Packers offense is banged-up going into exhibition opener

Almost one-third of the Green Bay Packers offensive players were not able to practice Tuesday night due to injuries.

Coach Mike McCarthy let the players take off the pads as they held a lighter workout in preparation for their exhibition opener at San Diego Thursday night.

McCarthy said journeyman Herb Taylor would have the task of protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blind side from the left tackle spot. Taylor will start in place of Marshall Newhouse, who suffered a concussion last Friday night.

Fifteen Packers have been ruled out for the Chargers game due to various injuries. Starting receiver Greg Jennings is recovering from a concussion.

The others who won’t play Thursday night are running backs Brandon Saine and Du’ane Bennett, fullback Jon Hoese, tight ends Ryan Taylor, Andrew Quarless and Eric Lair, receiver Tori Gurley, offensive linemen Derek Sherrod, Ray Dominguez, and Mike McCabe, linebacker Frank Zombo, defensive end Johnny Jones and cornerback Sam Shields.

Tight end Jermichael Finley did not practice Tuesday night because of an injured thigh, and running back Alex Green was rested. Tight end D.J. Williams returned to practice after a back injury.

Packers claim Eagles receiver

The Packers have claimed receiver Andy Brewer off waivers from Philadelphia. The Eagles cut him on Monday after he spent just six days at training camp.

Brewer was an undrafted rookie two years ago. He didn’t spend much time in the NFL. He played two years for Omaha in the United Football League before signing with Philly.

Brewer played his college ball at Northwestern, where he set a school record in 2009 with a 16.2-yard average on his catches. He caught 57 passes that year for 925 yards and nine touchdowns for the Wildcats.

To make room for Brewer, the Packers waived guard Jaymes Brooks, who has been out with a bad hamstring since the beginning of training camp.

Bielema comments on Ball

Wisconsin football coach Bret Bielema says running back Montee Ball will have ruined his chances of winning the Heisman Trophy if it’s found that he took part in a big fight last month.

There are reports that at least some Badger players were involved in the campus brawl that occurred on July 28, just a few days before Ball was attacked by five men on Madison’s University Avenue.

Madison Police continue to investigate both incidents. Ball has emphatically denied being involved in the original fight. Bielema says he’s comfortable with Ball’s assurance of that.

The coach says no student on campus draws the attention that the senior Ball does. He said Ball now realizes “how much potential hate can be driven toward him in a short amount of time by so many people.”

Bielema said he told his players to limit their distractions. As he put it, “a team that has few distractions has a chance to have great success.”

Bielema also said he would not hesitate to order strict punishment if it’s found to be justified.

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