Packers host Cleveland in exhibition home opener tonight

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GREEN BAY - Aaron Rodgers should be better protected tonight, when the Green Bay Packers host the Cleveland Browns in their second exhibition game.

Starting left tackle Marshall Newhouse will return to protect Rodgers’ back side. Newhouse missed last week’s loss at San Diego with a concussion suffered on August fifth. Rodgers threw an interception and lost a fumble in just three series last week. He and the other Green Bay starters are expected to play for about the first quarter, while the Browns say they’ll use their starters for the entire first half. Coach Mike McCarthy wants to take another long look at Graham Harrell, to test his talents as Rodgers’ expected backup in the regular season.

Sixteen Packers have been ruled out of tonight’s game due to injuries. They include starting receiver Greg Jennings, running back James Starks, and tight end Jermichael Finley. Fullback John Kuhn is doubtful with an ankle injury suffered at practice this week. With corner Davon House out, rookie Casey Hayward is expected to start on the right side. He’ll get a big challenge from Cleveland’s bigger receivers like Greg Little and Mohammad Massaquoi. With only three healthy running backs, second-year pro Alex Green could get a long stint in a starting role. The Browns have their share of injuries as well. Rookie running back Trent Richardson is among those who won’t play. Tonight’s game starts at seven at Lambeau Field.

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