The Packers might not have any decisions to make at all when it comes time declare their inactives for Sunday’s game with the Browns.
In fact, all those spots might be taken by injured players, and then some, leaving the possibility of the Packers being short of the maximum game-day roster of 46.
As pointed out by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, seven players were held out of practice Wednesday, and four of the inactive spots will be taken by players with longer-term injuries — outside linebackers Clay Matthews (thumb) and Nick Perry (foot), along with tight end Ryan Taylor (knee surgery Wednesday) and running back James Starks (knee).
Throw in question marks such as wide receiver James Jones (knee), linebacker Brad Jones (hamstring) and cornerback Casey Hayward (who is practicing for the first time today after a hamstring strain), and the Packers may have filled their quota for the seven-man inactive list, even before considering linebacker Mike Neal (shoulder), who was added to the report yesterday.
“Our theme is keep calm and carry on,” McCarthy said. “You historians probably appreciate that. In 1939 [it was] issued by the British government right before World War II in anticipation of the bombing of the major cities. So, that’s what we’re talking about.”
Of course, having so many linebackers out might prevent them from doing much blitzing of their own, McCarthy has shortened practices to try to keep the guys he has left fresh.