LB Nick Barnett is being used in a different way than in past seasons early in the season. Barnett, who is 10 months removed from major knee surgery, has been a starter since Week 1 but hasn't played every snap. He worked in alternating series in the first two games. Against the Rams, however, Barnett stayed on the field for every series until he was removed for good midway through the third quarter. "We're just being smart with Nick Barnett's reps," coach Mike McCarthy said. "Nick has been (at) right about 40 plays in all three games." Barnett has been outspoken about wanting to be an every-down player, but he was in favor of the amended playing pattern. 92/8/2009

Barnett isn't all the way back from the knee injury that ended his 2008 season, but the veteran linebacker took a big step forward Monday when he practiced for the first time in training camp.
08/17/2009