Green Bay Packers

Defensive lineman Phillip Merling has been released by the Dolphins. No one should be surprised because Merling never produced. Merling was a second-round pick in 2008, the first pick of the second round. Merling has played 47 games with five starts and has 51 tackles.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers WR Greg Jennings (rib) should be able to play in the Pro Bowl after getting hurt in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Giants. "It's better than we thought initially after the game, so that's good news," coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday. "Greg Jennings had a rib contusion and my understanding is he will play in the Pro Bowl."

The NFL announced multiple suspensions for former Saints defenders for their roles in the team's pay-for-performance/bounty program: Defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove has been suspended for eight games and linebacker Scott Fujita has been suspended for three games. Two current Saints defenders -- Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith -- have also been suspended.

Suspension - Eligible to return Week 9 vs. Arizona

Packers RB James Starks told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he intends to work harder this offseason to be a better running back. Starks saw limited reps in 2011 -- he didn't have more than 13 carries in any single game -- but still led the team in rushing yards with 578 rushing yards (19 more than Ryan Grant). Grant might not be back in Green Bay in 2012, opening the door for Starks to potentially be an every-down back. "If that's how it happens, I'll be ready," Starks said. "But whatever happens, happens. I have no problem with what was going on this year, so I'd be fine with whatever. I'm a team player. Whatever's going to help the team, I'm all for it. ... I just have to do better with my carries. Doesn't really matter how many you get. Just have to do more with your opportunities."

The Packers promoted QB Graham Harrell to the active roster on Wednesday to take the roster spot of TE Andrew Quarless, who ended up on IR.

Green Bay DB Charles Woodson (knee) is inactive for Week 17 against Detroit. Woodson has dealt with a troublesome knee injury for the majority of the season. However, he has overcome the issue and leads the NFL with seven interceptions this year.

Packers linebacker Brad Jones is out for the season following a right shoulder injury that will need surgery. The Packers put Jones on injured reserve on Wednesday, hours after Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Jones hurt the same shoulder that has bothered him since training camp.

Packers DB Sam Shields recorded his third interception of the year in Week 14 against the Raiders -- setting a new career high. He picked off QB Carson Palmer in the fourth quarter, clinching the 46-16 win. Shields also had one tackle in the victory.

With the second of their two seventh-round compensatory picks, the Packers drafted B.J. Coleman, a quarterback from Chattanooga. Coleman (6-foot-3, 232 pounds) has an impressive physique, a strong (though inaccurate) arm and good mechanics. He's intelligent and an eager learner, which is good because he has much to absorb transitioning from Chattanooga to the NFL. Playing at the FCS-level, Coleman had a 52-31 career TD-INT ratio and only completed 57.4 percent of his passes. But the Packers like his intangibles, including size and character.

Tight end Jermichael Finley says he has agreed to a new deal with the Packers, reportedly a two-year deal worth $15 million. Finley posted on Twitter Wednesday night confirming reports that he has agreed to return to the team. Finley wrote, "I could not be happier to have the privilege of being a Packer for the next 2 yrs. Glad to be back with my team & coaches for 1 common goal." Finley was set to become a free agent, and the team was expected to consider using the franchise tag on him. Packers officials did not immediately confirm terms of the deal.

Packers DL Ryan Pickett left Week 14 against the Raiders due to a concussion. He recorded four tackles before being forced from the game.

Packers LB Rob Francois recorded his second interception of the year in Week 14 against the Raiders. He picked off QB Carson Palmer in the end zone in the second quarter and also finished with nine tackles in the 46-16 win.

Notable players cut by the Packers on Saturday include: WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, NT Chris Donaldson, LB Ricky Elmore, CB Josh Gordy, WR Tori Gurley, QB Graham Harrell, FB Jon Hoese, LB Cardia Jackson, DE Eli Joseph, LB Elijah Joseph, S Anthony Levine, RB Dimitri Nance, CB Brandian Ross, NT Jay Ross, RB Brandon Saine, WR Kerry Taylor, S/CB Brandon Underwood and WR Chastin West.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.

Cornerback and special teams ace Jarrett Bush has agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Green Bay Packers, according to his agent.

Green Bay receiver Randall Cobb missed practice on Wednesday in preparation for the regular-season finale in Week 17 against Detroit. Cobb missed practice with a groin injury. At this moment, there is no word as to whether or not Cobb is expected to play in the game against the Lions.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy announced Monday that rookie RB Alex Green is done for the season after sustaining a knee injury Week 7 against the Vikings.

Knee - IR. Out for the season

Green Bay LB A.J. Hawk is active for the Week 15 game at Kansas City. Hawk was able to practice all week, despite having a calf issue.

Notable players cut by the Packers on Saturday include: WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, NT Chris Donaldson, LB Ricky Elmore, CB Josh Gordy, WR Tori Gurley, QB Graham Harrell, FB Jon Hoese, LB Cardia Jackson, DE Eli Joseph, LB Elijah Joseph, S Anthony Levine, RB Dimitri Nance, CB Brandian Ross, NT Jay Ross, RB Brandon Saine, WR Kerry Taylor, S/CB Brandon Underwood and WR Chastin West.

