Green Bay Jermichael Finley, the hottest receiving tight end in the National Football League, also is striving to become a complete player.
The fact that Finley missed blocks on two running plays Monday night in Chicago doesn't mean he isn't a solid blocker, according to position coach Ben McAdoo. It just means he had two bad blocks.
"They were both off of motion," McAdoo said. "We're going to get it fixed."
Both blocks came after Finley motioned to the back side of the formation and then failed to execute a cut block on defensive end Julius Peppers, who made both tackles for a total of no gain.
"The first one he was short," said McAdoo. "He needs to get running a little bit more before you go. He was jumping the gun.
"The second one, he needs to line up on (Peppers') inside armpit. He lined up on his outside armpit. Peppers just jumped inside of him. Once he does that, he's a big man."
Those were the first two "bad" runs that Finley was responsible for this season.
McAdoo said he saw enough evidence of Finley in one-on-one run-blocking drills during training camp to have confidence in him as a blocker.
"His personality, he's a competitor," said McAdoo. "The kid wants to win. Being a complete player is important to him.
"This isn't a prima-donna type deal. You always have to guard against it, but it's not going to happen. Not here.
"Obviously, he wants the numbers. He wants the ball. The great ones all do. But he's got to understand, it works both ways. And he's got no problem putting his face in there and hitting somebody. He's going to take his shots."
Action coming: The fact James Jones has two of the team's three fumbles, including one in each of the last two games, hasn't landed him in the coaches' doghouse.
"Nobody's mad at James," said Jimmy Robinson, who coaches the wide receivers. "Guys have a bad play now and then. Hopefully, not too many of them."
Nevertheless, the Packers intend to start playing Jordy Nelson more. In three games, Greg Jennings leads the corps of wideouts with 139 snaps followed by Donald Driver with 136, Jones with 96, Nelson with 67 and Brett Swain with one.
"In my mind I'd like to get Jordy up a little closer to James," Robinson said. "Not because of anybody's inadequacies or failings. Jordy deserves more time on his own merits. That's why you're seeing him a lot in the sets where we have one wide receiver in the game. We think it's a great matchup so we have him in there."
Nelson, who has dropped two passes, has become a fixture in the "jumbo" formation because of his run blocking.
"I think Jordy is our best blocker right now," said Robinson. "He's the most consistent winning his block and he's the most fundamentally sound. He just does a good job of staying square."
Injury list: Nickel back Sam Shields expects to be ready next week for the Washington game after injuring his calf Wednesday. He tried to run Friday but couldn't.
"It has gotten better, though," Shields said. "I probably stretched it. I'll be good next week."
Jarrett Bush is primed to replace Shields, but coach Mike McCarthy indicated Brandon Underwood and Pat Lee also were options.
With linebacker Brandon Chillar (shoulder) out, A.J. Hawk will double as the nickel linebacker. Desmond Bishop might also work in nickel.
Defensive end Mike Neal (side) practiced fully all week but still joined safety Charlie Peprah (thigh) and linebacker Brady Poppinga (hamstring) as questionable. Safety Nick Collins (knee) practiced fully and should be fine.
In Detroit, running back Jahvid Best (turf toe) practiced on a limited basis Friday and was listed as questionable, but said he would play.
Middle linebacker DeAndre Levy (groin) sat out all week and probably will be replaced by Landon Johnson, a seven-year veteran with 58 starts.
Wide receiver Nate Burleson (ankle) sat out all week and probably won't play. Defensive tackle Sammie Hill (ankle) returned Friday and should play.
Competition begins: The first of what could be many duels between Packers right guard Josh Sitton, a third-year man, and Lions left defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, a rookie, will be interesting to watch Sunday.
"He really is strong and he plays hard," said Sitton. "Good player. He was the second pick or whatever for a reason. He is playing well."
McAdoo said the main reason tight end Andrew Quarless dropped a touchdown pass in Chicago was improper hand placement. "We make that play around here," he said. "We drafted him to make that play." . . .
Detroit coach Jim Schwartz, on Aaron Rodgers: "This year I think he's getting rid of the ball a lot quicker."