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Grant ran 25 times for 119 yards in the Green Bay Packers’ 34-0 whitewashing of the Vikings at Lambeau Field last Nov. 11, and with run-stuffing defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams inside, Grant and the Packers did most of their damage running off-tackle on the edges.
But don’t expect the Packers to do that exclusively against the Vikings in Monday night’s regular-season opener, despite the Williamses’ dominating presence.
“I think as you devise a plan, you have to have some balance in your attack,” offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said. “If all you show on tape is outside, outside, outside, you’re going to get guys that play wide and box you in and force you back into the middle. ... We just have to do the things we do. We’re not going to invent a new offense in a week.”
While the addition of right end Jared Allen might help the Vikings — “I love playing the run. I take it personally if someone tries to run at me,” he said — the more important variable is Grant’s health. He practiced fully Thursday, but after missing most of training camp and playing just one preseason snap, there’s reason to wonder whether he can handle 25 carries in a game.
“I think we’ve got to be smart,” said running backs coach Edgar Bennett, who can also use Brandon Jackson and Kregg Lumpkin to spell Grant. “Can he physically hold up? I believe he could. But again, we have to be smart as far as how we handle him.”
Health watch: Linebacker A.J. Hawk (chest) practiced for the first time since the Aug. 11 preseason opener and “looked good,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “He looked like his normal self.”
Center Scott Wells (lower back) underwent further tests, and while doctors “feel they may have a handle” on his injury, “it could be one day or it could be a couple of weeks” before Wells is back, McCarthy said.
Of the injured players, only guard Josh Sitton (left knee) has been ruled out. Wide receiver James Jones (right knee) did not practice and is unlikely to play.
“Defensive” coordinator: Special teams coordinator Mike Stock wasn’t thrilled with some of the criticism the team received for jettisoning incumbent punter/holder Jon Ryan earlier this week for Derrick Frost, with whom Stock has a history.
Stock came to the weekly assistant coach media availability period with 2007 numbers comparing Ryan to Frost and an edge to his disposition.
“Right now everyone’s making a big deal about (the change),” Stock said. “I think we’re in good shape. It’s not like the punter who’s the holder has not done this before. He’s very capable. That’s why he’s here.”
As for Ryan being released, Stock said the Packers “need to have the ball away in a certain time from the snap to the kick. And that hasn’t happened enough for us. Get-off time has been a real concern for us for two years. Absolutely.”
