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WED., AUG 27, 2008 - 3:27 PM
Packers: A quick read on Thursday's game
By JASON WILDE
608-252-6176

A quick read on Thursday night's Packers-Titans preseason game at Lambeau Field:

VITALS

What: The final preseason game for both teams. The Packers are 1-2 in the preseason, the Titans 2-1.

When, where: 6 p.m. Thursday, Lambeau Field, Green Bay.

TV: Ch. 27, with Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon.

Radio: 1310 AM, 101.5 FM, with Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren.

The coaches: Green Bay's Mike McCarthy is 22-12 (1-1 in postseason) in his second season as the Packers' coach and as an NFL head coach. Tennessee's Jeff Fisher is 120-104 (5-5 in postseason) in his 14th season as the Titans' coach and as an NFL head coach.

Packers' injury report: C Scott Wells (trunk), LB A.J. Hawk (chest), DT Ryan Pickett (hamstring), CB Charles Woodson (knee), RG Josh Sitton (knee), WR James Jones (knee) and S Charlie Peprah (knee) won't play. LB Brandon Chillar (lower back) and S Atari Bigby are unlikely to play. DT Justin Harrell (back) is on the physically unable to perform list and will miss the first six games of the season.

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH

A tradition like no other: No, it's not The Masters, it's the Packers and Titans squaring off to end the exhibition season. This marks the seventh straight year that the teams have closed preseason play against one another. Taking a long look at their talent pools will be former Houston Oilers teammates Ted Thompson, the Packers' general manager, and Mike Reinfeldt, the Titans' GM.

An early night: The Packers don't plan on playing their starters for more than one or two series. However, starting halfback Ryan Grant will make his exhibition debut after contract negotiations and a tight hamstring forced him to miss the first three games. While he probably won't play longer than the rest of the starters, he should get some work against a very good Titans run defense.

Rookie hazing: Unlike the Packers, the Titans believe in building up to the final preseason game and using it for the starters' most extensive action. That will provide a major test for Packers rookie quarterbacks Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn, who'll see extended action with Rodgers playing only a few snaps. If Brohm continues to struggle, Flynn could steal the No. 2 backup job with a solid performance. If both struggle, Thompson is going to have to consider signing a veteran backup.

On the line: The offensive line shuffle may finally be coming to a close. With Wells out, Jason Spitz starts again at center, and with rookie right guard Josh Sitton (knee) out, Tony Moll gets the call there. The good news? Left guard Daryn Colledge is coming off his best game and may have finally solidified himself there. On defense, the Packers were gashed up the middle by the Broncos' run game Friday night, and backup tackles Daniel Muir, Conrad Bolston and Alfred Malone need to step up and earn roster berths. At defensive end, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee) makes his preseason debut.

Safety dance: With Bigby unlikely to play and Nick Collins (neck) figuring to see limited action, Aaron Rouse, Tyrone Culver and converted cornerback Jarrett Bush will play a lot. While Rouse didn't manage to overtake Collins or Bigby for a starting spot during camp, he remains on their heels. Sooner or later, his nose for the football will force him into the lineup if he continues his ball-hawking ways.


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