Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Jerel Worthy Hopes To Play For Packers This Season


Jerel Worthy Packers
Despite a torn ACL late last season, Packers defensive end Jerel Worthy says he will play in 2013. Taking a cue from Adrian Peterson who suffered from the same injury, the second-year rookie says that he plans to return to his position in better shape than when he left. But, critics warn against too much optimism, pointing to the 2011 case of tight end Andrew Quarless who wound-up on injured reserve that season with comparable injuries and recovery.

Nearly five months into his own recovery, and Worthy may be on track to prove the doubters wrong. An initial surgery to repair the damage went smoothly, and the twenty-three year old says he spends every day with various trainers and doctors who supervise and advise his workouts. The extent of those workouts so far has been centered on mobility and speed, though he still has tenderness when making quick direction changes.

Worhty's nonchalance about his physical recovery is somewhat overshadowed by concerns regarding Green Bay's first round draft pick in April. Chosen 26th overall, Datone Jones will likely replace Worthy in the rotation at defensive end. The rookie out of UCLA will also be Worhty's main competition should he become fit enough to return this season, and the few months that Jones has control over the position could be crucial.
Jones has already become the Packers premier draft pick of 2013. Head coach Mike McCarthy has made no secret of his expectation that the 22 year-old become the team's primary weapon in combating dynamic quarterbacks like San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick, who decimated Dom Caper's defense with his running ability. If Jones proves to be successful in that endeavor, and especially if he pairs well with defensive cornerstone Clay Matthews, Worthy's prospects for a starting position are slim.
Still, the All-American Michigan State graduate says he is taking it slow. Standing on the sidelines during the team's most recent practice, Worthy addressed his situation with reporters, telling them that he is willing to help the Packers in any capacity that he can right now. He avoided talks about the impact Jones had on his eagerness to return, though he admitted some newly-formed anxiety.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Packers 53 Man Roster 2013 | Ticket King Green Bay


Packers 53 Man Roster
With the Packers and NFL draft over, free agency long done, and undrafted free agents signed, the preseason 90 man rosters for most teams are set. Now coaching staffs get down to business of figuring out how to get that number down to 53 by week one. Here is my attempt at a very early 53-man roster prediction.

Quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers, B.J. Coleman, Matt Brown (P.S.)- The Packers want Coleman to win the backup job, and if he does, Harrell gets cut and Brown goes to the practice squad.

Running Backs: Eddy Lacy, Dejaun Harris, Jon Franklin, Alex Green, John Kuhn (FB)- After spending two draft choices on running backs, I highly doubt that anyone else outside of these five players make the week one roster. That means James Starks's days are numbered.

Wide Receiver: Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Randall Cobb, Jarrett Boykin, Jeremy Ross, Charles Johnson- The first three are a given, and those first three are the league’s best trio. After that, it's anyone's ballgame. The coaches like Boykin and Ross added a spark in the return game late last year until he dropped the ball in San Francisco. I think Johnson beats out Kevin Dorsey for the last spot and Dorsey goes to the practice squad.

Tight Ends: Jermichael Finley, D.J. Williams, Ryan Taylor. Brandon Bostick. - The loudmouth is still number one on the depth chart. I expect a breakout season from Williams, and Bostick is interesting.

Offensive Line: Brian Bulaga, Josh Sitton, EDS, T.J. Lang, Derek Sherrod, Don Barclay, J.C. Tretter, Andrew Datko, David Bakhtiari- If this is the list of offensive lineman, Packers fans can finally rejoice at the departure of Marshall Newhouse. Right now the starting right tackle job is up for grabs.

Defensive Line: Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, Datone Jones, Mike Daniels, Josh Boyd, C.J. Wilson, Gilbert Pena, Mike Neal- Mike Neal and C.J. Wilson somehow keep their spots here. I like Gilbert Pena. Jerel Worthy returns from the PUP late season and one of the last three on this list loses their job.

Linebackers: Nick Perry, Desmond Bishop, Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk, Brad Jones, Terrell Manning, Nate Palmer, Dezman Moses, Jamari Lattimore- A lot of interesting here. I think the Bishop trade talk was just gold ole' Ted blowing smoke up people's butts just for fun. The last draft choice the Packers made this year, Sam Barrington, goes to the practice squad.

Defensive backs: Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Casey Heyward, Devon House, Micah Hyde, Jarrett Bush, Sean Richardson, Morgan Burnett, M.D. Jennings, Jerron McMillian. This is the strongest position for the Packers and this might darn well be the deepest secondary in the league. These guys all make the roster, no sweat. There is nothing to see here, move along.