Packers @ Seahawks Preview - Banged up, Packers travel to Seattle to end skid

The Green Bay Packers have lost three consecutive games, already matching their loss total from 2007. One more loss would put the Packers in an unenviable position and may drop them further back in the NFC North after they relinquished first place in the division to the Chicago Bears last weekend.

“I think it's important to just stay on top of what the positives are of the situation that we're in and stay definitely on top of the negatives…Who wants to lose three games in a row?” McCarthy propositioned on Wednesday. “But the important thing is Seattle…They are well coached, so this is a big-time challenge. We can't be sitting here talking about what happened on Sunday…We are about the Seattle Seahawks right now.”

The Packers will be facing a Seattle team struggling just as much as the Packers. The Seahawks have been blasted with injuries this year, including most of their receiving corps and, most recently, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck who may miss the game with a knee injury. He did not practice this week and is listed as questionable on the team’s injury report.

His counterpart for the Packers, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, was also limited in practice to jog throughs and light running. Just like before the Falcons game, Rodgers did not throw in practice all week, but the Packers expect him to start on Sunday. Will he be ready to go?

“As far as Aaron Rodgers' preparation, we did the best we can as far as having him rep at practice,” McCarthy said on Friday. “He's a very conscientious individual, and I'm confident he'll be prepared to play in the game Sunday.”

Rodgers played effectively against the Falcons without practicing the previous week, throwing for over 300 yards and three scores. His elusiveness will play a critical role in ensuring he does not take any big hits that would send him to the bench. Rodgers was sacked twice last week, and it will be important to keep him vertical this week.

Beyond Rodgers’ shoulder, the Packers again face many injuries, mainly on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, the Packers will likely be without James Jones yet again, preventing the Packers from installing their Big Five formation that proved so productive late last year. Green Bay should get fullback Korey Hall back on Sunday.

On the defense, the line is very banged up. With tackle Justin Harrell on the physically unable to perform list for another week and defensive end Cullen Jenkins on injured reserve, the Packers line is further decimated with DE Michael Montgomery doubtful for the game. This will open the door for rookie Jeremy Thompson to step in and gain significant playing time. Coach McCarthy is hopeful that defensive tackle Ryan Pickett will be active for Sunday, but with tendonitis in his knees he may not be extremely effective. All of the weaknesses on the defensive line allow teams to focus on defensive end Aaron Kampmann. The domino effect continues into the depleted secondary, making it difficult for a play like Tramon Williams if the line cannot put pressure on the quarterback. If the Packers hope to walk away with their first win at Qwest Field, they will need solid play from guys who normally wouldn’t be in the starting lineup.