Help could be on the way for Packers

Help is on the way for the Green Bay Packers.

Coach Mike McCarthy could not be sure earlier this week what players will definitely be in the mix for him Sunday afternoon at Minnesota, but he believes some who have missed significant time with injuries will be available.

Safety Charles Woodson (collarbone), wide receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring), tight end Tom Crabtree (hamstring), running back Alex Green (concussion) and defensive end Jerel Worthy (hamstring) are all in the mix.

Woodson has been close to returning for several weeks and the Packers have been taking a cautious approach with him knowing he is valuable and needed in the postseason.

“I'm hopeful a lot of those guys can get back. But we'll see," McCarthy said, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I know Jordy, talking with him, he feels like he's very close. Charles, he's waiting on information from the medical staff. He's very close. Alex Green, I was surprised that he wasn't available for Tennessee just based on the way that process, the result of the process, so he'll definitely be available.”

McCarthy believes the arrow is pointing up for his team at this time of the season too.

"I still feel that we have the ability to be even better. I don't think we've consistently played our best football yet,” he said.

With some frontline players returning, he has a right to feel that way.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune