Green Bay Packers NFL news: Undermanned Packers struggle with injured players

Aaron RodgersReuters

The Green Bay Packers started off the season hot but with a lot of key players in sick bay, the team may have to find a way to survive until the injured players are given the green light to return.

The Packers are coming off a blowout loss at the hands of the Denver Broncos, a match that pitted two undefeated teams. But with players like James Starks, Morgan Burnett, Davante Adams, Ty Montgomery, Nate Palmer, Nick Perry, B.J. Raji, and Damarious Randall unable to play, Aaron Rodgers simply found it hard to weave his mastery with a sorely depleted squad.

There is no official word on who among the walking wounded would be playing when the Packers try to rebound from the humiliating loss against the Cam Newton-led Carolina Panthers. But as long as they have a lot of key players in sick bay, the outcome doesn't look too rosy.

Will the Packers put on the pressure? It could work, only that Newton is wise when it comes to defenses thrown at him. In short, the Packers need to neutralize Newton or at least try to frustrate him from getting the Panther's offense flowing.

Again, the chances of the Packers getting back on track hinges on who will be available to play against North Carolina. And the same goes moving forward.

Rodgers is a good quarterback; but with no complimenting receivers on the other end, his efforts will end up futile.

Nonetheless, make no mistake about it, the Packers are still favored over the Panthers heading into week 9. A lot of this stems from the fact that Green Bay has been known to bounce back after a loss. And seeing the magnitude of that humbling defeat against the Broncos, the Packers are expected to come out with all cylinders running — that is if the players available can keep in step with Rodgers.