Green Bay WR Donald Driver said he wants to continue his career, either with the Packers or another team, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Driver, 36, has stated before he wants to play until he is 40 years old. "I have plenty (of years)," Driver said. "The thing is, it's not up to me. The Packers have to make that decision. If they decide to keep me, I'll come back. If not, I guess I have to go somewhere else to play. That's always been my goal -- to retire here. It's going to be up to them to make that decision."

Notable players cut by the Packers on Saturday include: WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, NT Chris Donaldson, LB Ricky Elmore, CB Josh Gordy, WR Tori Gurley, QB Graham Harrell, FB Jon Hoese, LB Cardia Jackson, DE Eli Joseph, LB Elijah Joseph, S Anthony Levine, RB Dimitri Nance, CB Brandian Ross, NT Jay Ross, RB Brandon Saine, WR Kerry Taylor, S/CB Brandon Underwood and WR Chastin West.

The Packers DST had three fumble recoveries and an interception Sunday against Houston. They also added one sack. Tramon Williams had the interception and a fumble recovery along with six tackles, Brett Goode had a fumble recovery, Johnny Jolly had a fumble recovery and seven tackles and Desmond Bishop had 12 tackles and a sack. Will Blackmon had four kickoff returns for 72.8 yards and two punt returns for 8 yards.

Green Bay DB Tramon Williams finished with nine tackles and two passes defended during the Packers' 45-41 victory over Detroit in Week 17. Williams' impressive tackle total, which included seven solo stops, matched his highest output of the season.

Notable players cut by the Packers on Saturday include: WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, NT Chris Donaldson, LB Ricky Elmore, CB Josh Gordy, WR Tori Gurley, QB Graham Harrell, FB Jon Hoese, LB Cardia Jackson, DE Eli Joseph, LB Elijah Joseph, S Anthony Levine, RB Dimitri Nance, CB Brandian Ross, NT Jay Ross, RB Brandon Saine, WR Kerry Taylor, S/CB Brandon Underwood and WR Chastin West.

Packers rookie CB Davon House has already been ruled out for his first pro game. He won't play in the Week 1 contest against the Saints because of an ankle injury.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday that TE Andrew Quarless will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury in Week 13 against the Giants. Quarless, who was carted off the field, will need surgery on his knee.

Knee - IR. Out for the season

Think we saw the best of Jordy Nelson in 2011? Statistically, we might have, but he put up 68 catches for 1,263 yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns on under 100 targets. He played fewer snaps than teammate Greg Jennings, and Jennings missed three games with an injury. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said a goal for himself this offseason is to make sure Nelson gets more opportunities. "Jordy is a perfect example of a guy that was given more opportunites last year and performed outstanding," McCarthy said. "It's important to keep moving him around, probably play him in the slot a little more than he's played in the past. Those are the types of things that we look at. Continue to try and give him matchups, maybe expand his route tree where maybe he's the focus. Not that he can't run those routes, it's more about having the opportunities. The statistics speak for themselves."

Packers TE Tom Crabtree hauled in a 5-yard touchdown pass in a Week 11 victory over the Buccaneers. It was the first touchdown of Crabtree's career. He finished with two catches for a total of five yards.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.

Green Bay DB Charlie Peprah notched a game-high 11 tackles, including eight solo stops, during the Packers' 45-41 victory over Detroit in Week 17. It was the second game in a row Peprah recorded 11 tackles as he finished with 94 stops during the regular season.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports Monday that Packers coach Mike McCarthy has already ruled out LB Frank Zombo for Week 10 against the Vikings. Zombo suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday of Week 9 against the Chargers.

Green Bay LB Clay Matthews (ankle) is inactive for Week 17 against Detroit. Matthews has dealt with a persistent ankle injury for the majority of the season. He registered his third interception of the season last week against Chicago.

Packers DB Morgan Burnett had another productive performance in Week 14 against the Raiders. He led Green Bay with 10 solo tackles in the 46-16 win.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.

After missing the previous three games with a calf injury, Packers LB Desmond Bishop returned to the starting lineup in Week 17 as the Packers defeated the Bears 35-21. Bishop flew past the 100-tackle mark on the season with a 12-tackle performance in the game, his second-highest total of the season.

Packers K Mason Crosby did not miss an attempt in Sunday's Divisional Playoff game against the Giants. He made both of his field goals and converted two extra points in the 37-20 loss. Crosby made his attempts from distances of 35 and 47 yards.

Packers RB Brandon Saine was inactive for the Week 15 game at Kansas City on Sunday. Saine was not able to practice during the week and Green Bay ruled him out when inactives were announced before the game. He suffered a concussion last Sunday.

The Packers drafted Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams in the fifth round of the NFL draft. Williams, who is 6-2 and 251 pounds, played 51 games at Arkansas, with 152 catches for 1,855 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.

