Scott Wells News

TAMPA, Fla. - If ever the Green Bay Packers were going to fix their pass protection issues, Sunday should have been the day.

Joe Philbin calls them "probably the biggest concern right now" for the offense.

Just when it looks as if veteran Packers OTs Chad Clifton and newly re-signed Mark Tauscher are ready to settle into starting roles again, the versatile Jason Spitz appears to be saddled by a lower-back injury that team insiders are starting to fear might end his season.

Jared Allen had 4.5 of Minnesota's 8 sacks in this season's first Packers-Vikings matchup.

The 25th defeat in Mike McCarthy's 3 1/2-year tenure as coach of the Green Bay Packers also was one of the most disturbing.

They came into an electric Lambeau Field, where the legendary former Packers quarterback was loudly booed every time he took the field, not only with reputations at stake but also a major swing in the NFC North Division race in the balance.

His predecessor on the opposite sideline and an incredible comeback victory within reach, Aaron Rodgers had the Green Bay Packers 28 yards away from a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Share + Oct 26, 2009 6:00 pm US/Central EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. 1 of 1 Quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers is chased by Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings during the Monday Night Football game on Oct.

When the Green Bay Packers left the Metrodome two weeks ago, their schedule offered up a two-week respite of pushovers followed by a return engagement with the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay Packers' offensive line situation is still unsettled, at least publicly.

When it came right down to it, the eight sacks the Minnesota Vikings had on Aaron Rodgers probably had as much to do with the Green Bay Packers' 30-23 loss at the Metrodome on Oct.

CLEVELAND - Consecutive lopsided victories against two of the NFL's sorriest teams might not mean much to the outside world.

When the Green Bay Packers begin practicing Wednesday for the Minnesota Vikings, they will do so with the same offensive line that played Sunday at Cleveland.

Coming off back-to-back victories over two of the NFL's worst teams, the Green Bay Packers are carrying more confidence into Sunday's rematch with Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.

Green Bay Packers starting left tackle Chad Clifton did not play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday because of an injured ankle.

Ryan Grant lobbied the Green Bay Packers to sign veteran running back Ahman Green and applauded their decision to finally make the move last Wednesday.

The Green Bay Packers will line up again Sunday shorthanded on the offensive line.

The Lions were thin at defensive tackle because of injuries, so offensive guard Stephen Peterman moonlighted for a few snaps at practice Friday.

Originally published October 18, 2009 at 10:35 a.m., updated October 18, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. GREEN BAY, Wis.

With the return of Chad Clifton on Sunday, the Green Bay Packers hope to have their starting five from the summer in place to protect Aaron Rodgers, but center Jason Spitz sat out practice Friday with back stiffness and is listed as questionable.