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Which Packers position group is most worrisome halfway through the preseason? Heres my position by position look at the team, listed in order of most pressing concerns:
Linebacker The Packers have been decimated by injuries, with their potential four starters Clay Matthews, Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones missing the Seahawks game. Things should look better, perhaps as soon as Thursday vs. the Indianapolis Colts, as the healing process continues. Matthews might not return from his hamstring injury until next week at the earliest. But even at full strength, how effective will this unit be on the outside? After Matthews, there are a lot of question marks. Can Jones improve from a decent rookie season? Can Brandon Chillar make the transition from inside to outside? Can Brady Poppinga rush the passer and cover? I still think General Manager Ted Thompson needed to bolster this position either through the draft or by signing an unrestricted free agent. Regular-season injuries could wreak havoc.
Safety After Pro Bowler Nick Collins, things get a little dicey. Rookie Morgan Burnett is a projected starter in the absence of veteran Atari Bigby, who is expected to start the season on the physically unable to perform list and miss six weeks. Burnett has displayed promise, but its asking a lot for a rookie to step into the starting lineup and not have the defense miss a beat. Veterans Will Blackmon, Derrick Martin and Charlie Peprah have a combined seven NFL starts between them. In a pinch the Packers could also use Jarrett Bush. This is not the deepest, most talented or experienced group and could become a problem even if injuries dont strike.
Running back The Packers were forced to use fullback John Kuhn in the halfback role against the Seahawks. Quinn Porter, Kregg Lumpkin and rookie James Starks are currently on the list of walking wounded. When they return is anybodys guess. In the meantime, that leaves Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson standing upright. The Packers were desperate enough to call on Ahman Green in the middle of last season. They might have to do that again, but sooner.
Cornerback No one knows if Al Harris will be ready for the regular-season opener. If he doesnt answer the bell, the Packers will face the same problem they experienced last year: relying on inexperienced players in the nickel and dime packages behind Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams. Against the Seahawks Brandon Underwood and Pat Lee looked vulnerable. Its possible they will grow into the job, but that could be a painful process.
Offensive line This is the deepest group since Thompson arrived in 2005. But if veteran tackles Chad Clifton or Mark Tauscher go down, there could be potential trouble. Rookie Bryan Bulaga would get thrown into the fire at left tackle and probably survive. But is Breno Giacomini or T.J. Lang ready for action if Tauscher gets hurt? For now, there is enough depth at the interior positions to rest easy in case of injuries.
Quarterback Going with two quarterbacks on the active roster seems like a risk, although Thompson has done it without blinking an eye and will likely employ the same strategy this year. A Packers starting QB hasnt missed a start in 18 years, so you would think the law of averages will eventually catch up with them. Matt Flynn had his moments against Seattle and showed hes capable of filling in. But wouldnt some people sleep better if there was a veteran insurance policy?
Defensive line The front four seems set with Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett and rookie Mike Neal. Theres not a wealth of experience after that, which could be a concern.
Fullback Kuhn and Korey Hall give the Packers all the muscle they need and might make Quinn Johnson expendable.
Tight end This group goes five deep and shouldnt be a problem.
Receiver Nothing to worry about here as long as No. 3 and 4 receivers James Jones and Jordy Nelson continue to progress as they have in training camp.