Sam

Shields

The Packers will have to go with special teamer Jarrett Bush as their left corner in the nickel defense. Green Bay fans know Bush well because he’s been a liability in coverage for years. Unfortunately for the Vikings, rookie Christian Ponder is unlikely to benefit from the downgrade with Molasses Michael Jenkins and Wide Deceiver Bernard Berrian on the outside.

Shields was cleared to practice after the Packers had their Week 8 bye so this confirms earlier reports that he will in fact be available. His return to the lineup should help revamp a struggling secondary that’s given up 290 passing yards per game and 32 plays of at least 20 yards.

Woodson is the active player most like Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, so there’s a successful model to follow. With Nick Collins’ (neck) career in jeopardy, Woodson would fill a need as the centerfielder. Capers does have concerns, however, about the tackling of Sam Shields, whose play fell off (along with Tramon Williams) after a promising rookie season.

Shields’ 2011 performance fell by the wayside after a promising rookie season, and he opened camp practicing behind special teamer Jarrett Bush. Per beat writer Bob McGinn, Shields has looked like “a mess,” getting caught peeking into the backfield and covering with bad technique. Shields isn’t going to be guaranteed a 2012 roster spot after the addition of Casey Hayward.

Impressive rookie Casey Hayward will draw another start after notching his fourth interception in the past three games last week against the Rams. The Jags’ No. 32-ranked pass game is unlikely to capitalize on Shields and FS Charles Woodson’s (collarbone) Week 8 absences. They just don’t have the firepower.

Shields was apparently kicked. He was writhing in pain before being helped off the field. With the Packers whipping the Texans 42-17, his night his certainly, but it’s possible he’s dealing with a multi-week injury. Jarrett Bush is now in the game at right cornerback. It’s been an awful night on the injury front for a team already missing B.J. Raji, as starting linebackers D.J. Smith and Nick Perry were both knocked out with knee injuries.

Shields was the victim of a few questionable penalties early in the season, and it may be enough to cost him a starting job. Hayward was named NFL’s defensive rookie of the month for October, and CBs coach Joe Whitt believes House has come “probably further along than anybody I’ve had.”

Shields was originally knocked out with a shin injury, but is apparently dealing with an ankle ailment. He hasn’t played since Week 6. Rookie Casey Hayward has acquitted himself well in Shields’ absence.

Sam Shields and Jarrett Bush have been rotating on the right side while Tramon Williams holds down the left side. It’s not a major factor as the Packers will use their nickel defense plenty.

Shields was kicked in the leg on Sunday Night Football in Week 6 against the Texans and was replaced by Jarrett Bush in the starting lineup. The Packers will turn to impressive rookie Casey Hayward at right corner in St. Louis.