Packers LB D.J. Smith got the start for the second straight contest in Week 14 against the Raiders and had a productive performance. He finished tied for the team lead with 10 tackles, including seven solo, and also picked off a pass in the 46-16 win. He intercepted QB Carson Palmer on Oakland's first drive of the game for his first career interception.

The Packers re-signed outside linebacker Erik Walden on Monday. Terms were not disclosed. Walden, who started the first 15 games in 2011 before being replaced in Week 16 because of poor play, finished the season with 60 tackles and three sacks. He was arrested in November but accepted a deferred-judgment plea deal.

Notable players cut by the Packers on Saturday include: WR Diondre Borel, S Anthony Bratton, NT Chris Donaldson, LB Ricky Elmore, CB Josh Gordy, WR Tori Gurley, QB Graham Harrell, FB Jon Hoese, LB Cardia Jackson, DE Eli Joseph, LB Elijah Joseph, S Anthony Levine, RB Dimitri Nance, CB Brandian Ross, NT Jay Ross, RB Brandon Saine, WR Kerry Taylor, S/CB Brandon Underwood and WR Chastin West.

Green Bay WR James Jones garnered a season-high six receptions for 89 yards during the Packers' 45-41 win over Detroit in Week 17. Jones had a long catch of 40 yards as he finished with his best receiving output since Nov. 24, also against the Lions (94 yards).

On Monday the Jaguars released quarterback Dan LeFevour, safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, receiver Nelson Rosario, receiver Jarrett Boykin and defensive end Frank Trotter.

Packers DE DE C.J. Wilson was ruled inactive for Friday's game against the Colts with a head injury. He may be able to play in the preseason finale against the Chiefs on Sept. 1.

Packers DE Lawrence Guy and WR Shaky Smithson were placed on injured reserve on Saturday.

Undisclosed - IR. Out for the season

Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers earned 48 of the possible 50 votes to win the 2011 Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award. Rodgers topped New Orleans QB Drew Brees in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who cover the NFL. The Packers star is the first Green Bay player honored since Brett Favre concluded a run of three straight seasons as MVP in 1997. “It means a lot to be recognized as a consistent player and contributing on my team,” Rodgers said. “I think it’s an award that relies on a player having the support of his teammates, obviously, guys blocking, guys running, guys catching, guys making plays. But I’m very honored to receive the award.”

Packers defensive end Mike Neal was suspended for the team’s first four games of the 2012 season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

Suspension - Eligible to return Week 5

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers FB John Kuhn should be fine following his knee injury in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Giants. Kuhn was carted off to the locker room during Green Bay's 37-20 loss to the Giants on Sunday, but the injury does not appear to be serious. Kuhn's agent, Kevin Gold, said that Kuhn suffered a "MCL injury." There is no ACL damage and Kuhn will not require surgery. Kuhn will not play in the Pro Bowl.

The Packers signed defensive lineman Daniel Muir, general manager Ted Thompson announced Friday. Thompson signed Muir as an undrafted free agent in 2007 but released him a year later. Muir, who played four games as a DT for the Colts last season, adds another big body (6-2, 312 pounds) and will probably play nose tackle in Green Bay. He had 11 tackles in 2011.

Green Bay DL Jarius Wynn recorded two sacks of Chicago QB Jay Cutler on Sunday in the Week 3 Packers win. Wynn managed two tackles in the game and both of them came on sacks.

Soon after he was drafted Thursday night, Nick Perry received a congratulatory message from Clay Matthews - his former college teammate at USC, and his new teammate with the Packers. If everything works out according to the Packers' plan, Perry and Matthews will spend plenty of time exchanging congratulations in opposing offensive backfields next season. The Packers made a move to boost their pass rush in Thursday's first round of the NFL draft, taking Perry with the No. 28 overall pick. At 6-2 and 271 pounds, Perry will play outside linebacker in the Packers' 3-4 scheme. That could make him a complement to fellow former Trojan Matthews, something the team has lacked in recent seasons. Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers said being able to get pass rush pressure from both sides is critical. "It means a great deal," Capers said. "I think the basis of our defense starts with being able to threaten offenses from both sides. You see us do a lot of things with our inside linebackers and a lot of their success is based on the type of threat that you have, I think, from both sides of your defense."

Packers DE Lawrence Guy and WR Shaky Smithson were placed on injured reserve on Saturday.

Undisclosed - IR. Out for the season

Packers TE Ryan Taylor recorded some firsts in Week 14 against the Raiders. Not only did he make his first career reception, he scored a touchdown on his lone grab in the 46-16 win. QB Aaron Rodgers found him from 4 yards out in the first quarter for Taylor's lone target in the game.

Packers DL B.J. Raji did not have his most productive day on defense in a Week 11 win over the Buccaneers. However, he was used for one play on offense and scored the game's first touchdown, as he bulldozed his way into the end zone from the 1-yard line late in the first quarter. Raji did not make any tackles in the game, though he deflect one pass.