Chillar back on special teams
Green Bay - Linebacker Brandon Chillar, a key cog in the Green Bay Packers' pass defense the last month, said he would be back to playing special teams Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
According to Chillar, A.J. Hawk will join Nick Barnett at linebacker in the nickel defense as well as starting on the weak side in the base defense.
"He's just the guy this week," Chillar said Friday. "I have no idea (about the future). I'm fine with anything."
Hawk injured his groin in Week 4 and then played hurt in Week 5. Chillar probably played more than Hawk in Week 6 and then a lot more in Week 7.
On Wednesday, coach Mike McCarthy said Hawk appeared to have his burst back.
Up for grabs: [ul]In order, Michael Montgomery, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and rookie Jeremy Thompson each has started a game at right defensive end since Cullen Jenkins suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 4.
Montgomery is 100% now after missing two games with an ankle injury. The coaches appear to be leaning more toward Thompson but the players say they haven't been told.
"It's very important," Thompson said. "Every rookie that comes in wants to be playing. There's an opportunity for me to be out there for the majority of the snaps and to be a starter."
After Thompson was inactive for the first four games, Jenkins' injury opened the door for him to play 20 snaps against Atlanta, 26 against Seattle and 33 against Indianapolis.
"I focused through the preseason on being better against the run," the 260-pound Thompson said. "Now I think I'm doing a better job of that so I'm focusing on the pass a little bit."
Defensive tackles Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly will continue starting in base, but it's unclear who will rush inside on passing downs.
The Packers have until Wednesday to activate defensive tackle Justin Harrell from the physically unable to perform list. In order for him to play Sunday, a roster move would have to be made by 3 p.m. today.[/ul]
Injury list: [ul]Wide receiver Jordy Nelson was involved in a practice-field collision Thursday, suffered an ankle injury, sat out Friday and was listed as questionable. Other than linebacker Desmond Bishop (hamstring), everyone else should play.
Cornerback Al Harris (spleen) admonished reporters for bringing up his injury all the time. He appears likely to start.
"I'd really, really appreciate it if we, like, let it go," Harris said.
In Tennessee, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin) was listed as questionable. However, Vanden Bosch said he would play.
Kick returner Chris Carr, questionable with a back injury, also said he would play.[/ul]