Packer win could clinch NFC North early

• NFC North

NFC North

Talk about it

NEW YORK - A win tomorrow at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will nail down a third straight playoff position for the Green Bay Packers, possibly a NFC North title.

That would depend on the result from games involving Detroit and Chicago. The slumping New York Giants come in needing to get back on track. Three losses in a row put them a game behind Dallas in the NFC East. New York is reeling after giving up 577 yards and 49 points to New Orleans last time out. Coach Tom Coughlin believes his team will bounce back, but that will be a tall order against a Packer team riding a long winning streak.

____________________________________________________________________

The Green Bay Packers will be without both their starting inside linebackers for Sunday’s game against the Giants at New York. A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop were officially listed as “out,” after they suffered calf injuries at Detroit eight days ago. That means Robert Francois and rookie D.J. Smith will start in the middle of the Packer defense. Smith was solid in controlling Detroit’s running game a week ago, while Francois intercepted a pass from Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford. Offensive linemen Josh Sitton and Chad Clifton had earlier been ruled out for Sunday – Sitton with a knee injury and Clifton with hamstring and back injuries. Also, tight end Andrew Quarless was added to the injury report with a strained groin – but he’s listed as probable. Running back James Starks is also probable as he continues to recover from knee and ankle injuries two weeks ago against Tampa Bay. On the Giants’ side, running back Ahmad Bradshaw practiced today for the first time since he broke a bone in his right foot last month against Miami. Coach Tom Coughlin says doctors will get another look tomorrow before a decision is made on whether Bradshaw can play.

Tags: wisconsin football, proam, football, packers