As I mentioned earlier this week, injuries on both teams make Saturday night’s game between the Vikings and Packers a completely unique matchup compared to their previous two.
The Vikings special teams struggled last week with linebacker Tyrone McKenzie leaving due to a shoulder injury. He has been ruled out once again making the Vikings coverage team a point of interest in this one, especially since electric return man Randall Cobb (ankle) is probable to return to the field.
In fact, Cobb’s return means that the Packers talented group of receivers are now healthier than they have been all season long. Greg Jennings is at 100% now while Jordy Neson (knee) and Jermichael Finley (quadriceps) are both listed as probable.
The sudden health of Aaron Rodgers passing weapons unfortunately coincides with the Vikings secondary having some substantial health questions. Rodgers threw a pass in Antoine Winfield’s direction only once prior to Winfield leaving last week’s game with a broken hand that swelled up on him, and then proceeded to pick on his replacement, Marcus Sherels, 10 times in the remainder of the game.
Winfield is listed as questionable but has indicated he will be wearing a new cast on the hand and plans on playing through the pain. His injured teammates in the secondary are Harrison Smith (knee) and A.J. Jefferson (ankle) are both listed as probable, however.
Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder was only able to prepare for his latest biggest career game on a limited basis this week due to an elbow injury in his throwing arm. Leslie Frazier indicated that Ponder is doing everything possible to get ready for this game, and it seems highly unlikely that anyone else gets the start, but one can’t help but wonder if Joe Webb might be making an appearance Saturday night.
Adrian Peterson (abdomen), Brian Robison (shoulder), Jared Allen (shoulder), George Johnson (quadriceps), Chris Kluwe (knee), and Phil Loadholt (knee) are all listed as probable.
Packers receiver Jarrett Boykin and defensive end Jerel Worthy have both been ruled out after suffering injuries last week. Running back James Starks (knee) is listed as questionable.
Cornerbacks Tramon Williams (illness) and Davon House (hip) are both considered probable. Also probable is Charles Woodson (collarbone) who is expected to give the Packers a boost in pass defense after missing considerable time.
The weather forecast for Green Bay is looking to be sub-freezing conditions and possible frozen precipitation. Considering the Packers passing prowess, and Adrian Peterson’s dominance on the ground, I say the nastier the weather is the better off the Vikings are.
After all, an ice pellet or two clinking off of Mason Crosby’s helmet might just be enough to…
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Really hope Christian's elbow is good to go, Really wouldn't mind seeing Joe in there a few times just to throw them off.Have a game like he did with the Eagles!
Bring on the Crappy weather! Just hang on to the ball...
Going to be a Good game.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/green-bay-bar-taunts-adrian-peterson-sign-224023092--nfl.html
Yes....AD has seen it.
They are making him angry, they won't like him when hes angry,
Yeah, taunt the guy that just b*tch-slapped your team to the tune of 409 yards in two games...It would be really great if the Wilfs would pay for a 409 yard banner to pull behind the team plane or bus or whatever they take to get to Green Bay with "Ours is longer than yours," written on it.
AD needs some fuel like this. I'm hoping he breaks 300 Saturday.
That's what I'm thinking WTF! Man on a mission, when he gets like that....bad things man.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU8gvF6WCIk
Wouldn't it be great if Webb came in, down by 7 with 10 minutes left and proceeded to......
Nah, never mind.
Not sure the bad weather will help us, AD relies on cutting, the guy can turn on a dime but if there is snow or ice his cutting will be limited. On the other hand I'd trust the Packers WR's to run on ice/snow than our DB's.
That will all depend on whose wearing the right length cleats which I'm hoping the Vikes can get right in before the game instead of half way through it.
This kind of game dictates in between the tackles. Grind it out football! Hard hittin' defense!
Play deep, no big plays....the old style Viking defense. Ah yes, the preceding cry of the Purple People Eaters....Nothing cheap and nothing deep! That's right, let em' catch it short. Yeah, I will HIT you. Let it be known, early and often....Offense, run it up the gut. Over and over...
C'mon, dammit! Let's play some Football.
Just checked the National weather service forecast for Green Bay, Tomorrow, high of 26. No precipitation until after midnight. Game time temp around 25.