THOSE DARNED ACL'S

Two players important to the Packers over the last few years are notably trying to recover from ACL surgeries. Nick Barnett, according to Mike McCarthy, is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a surgery that took place only 17 weeks ago. He suffered the injury in a November 9th game at Minnesota, and while it was originally only diagnosed as a bruise or a sprain, depending one where you read, but the torn ligament ended his 2008 season. Barnett's been spending part of his off-season in Arizona with his family but he has been working hard and his rehab has been progressing very well.

Mark Tauscher is a different story. He too suffered a torn ACL, on December 7th vs Houston. His rehab has not been moving along as well as Barnett's, according to coach Mike McCarthy who has been in constant contact with the Wisconsin alum who will be 32 by the time the 2009 season starts. Coach McCarthy also says he doesn't believe Tauscher would be ready to play before October 1st. This is important because he is currently a free agent, and that leaves a whole at the right tackle spot, at least for the first month of the season if not the whole season if they decide to not resign him. While the team has many young offensive lineman on the roster, none have proven to be ready to start at the right tackle spot. Options include Breno Giacomini, Tony Moll, and possible rookies taken in next months draft.

Other notes on the injury front: Cullen Jenkins is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle and arthroscopic surgery on his ankle. McCarthy says that he is looking good but cannot do everything yet. He would consider it a bonus if he was ready any time before training camp. And finally, oft injured and yet to prove his worthiness of the 16th overall pick in the 2007 draft, Justin Harrell has not been cleared to participate in all physical activities yet, but pain is apparently no longer an issue. 2009 looks to be Harrell's shot at proving he belongs. With the switch to the 3-4, his size at 310 pounds slates him to be a run stopping defensive end, and the lack of depth on the defensive line will give him all of the opportunities he could need to show the organization and fans why he was picked so high two years ago.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Both Cheesehead TV and Acme Packing Company have been talking about the offensive tackle positions today. CTV quotes a Pro Football Weekly article that talks about Mark Tauscher pretty much being out of the mix because of surgery, and that the coaching staff is looking at moving bodies around and putting them out of position again. I don't like how the team has moved around so many lineman to different positions in recent years rather than just trying to put a solid depth chart together. It appears, however, that will be the case again in 2009.

Acme talks about the line in a different approach, saying that the team should take care of the problem with the first round pick. I disagree with this, unless they plan on trading the pick away and moving down in the first round while also acquiring an additional pick. Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe will both be off the board by the #9 pick. Andre Smith is a complete headcase that I do not wish upon any NFL franchise right now, although I feel for him and hope he can get his act together because he is a great talent. Michael Oher is a solid possibility, but not at number 9 overall. If the team sticks with the ninth pick, they should go defense, preferably front seven. If they trade down, offensive tackle is a definite need and possibility, and there is the talent to take.

AND SOME DECISION MAKING BEGINS...

It's getting closer and closer to the free agency period, and it's almost time for Ted Thompson to start making some decisions and moves. The Green Bay Press-Gazette is reporting the first couple of decisions that Thompson has made (reportedly):

1. Re-sign Mark Tauscher. The practicality and probability of this re-signing "probably went up" after needing ACL surgery because he would not be able to seek out as much money on the open market. This is important. He should be ready for training camp and if he fully recovers, it gives the Packers the ability to continue grooming Breno Giacomini and select another young tackle in the draft without throwing him into the fire in his rookie season.
2. Let Colin Cole and Mike Montgomery go. Neither fit very well in the 3-4. Montgomery is undersized for a DE and not agile enough to play outside linebacker. Also, the Packers don't believe Colin Cole can play "stout enough for that crucial, blocker-eating position" (nose tackle).
3. Bring back 5 of 6 restricted free agents. The lone guy out is Shaun Bodiford, but his history of injuries easily explains his departure. Offer tenders to Atari Bigby, Ruvell Martin, Jarrett Bush, Jason Hunter, and John Kuhn.