Packers doubleheader today

Yes, you read that right. The Packers play two games today. Well, technically, one they have already played and the other is tonight's regularly scheduled preseason game against Jacksonville.

Let me explain. At 2:30 p.m. today Central time, the NFL Network will air the Packers game from last weekend against Seattle. For those fortunate few who actually receive the NFL Network, it might be worth checking out if you weren't in the original broadcast area, especially since it was such a solid and high-scoring game for the Pack. This is not to say that you don't have a life just because you can actually spend 3 hours in the afternoon watching the NFL Network (hey...I heard that!). Just passing along info here for those interested.

The second game of the day is the nationally televised game on Fox beginning at 7 p.m. Central. The Pack take on the Jags at Lambeau. This should be an interesting game for a few reasons. First, to see whether the sharpness that was present in Saturday's game carries over to this game. Secondly, because this is normally the preseason game where the starters typically play at least 3 quarters to try to get in sync before the start of the regular season; but that's not going to happen tonight...more on that in a moment. Finally, because some players will be battling in perhaps their last bid to make the roster.

Now, as to the starters and how long they play. Coach McCarthy indicated to the press earlier this week that because of the competition the team has at so many spots, the staff wants to see as much of these players as possible in order to assist their evaluations. So, you can probably read into that the starters may only play a half. Perhaps Brett might only play a quarter or so, although you can be sure he'd just as soon play the entire game. The balancing act in this third game, regardless of how long the starters play, is that they escape without injury. The Packers have already been hit with injuries -- some possibly season-ending -- at a number of positions and thus depth is already spotty in spots (is that a redundant redundancy?).

One of the positions at which the Pack thinks they may have found a gem in the rough is at fullback. After relying on William Henderson to always be there for so many years, the task of filling his big shoes (literally...I saw a pair once) might have seemed insurmountable. Yes, Brandon Miree did a serviceable job last year and was penciled in as the nominal starter this year until injuries kept him on the sidelines during most of training camp. That allowed rookie FB, Korey Hall, to step in. A converted linebacker from Boise State, Hall might at first have seemed a real project. But, barring injury, Hall may actually find himself as the starting fullback for the Green Bay Packers come regular season. There is great article about Hall and his progress in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Check it out here.

Regardless of whether you watch one or two games today, regardless of whether you have a life or not, enjoy! We are, after all, Packers fans. And it just doesn't get any better than that.

Packers preseason games on NFL Network; other ways to listen

For those Packer fans not within the range of the Packers broadcast network for preseason games, there is another option. Well, two options really: (1) live in/near the home market of the Packers' opponent; (2) watch the game replay on the NFL Network. Of course, not everyone has access to the NFL Network, either. But if you do...

You can see the NFL Network's preseason broadcast schedule here. It would seem you could turn on the Network anytime and see one of the many games being rotated. Apparently, there is one team replay per week only. And not all replay times are exactly user-friendly. For example, the upcoming game vs. Seattle will be re-broadcast at about 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time) on Sat. Aug. 18. The week #3 game vs. Jacksonville, however, will not be re-broadcast at all. Perhaps it's due to the Fox Network broadcasting this nationally (?) on Thursday, Aug. 23. The final preseason game at Tennessee will be re-broadcast Sunday, Sept. 2 at 8 a.m. Eastern time. Guess those lucky enough to have caught the re-broadcast yesterday of the first preseason game against the Steelers couldn't complain, though: 5 p.m. Eastern time is...not bad.

Of course, you can also catch the games -- including regular season -- on the Packers Radio Network. Who knew there was actually coverage in six states? Now you do. Check here for the complete listing.

If none of these options work for you, and you have a broadband Internet connection, you can also subscribe to the NFL's Field Pass audio feeds. Right now, it's only $29.95 if you subscribe during the preseason. No, I don't get a cut from this. But for Packer fans in places that might not get on-air TV or radio coverage of games, this is an inexpensive alternative to consider. Here's the link to subscribe.