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McCarthy: Matthews, Woodson should play vs. Bears
1:23 PM, Sep. 21, 2011
Mike Vandermause
Clay Matthews sat out practice today with a quad injury, according to coach Mike McCarthy, and Charles Woodson sat out due to his foot.
McCarthy expects both players to be ready for Sunday’s game against the Bears. He doesn’t think Matthews will practice on Thursday but hopes he’s ready to go on Friday.
Other highlights from Packers coach Mike McCarthy’s press conference:
*Concerned about pass defense? It’s two games. We will have Tramon Williams back. We need to pick it up in all phases, not just defense. We want to improve our play from last week.
*Confident in Charlie Peprah’s ability. Consider him a starter. Have all confidence in world in Charlie. It’s our responsibility to put Charlie in position to succeed.
*Nick Collins was big play safety, Pro Bowl player last 3 games, did a number of times on special teams, where he could play any positions.
*You have to have players that can play roles. If you pick best 53-man roster, you stick to best football players. Peprah is solid player, always has been.
*Morgan Burnett was player of week in Week 1. He’s off to nice start.
*Looking at possibly adding a safety to roster. Our personnel department is working through that. Could be a defensive back.
*Tim Masthay, don’t think anyone questioned his ability to play in NFL. Physically gifted, had fine performances down stretch. First two games aren’t where Tim would like them to be as far as placing ball. His placement will be big in this game.
*Deferring kick vs. Panthers, you look at whole dynamic in game. You talk it through as staff. We look at all the stats, talk about where we feel we are, and make call.
*Woodson plays four positions for us: corner, nickel, dime, safety. He’s an outstanding player. Can still play on outside.
*Scheme wise there will be carry-over from prior games. Bears have clear cut identity. We’ve played them enough times. Don’t think they’ll surprise us or we’ll surprise them.
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