The Green Bay Packers announced their Super Bowl XLV inactives at roughly 5:00 ET Sunday, and two names stand out.
The first is outside linebacker Erik Walden, who finished the season on a tear and has been a pretty big factor throughout the playoffs. He’s sitting with a high ankle sprain after being unable to make it through warmups.
Also down for Green Bay is powerful lead-blocking fullback Quinn Johnson. Johnson’s deactivation indicates that the Packers will not be running out of I-formations often Sunday, instead spreading out the Steelers with four- and five-receiver sets. The run will likely only be used to change up the offensive pace.
As Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe put it, “They’re not running today.”
Joining Johnson and Walden in street clothes: Running back Dimitri Nance, defensive back Brandon Underwood, offensive linemen Nick McDonald and Evan Dietrich-Smith, and cornerback Josh Gordy.
Graham Harrell is the third quarterback. Donald Driver will play through his quad strain.
The Steelers’ inactives are headlined by defensive end Aaron Smith, who was unable to overcome a torn tricep muscle.
He’s joined on the sideline by center/guard Dorian Brooks, linebacker Jason Worilds, running back Jonathan Dwyer, defensive lineman Steve McLendon, cornerback Crezdon Butler, and guard Chris Scott.
Center Maurkice Pouncey went on injured reserve Saturday. Charlie Batch is listed as the third quarterback.