Two years ago, the Minnesota Vikings ended Green Bay's run of five NFC North Division titles in six years. In 2018, the Chicago Bears captured the Black and Blue crown and both teams appeared poised to control the division for the foreseeable future. The Packers changed direction with a new coach and the Detroit Lions were well, still the Detroit Lions.
On Monday night, the North Division lead is on the line as the 4-1 Packers welcome the 2-1-1 Lions to Lambeau Field. Green Bay can complete a first half series sweep of division rivals and give themselves a big leg up on the competition. If Detroit wins, they'll assume the top spot in the standings as they seek to win their first NFC North crown since way back in 1993.
The Packers returned to the practice field today after Matt LaFleur gave the squad one extra day of rest on Wednesday following their road win in Dallas last Sunday. Looking over the initial injury report for the week, it's easy to see why.
Green Bay listed 20 players on it, although two, Bryan Bulaga and Jimmy Graham were given veteran rest days. Even Aaron Rodgers made the list as a limited participant with a sore knee. Four players did not participate in practice, Darnell Savage (ankle) was still in a walking boot, Tony Brown (hamstring), Robert Tonyan (hip) and Davante Adams (toe).
Adams talked with reporters after practice to talk about the turf toe injury that occured in the 4th quarter of the Philadelphia game two weeks ago. He said it's a major injury that needs time. It doesn't feel the way I want it to feel right now and he wants to make sure there'll be no setbacks when he returns to play. It sounds an awful lot like he'll miss a second straight game Monday night.
Jamaal Williams has been cleared from the concussion protocol and he returned to practice. He also talked about the hit that sent him to the hospital on the first offensive snap of the Philly game. Williams said he remembers nothing about the play or the trip to the hospital and he'd rather not talk about it at all. He has no ill will toward Eagle linebacker Derek Barnett who delivered the blow while Williams was being held up by other tacklers. Jamaal just wants to get back to playing football himself.
Center Corey Linsley did work on a limited basis but remains in the protocol. He got knocked out of the Dallas game in the first half ending his remarkable string of playing every single offensive snap from the start of the 2017 season.
Finally, the Twitter universe was all aflutter today with humorous video clips and fantastic highlights but I'll just wish the 'ol gunslinger, Brett Lorenzo Favre, a very happy 50th birthday.
