about the severity of their injuries.

"Hopefully, these two injuries aren't as serious as we may think," McCarthy said.

McCarthy said the Packers should know more about Kampman and Harris on Monday. For now, they'll try to carry all the things they did right in the first half into Thursday's game at Detroit.

Packers Lead 49ers 23-3 At Halftime

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:28:31 CST
Packers Story: The Packers have outgained the 49ers, 362 yards to 57, on their way to a 23-3 halftime lead at Lambeau Field.

The Packers moved the ball well on their first two possessions, driving inside San Francisco's 10-yard line both times with the help of some big plays, a season-long 26-yard run from running back Ryan Grant on the first series and a 37-yard reception from wide receiver Greg Jennings on the second. But each time they were forced to settle for field goals from Mason Crosby.

Green Bay's offense was able to break through midway through the second quarter. On first down from their own 36, Rodgers found Jennings over the middle, who put a nice move on safety Dashon Goldson and cornerback Tarell Brown at the San Francisco 45, before taking it the rest of the way for a 64-yard touchdown and a 13-3 lead.

The Packers added to their lead when Rodgers led the offense on a 10-play, 81-yard drive that included two passes to wide receiver Donald Driver for a combi..

Off The Field: T.J. Lang

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:25:54 CST
Packers Story: Favorite TV show...Dexter is my No. 1 show. Seinfeld too, going old-school on you.

Favorite movies...The best movie I have seen lately is Law Abiding Citizen. I'm also big into comedies, so Dumb and Dumber is a classic.

Favorite music group/artist...I'm starting to grow into country these past few years. Toby Keith, Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts are my top three.

Hobbies...sleeping and watching Food Network. I like to think I am somewhat of a cook, so I like to learn new things.

First car...A 1992 Ford Crown Victoria when I was a senior in high school. The thing was a big boat and I loved it, but I had to retire it last year.

First job...Before my senior year of high school, I went door-to-door passing out fliers for a construction company. It wasn't bad. I was making $10 an hour and I worked five hours a day. I pulled in some nice cash during the summer...

Tough Against TEs, Packers Face Another Challenge In 49ers' Davis

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:46:42 CST
Packers Story: So far in 2009, the Green Bay Packers have managed to keep opposing tight ends from having a major impact on gameday.

But that task gets perhaps as difficult as it's been all season on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers and Vernon Davis.

Davis, a fourth-year athletic freak whose 6-foot-3, 250-pound listing doesn't do him justice, is a player that Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers calls not only the fastest tight end in the NFL, but maybe the fastest pass-catcher in the 49ers' offensive arsenal.

This year Davis is having the kind of breakout season the 49ers envisioned when they drafted him with the No. 6 overall pick back in 2006. After two decent though unspectacular seasons, and then a rocky start last year under new coach Mike Singletary, Davis is now leading San Francisco with 45 receptions for 493 yards (11.0 avg.) and seven touchdowns.

He combines a ruggedness in traffic over the middle with breakaway speed on vertical routes, all ..

Notebook: Wells Returns, Expected To Start

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:45:38 CST
Packers Story: The Packers' offensive line has had to deal with more than its share of injuries already this season, but the unit received some good news on Friday when starting center Scott Wells returned to the practice field.

Wells had missed Thursday's padded practice after reporting concussion symptoms following Wednesday's practice. He said he thinks he sustained the concussion against Dallas, but passed a concussion test during the game and did not have any symptoms until Wednesday when he physically exerted himself for the first time since the game.

"They told me that when you have symptoms three days later, they want to be cautious with it," Wells said. "I was kind of thrown off that I felt pretty good Tuesday and then Wednesday I had some symptoms. They said it's rare but it happens, which obviously it did. Concussions are a serious thing. You can't mess around.

"Monday, yeah, you're sore but it's hard to tell what normal soreness is. I was a little cloudy, but ..

