GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Packers linebacker Clay Matthews is back in the starting lineup against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night after missing a week because of an ailing hamstring.
Matthews missed last week’s overtime loss to Miami, but still came into play Sunday as the NFL’s sack leader with 812. Defensive end Ryan Pickett (ankle) also returned after missing a game, while rookie first-round pick Bryan Bulaga is starting in place of Mark Tauscher (shoulder).
The Packers have been hit hard with injuries to eight starters, including safety Atari Bigby (ankle) and cornerback Al Harris (knee). Neither was activated from the physically unable to perform list this week.
The only Vikings’ starter inactive was safety Husain Abdullah (concussion). He was replaced by Tyrell Johnson.
