Rookie Frank Zombo, who had played in every game with eight starts before missing last Sunday's game at New England, is doubtful with a knee injury. Erik Walden, who made his first pro start in Zombo's place against the Patriots, is questionable with a quadriceps bruise, but the outlook on him is more positive as he is listed as questionable. Diyral Briggs (ankle), who would back up Walden if both are active on Sunday, also is questionable.
"The outside linebacker position, really the next 48 hours is important," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "Frank Zombo tried to go today; it didn't work out very well. That's why he is doubtful.
"The work of Erik Walden, I thought that looked positive, and we'll see how he feels in the morning coming off the quad bruise. And Briggs' durability is a concern too. Those are answers that will probably go all the way up to game time."
Walden said he sustained his injury in the third quarter at New England when teammate B.J. Raji fell on top of him in a pileup, but he's optimistic he'll be on the field against the Giants.
"We've been doing everything we can in the training room and treatment, and it's getting better each day," Walden said. "I'm feeling very confident that I'll be able to go Sunday."
If Walden is able to play and Briggs isn't, first-year linebacker Robert Francois has experience working both inside and outside. He has appeared in six games this season, primarily on special teams.
"I feel very comfortable out there, know checks, know inside and outside," Francois said. "Knowing two positions is something good to have."
Safety Nick Collins had what McCarthy called a "minor setback" with the injury to his ribs that sidelined him for the second half at New England. But McCarthy said he fully anticipates that Collins will be on the field Sunday barring any issues in the next 48 hours, especially considering his past history in fighting through injuries. Collins has only missed three games during his six-year career, with all three of those coming in 2007 (Weeks 10-12) because of a knee injury.
"We've got a nice training staff here and they get me ready every week," Collins said. "The thanks go to them; they do whatever it takes. Just being the guy that I am, I just want to go out there and help my team win the best way I can and just play to the best of my ability. If I feel like I can't go, I'll tell them I can't go."
Defensive end Cullen Jenkins (calf) will miss his third straight game, while guard/tackle Marshall Newhouse (back) was also ruled out on Friday.
Tackle Chad Clifton (knees), cornerback Pat Lee (ankle), linebacker Clay Matthews (shin), defensive end Ryan Pickett (ankle), quarterback Aaron Rodgers (concussion), center Scott Wells (back) and cornerback Charles Woodson (toe) are all probable.
For the Giants, former Packers cornerback Will Blackmon (knee) is out, and defensive end Dave Tollefson (knee), another 2006 Green Bay draft pick, is also out.
Tackle Shawn Andrews (back), tackle David Diehl (illness), wide receiver Mario Manningham (heel), center Shaun O'Hara (foot), wide receiver Devin Thomas (hamstring) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee) are all probable.