Watch 'The Colledge Experience' With Ahman Green!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:04:58 CST
Packers Story: Green Bay Packers guard Daryn Colledge takes fans to locations throughout Lambeau Field, interviewing his teammates one-on-one in 'The Colledge Experience.' Fans are able to participate in the webisodes by submitting questions for Colledge to ask his guests of the week. Topics covered on the program, now in its second season, will range from personal to football, and anything else fans come up with.

In last week's webisode, Colledge interviewed guard Josh Sitton. From the coaches' equipment room, Sitton discussed mowing lawns, working with children, and his previous experience in telemarketing.

This week, 'The Colledge Experience' welcomes the Packers' all-time leading rusher, Ahman Green. Interviewed in the Curly's Pub game room, Green talks about winning four straight Little League championships, breaking the all-time rushing record, and switching to #34.

Check back next week for a brand new webisode of 'The Colledge Experience!'

Ask A Questi..

Packers Fan Memories

Packers Fan Memories — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:03:04 CST
Packers Story: Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the green and gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes a golf tournament, a Minnesota Packers fan, and a drawing of quarterback Matt Flynn.

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories'.

Notebook: Former Bear Singletary Returns To Lambeau

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:45:04 CST
Packers Story: The last time Mike Singletary set foot in Lambeau Field was a little more than 17 years ago, when his Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers by a score of 30-10 on Oct. 25, 1992.

But that's not what Singletary, the Hall of Fame middle linebacker who's now the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, remembers most about Lambeau.

Singletary said this week that his last memory of Green Bay is the famous "Instant Replay" game between the Bears and Packers, which took place on Nov. 5, 1989. In that game, Packers quarterback Don Majkowski threw a game-winning 14-yard touchdown pass to Sterling Sharpe on fourth down for a 14-13 Green Bay victory.

Initially, the touchdown didn't count because the officials had ruled that Majkowski crossed the line of scrimmage before releasing the pass. But the call was overturned by a replay review, and the touchdown was good.

"That's a memory that I'll never forget," Singletary said. "It wasn't so much whether he was pa..

Year Removed From Injury, Barnett Back To His Old Self

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:46:24 CST
Packers Story: Nick Barnett admits to being frustrated early this season when his snaps were limited as he came back from ACL reconstruction surgery, but with the veteran linebacker performing at a high level a year after the injury, he now sees why the team took the cautious approach.

Barnett sustained the season-ending knee injury last season in Week 10 at Minnesota, and was sidelined for most of the preseason as well. He made his return in the preseason finale at Tennessee, but saw his time at Mack linebacker limited to around 35-40 snaps for the first three games of the season before going back to a full workload in Week 4 at Minnesota.

For a player that was used to being on the field nearly all of the time in his first six seasons with the Packers, being patient during those opening three games was a challenge.

"I've never been faced with an injury of that sort, an ACL," said Barnett, who had missed just two games due to injury in six-plus seasons. "This coaching sta..

Notebook: Finley Itching To Get Back On The Field

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:44:39 CST
Packers Story: Tight end Jermichael Finley said Wednesday he had never missed a football game in his life due to an injury prior to sustaining a knee sprain in Week 7 at Cleveland, so after being sidelined for three games, he is more than ready to return this Sunday against San Francisco.

Finley suffered the injury on the opening drive of the game against the Browns on a 16-yard reception, and had yet to participate fully in practice since then until Wednesday. Head Coach Mike McCarthy said Finley took his normal number of reps for a Wednesday practice.

"I feel pretty good," Finley said. "A little rusty out there today, the first day back. I'm just excited to be back.

"It's just a great thing to be back in the lineup and helping my team win."

After a strong showing in the preseason, the second-year tight end got off to a slow start in the regular season, catching just five passes for 62 yards in the first three games.

But Finley's coming-out party came i..

Contrasting Careers Thus Far For QBs Smith, Rodgers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:46:01 CST
Packers Story: The divergent paths taken by quarterbacks Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers since draft day in April 2005 are unavoidably in the spotlight this week as the San Francisco 49ers come to Green Bay to take on the Packers.

