Backups may get good playing time in Packers-Eagles game
Metal detectors installed at Shopko gate
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could just be a spectator in Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles.
The Packers lost top receiver Jordy Nelson to a season-ending right knee injury last week. The last thing coach Mike McCarthy needs is for the NFL MVP to get hurt, too, on a night when Green Bay will likely be without three starting offensive linemen because of injuries.
That means backups might get meaningful minutes trying to make the team.
"Personally, I'd like to be efficient," rookie quarterback Matt Blanchard on Thursday. "It's our first showcase for the 2015 Packers. I know the starters aren't going to be playing, but for us it's our first time out on Lambeau this season, and it's going to be a good night."
McCarthy hadn't announced how he would handle playing time, so forgive Blanchard for being a little enthusiastic. An undrafted free agent from at Division III powerhouse Wisconsin-Whitewater, Blanchard faces long odds for making the Packers behind Rodgers, Scott Tolzien and rookie Brett Hundley, a fifth-round pick.
Tolzien isn't expected to play after being evaluated for a possible concussion. It might be up to Hundley and Blanchard to connect with young receivers Myles White and Jeff Janis as the Packers look for options to replace Nelson.
For the Eagles, quarterback Sam Bradford wouldn't mind playing more than one drive to help shake off rust.
He's coming back from tearing his left ACL twice in a 10-month span with the Rams. Bradford is now in charge of coach Chip Kelly's high-octane offense, but played one drive last weekend against Baltimore after sitting out the first exhibition game.
He led the offense on a touchdown drive and absorbed two big hits. On one play, Terrell Suggs was penalized for tackling Bradford's knees on a handoff.
Kelly typically likes to play his starting quarterback into the third quarter of this game, but might have to weigh how much time Bradford needs on the field against the desire to limit exposure to injury.
The Eagles like what they've seen from the limited snaps Bradford and running back DeMarco Murray had last week. Murray, who left Dallas as a free agent, ran for 17 yards and a touchdown on five carries.
Metal detectors
Some football fans heading into Lambeau Field on Saturday will encounter newly installed metal detectors.
Ticketholders using the Shopko gate will be the first to use the walk-through metal detectors. The NFL has mandated their use at all stadium gates by 2016. The Packers will install the detectors at all remaining gates next season.
They're a little different than the screening machines at airports. Fans won't have to remove jackets, belts, keys, wallets, watches or other objects of similar size. But, they will be asked to temporarily place cellphones, cameras, tablets and other larger metal objects in a tray near the machine.