[img_r]http://cmsimg.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=U0&Date=20081211&Category=PKR01&ArtNo=81211166&Ref=AR&Profile=1058&MaxW=318&Border=0[/img_r]Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop might have shown enough in Sundays loss to Houston to earn an expanded role regardless of Brandon Chillars health.

Chillar, who missed the Houston game with a strained groin, was a full participant in practice on Thursday and looked like he was back to full speed, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said.

But Bishop continued to get work with the starting defense, and McCarthy indicated there might be room to play more than three linebackers on Sunday at Jacksonville.

Asked how coaches would decide whom to play if Chillar tests well on Friday morning, McCarthy said, Thats an excellent question. I think well use the week of practice really to determine that. I think its very obvious, you (cant) have enough good quality productive football players. So, well find a way to make that work.

One way to make it work would be splitting up work in the base and subpackage defenses, as the Packers did to get Chillar on the field in passing situations before Nick Barnetts season-ending knee injury on Nov. 9 pressed Chillar into the starting lineup.

Against Houston, Bishop started in Chillars place at weak-side linebacker and stayed on the field in the Packers nickel, dime and seven-defensive back coverages. He struggled some in pass coverage, most notably getting beat by tight end Owen Daniels for a 27-yard catch-and-run on the Texans winning drive. But Bishop also made several impact plays in the early going something sorely needed by a defense that has floundered during the Packers three-game losing streak.

The second-year pro and former sixth-round draft pick was credited with 12 tackles, including eight solo, a sack and one that dropped running back Cecil Sapp for a 3-yard loss. Bishop also stripped Daniels at the Packers 1-yard line and on Thursday was credited with a second forced fumble after a scoring change by the Elias Sports Bureau.

He did a good job stepping in playing, Chillar said. Well see where it leads us. Ill try to help the team wherever I can, and thats been my stance the whole year.

Offensive lineman added
[ul]The Packers placed tackle Mark Tauscher on injured reserve and added another offensive lineman to take his place, signing first-year pro Nevin McCaskill off of Philadelphias practice squad.

Undrafted in 2007 out of Hampton, where he started his final 34 consecutive games at left tackle, the 6-foot-4, 315-pound McCaskill is listed as a tackle but also can play guard. He spent last season on Buffalos practice squad.

McCaskill will wear No. 67 for the Packers.

The Tauscher move was expected since Monday, when it was confirmed the veteran sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Sundays loss to Houston. Team physician Dr. Patrick McKenzie is expected to perform Tauschers surgery next week.[/ul]

Pettways view of the Jaguars
[ul]McKenzie was to perform another ACL surgery on Friday on special teams player Kenny Pettway, who was injured Nov. 30 against Carolina.

That means Pettway wont make the trip for the Packers game against his former team, the Jaguars, who have been a mess on and off the field while falling from 11-5 last season to 4-9.

Pettway described the Jaguars downturn as very shocking.

Its a complete turnaround from when I was there, Pettway said, leaning on crutches in the locker room. It went from everybody together to it seems like everybodys just on your own down there. When I was there, it was family-like and everything, everybody was on the same page.

I dont know, man. They just fell apart.[/ul]

Health watch
[ul]Packers fullback Korey Hall (knee) and defensive tackle Justin Harrell (hip) missed practice for a second straight day, and defensive tackle Ryan Pickett was sent home sick.

Hall and Harrell were to be tested this morning and are questionable at best for Sunday. McCarthy said he had no indication Picketts illness will keep him out.

Cornerback Charles Woodson (toe) and backup linebacker Danny Lansanah (ankle) remained limited. End Jeremy Thompson (ankle) was upgraded to full participation. Only safety Atari Bigby (shoulder) has been ruled out.[/ul]

Meanwhile, in Jacksonville
[ul]The Jaguars placed running back Fred Taylor on injured reserve with torn ligaments in his left thumb.

Taylor, the 11th-year pro who has spent his entire career with Jacksonville, had started all 13 games this season but split carries with smaller, quicker backup Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor (6-1, 228) had 143 carries for 556 yards and a touchdown plus 16 receptions; Jones-Drew (5-7, 208) has 142 carries for 607 yards and 11 touchdowns, as well as 50 catches for 462 yards and another score.

Receiver Jerry Porter (groin) sat out practice for the second straight day, while defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (toe) was upgraded to limited participation.[/ul]