But to draw any grand conclusions from the analysis is a dicey proposition at best. Probably better just to look at it as the principals involved do, that everything happens for a reason.

To review, Smith and Rodgers were the top two quarterback prospects in the 2005 draft, and both were considered strong candidates to be taken No. 1 overall by the 49ers. Ultimately San Francisco chose Smith to revive the franchise, leaving Rodgers to unexpectedly fall all the way to No. 24, where the Packers grabbed him as the heir apparent to Brett Favre.

Fast forward nearly five years and the two careers are at very different stages. Smith was thrust into the starting role right away and endured a tumultuous first 2 seasons in San Francisco, then missed a year ..

Run Defense Becoming Major Strength

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:22:08 CST
Packers Story: When Head Coach Mike McCarthy decided to make the switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme and hire Dom Capers to coordinate it, his No. 1 priority in doing so was to be able to stop the run better.

Look no further than the two matchups with the Dallas Cowboys each of the last two seasons to illustrate the difference.

In Week 3 of 2008, Dallas came into Lambeau Field and ran roughshod over the Packers and their 4-3 front. The Cowboys rushed for 217 yards, including 142 from Marion Barber and a 60-yard touchdown dash by Felix Jones.

That game was part of a damaging stretch last season during which the Packers surrendered at least 175 yards rushing in six of the first nine games.

But fast forward to this year's Dallas matchup, and this season's first nine games, and the turnaround is startling.

Last Sunday the Cowboys, featuring essentially the same offensive personnel plus 'Wildcat' back Tashard Choice, rushed for a season-low 61 yards, 156 fewer t..

Packers.com Video Exclusive: Mike McCarthy's Post-Game Speech

Packers.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:09:29 CST
Packers Story: With their 2009 season hanging in the balance, the Green Bay Packers notched one of the biggest wins of Head Coach Mike McCarthy's tenure with a 17-7 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at Lambeau Field. With the win, the Packers moved to 5-4 and into the thick of the NFC Wild Card playoff chase, and they ended the NFC East-leading Cowboys' four-game winning streak.

A dominant defensive performance and a clutch, 15-play touchdown drive in the second half paved the way. In a Packers.com exclusive, we take you inside the locker room for Coach McCarthy's brief post-game talk with the team immediately following the game.

Day-After Notes: Key Players Ready To Return

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:21:19 CST
Packers Story: It appears the Packers could be getting some key players back from the injured list this week as they continue to make a run at a playoff spot in the NFC.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday that he expects linebacker Aaron Kampman and tight end Jermichael Finley to return to practice on Wednesday, while linebacker Brandon Chillar also is expected to practice this week and be available to play.

Kampman missed Sunday's victory over the Cowboys with a concussion sustained in the loss at Tampa Bay. It was the first game Kampman missed due to injury in six years, and the lingering effects from the concussion prevented him from being cleared to practice all last week.

Kampman was replaced in the starting lineup by rookie seventh-round draft pick Brad Jones, who played well, but getting Kampman's experience and veteran presence back for the playoff push will be valuable for the defense.

"I think Aaron will be ready to go," McCarthy said. "I know he's..

Woodson Delivers In A Big Way

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:16:42 CST
Packers Story: During his three-plus seasons with the Packers, veteran cornerback Charles Woodson has established himself as someone who comes through with key plays when the team needs them the most, and that was the case once again on Sunday afternoon against the Cowboys.

Woodson had a hand in all three of the Packers' takeaways against Dallas with two forced fumbles and an interception. He was also credited with a team-leading nine tackles in the press box statistics.

"He's definitely one of our prime-time players," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "Once again with his performance tonight, his instincts, knowledge, and his toughness, and play-making ability, obviously he was a big part of our defensive success tonight."

With the game scoreless with just over four minutes remaining in the first half and the Cowboys taking over at their own 28, quarterback Tony Romo found wide receiver Roy Williams deep down the middle for a 42-yard gain. As Williams looked to pick up extr..