The Green Bay Packers will be relying on a couple of backups today against the New York Giants. Both cornerback Sam Shields and right tackle Don Barclay are inactive.
Barclay didn’t practice all week and although coach Mike McCarthy said there was a possibility he’d play, it isn’t much of a surprise that he can’t. So, get ready to groan.
Marshall Newhouse will start in his place, which means Scott Tolzien can expect heavy pressure in his face all game long.
Shields, on the other hand, comes as a total surprise.
He was listed as probable with a hamstring (surprise!) injury. What happened between Friday and Sunday that would cause the Packers to shelve their best cover corner is a mystery at the moment.
With Shields out, Davon House will move into the starting lineup. And because Casey Hayward is also out, rookie Micah Hyde is going to see the field a lot.
How great that I started Hakeem Nicks on my fantasy team today!
There is some good news on the offensive line. Center Evan Dietrich-Smith is expected to be in the lineup and tackle Derek Sherrod is active for the first time since December 2011, when he broke his leg.
Once Newhouse gives up his third sack of the game, which should be about halfway through the first quarter, maybe the Packers will give Sherrod a shot at right tackle.
Isn’t it awesome having a M.A.S.H. unit as a football team?