Rodgers OK, White cut

The news out of Green Bay this morning was that Packers QB Aaron Rodgers' injured shoulder was better this week versus the same time last week. Coaches are again, however, limiting Rodgers' activity. They may allow him to throw a bit tomorrow just to see where he is, but based upon last week's performance it seems as if Rodgers could again play without many if any reps. In fact, the early word from Coach McCarthy to the media is that he fully expects Rodgers to start Sunday in Seattle. Thank goodness. Rodgers and the passing game have been about the only thing that has been keeping the Packers alive, despite the now thee-game losing streak. The offense ranks fifth overall in the league with 133 points and 11th with an average of 337.4 yards per game. That should translate to a record better than 2-3.

The Packers' problems were especially on display this last game: penalties, lack of running game, lack of a pass rush, lack of ability to stop the run, lousy punter...pick an area -- other than QB and receivers -- and you can find problems. And if the coaching staff somehow isn't able to scheme differently or get more out of the players they have, it's going to be...not so good.

LB White cut
The Packers cut LB Abdul Hodge this summer because supposedly they felt LB Tracy White would be a better back up, especially because he was also the best performer on special teams. Hodge was signed by the Bengals. And now, the Packers cut White and replaced him with Danny Lansanah who was signed from the practice squad. Lansanah was an undrafted free agent out of UConn. White had been with the Packers for three years after previously playing for Seattle and Jacksonville. He was a free agent this past off-season and turned down offers from Pittsburgh and Denver to re-sign with Green Bay. So much for that idea, eh? Not surprisingly, Lansanah will play on most if not all the Packers' special teams.

Here's what GM Ted Thompson had to say about Lansanah, according to media reports: "We just felt like Danny is a guy that we believe, based on the way he played in pre-season and the like, that he can add a little bit more juice to us. He's a guy that we want to have on our team." Thompson added, "We're kind of excited about Danny. We think he's ready to play. We thought he had a good summer and he's done well so far. I think he's one of those guys that can play in a lot of different spots. He has the athleticism to run and do some things in coverage and he's also a big guy that can hold his ground. Looking forward to seeing what he can do." Thompson also noted that this move had nothing to do with current starting linebacker A. J. Hawk's ongoing groin injury.