Not sure if it's mid-week gamesmanship but both camps in Green Bay and Kansas City were abuzz on Wednesday over who was practicing and how much before Sunday night's once highly anticipated MVP quarterback showdown between the Packers and Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
The old pro Aaron Rodgers versus hot young gun Patrick Mahomes contest appears unlikely to happen, much to the chagrin on NBC and fans across the country, but hold on just a minute.
At the Chiefs workout today, there was Mahomes, moving gingerly but in uniform. In a conference call with Green Bay reporters today, Kansas City Head Coach Andy Reid said we have a lot of guys we want to take a look at and Patrick was one of them. "We just want to see how he does," Reid said, but he also told the local beat writers he hasn't been ruled out just yet.
Keep in mind, this is six days after Mahomes was buried under a pile after a quarterback sneak that left his petella (kneecap) dislocated. After last Thursday's victory in Denver, Kansas City was bracing for a three week absence minimum.
That was certainly noticed in Titltetown. Matt LaFleur said his team has a lot more to prepare for than the wounded 2018 NFL Most Valuable Player. The Chiefs offense is loaded even with Matt Moore under center.
Aaron Rodgers also met reporters after his workout today and of course was asked about the possibility of not going against his fellow MVP and fellow insurance television pitchman.
(Audio: Aaron Rodgers)
As for the Packer practice, it was essentially a walk through Wednesday. The players wore their jerseys but stocking and baseball caps were the headgear of choice instead of helmets, in other words, a very light session.
But warming up and stretching with the guys for the first time in nearly a month was wide receiver Davante Adams. A very welcome sight as recovers from a turf toe injury suffered against the Eagles in September and forced him out of the last three games, all Green Bay victories. As soon as the stretching period was over, Adams went back inside the Don Hutson center to work with the training staff but it was clearly progress.
Even more encouraging was seeing Darnell Savage as a full participant for the first time in a couple of weeks. He was dealing with a high ankle sprain but it sure looked to me like the rookie will be back in the lineup on Sunday.
There were 17 names on the Pack's injury report, even after a light practice but number 17 was the only one who was listed as did not participate.
Rodgers was listed as limited but he was more like veterans Bryan Bulaga and Mercedes Lewis who got in another day of rest.
Thursday's practice, usually the most intense of the week for both teams, will be far more telling about who might and might not suit up in prime time in Kansas City. Stay tuned.
Apparently tired of writing checks for his unwillingness to be available for the media, Jimmy Graham held court for reporters at his locker today for the first time since the regular season began. The only other time he granted interviews was during the organized team activities in the spring. He doesn't mind paying the league mandated fines for his uncooperation. Was it any coincidence the granted the media session after maybe his best game since joining the team last year. He pulled down four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in the blowout of the Raiders last week.
Graham said the offense has really hit stride, he's impressed with LaFleur's game planning and play calling but the only numbers he's worried about are in the standings:
(Audio: Jimmy Graham)
One more note, Rodgers was named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week in what must have been the easiest call of the season to date. He put up the Pack's first ever, single game perfect passer rating of 158.3 after connecting on 25 of 31 passes against Oakland, for 429 yards and five touchdowns to five different receivers with a three yard rushing touchdown for good measure.
