The Packers are making another change on the offensive line, and this time it’s voluntary.
Veteran center Jeff Saturday acknowledged Friday (via ESPNWisconsin.com’s Jason Wilde) that he’s been benched, in favor of Evan Dietrich-Smith. Saturday referred to it as a passing of the torch.
The 37-year-old Saturday has started all 14 games to this point, but has been held out of practice this week with a neck and shoulder issue.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said earlier Friday he thought Saturday would be ready to play this week, but said he thought Dietrich-Smith would likely start.
Saturday has 202 career starts, and hasn’t played as a backup since his rookie season, 1999. He spent his first 13 seasons with the Colts, missing just six games from 2000 to 2011.