Sean Richardson (left), the fourth but hardly forgotten member of the Green Bay Packers’ resurgent safety position, is ready for extended duty Sunday night in New Orleans if Morgan Burnett isn’t available. Credit: Mark Hoffman

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Green Bay — Sean Richardson, the fourth but hardly forgotten member of the Green Bay Packers' resurgent safety position, is ready for extended duty Sunday night in New Orleans if Morgan Burnett isn't available.

After listing Burnett as questionable, coach Mike McCarthy said Burnett had improved and would be given every chance to play with a calf injury.

While it's true that Burnett would have 14 days to recuperate before the next game against Chicago, it's also true the team has three other capable safeties.

Rookie Ha Ha Clinton-Dix made his first start at free safety against Carolina ahead of Micah Hyde.

"It felt good to finally get my first start in," said Clinton-Dix. "I felt comfortable back there with all the checks and all the calls."

The assumption is that if Burnett's out, it would be Clinton-Dix at free safety and Hyde at strong safety. When the Packers move to their 4-1-6 defense, it figures to be Richardson alongside Clinton-Dix at safety and Hyde shifting to dime back.

Richardson, a third-year free agent from Vanderbilt, played 18 of his 35 snaps from scrimmage this season after Burnett was hurt against the Panthers.

"Sean did some good things," safeties coach Darren Perry said. "Made some solid tackles. Made a big play for us on third down (and 1)."

It's possible the Packers might even start Richardson, 6 feet 2 ½ inches and 219 pounds, at strong safety to combat JimmyGraham, the Saints' towering tight end.

"I don't make those decisions," said Perry. "But Sean's waiting for an opportunity to play and to take full advantage of it.

"He reacts well. I haven't seen anything to be alarmed. He's plenty fast. He's a big man that can run. Covers a lot of ground.

"We don't make excuses. Sean played some last year. He's in good physical shape."

Last year, Richardson returned from a cervical injury and played 172 snaps in the final seven games. He played more than M.D. Jennings in Games 13-15 before the coaches went back to Jennings for Games 16-17.

Richardson lurked around the box, sought contact, consistently fit properly against the run and had just one major glitch in coverage.

After a full off-season, Richardson appeared more flexible in space and fought off a stiff challenge from Chris Banjo for the No. 4 berth.

According to Perry, the Richardson of today is a much better player than the Richardson of 10 months ago.

"He does some things you get excited about," said Perry. "He can play all of our packages. He's growing.

"He had the missed tackle on third down (against Minnesota). As coaches, we don't usually accentuate the positive too much. We like to dwell on the negatives."

A major contributor on special teams, where his per-game snap count is 18.7, Richardson "deserves" a chance to play safety, said McCarthy.

"Sean has the most energy I've ever seen besides Jarrett Bush," Clinton-Dix said. "When his time is called, that guy's going to go in and make plays. Regardless if it's first quarter or fourth quarter. Very physical."

Injury list: Defensive end Datone Jones (ankle) was ruled out of a third straight game after a vigorous workout Thursday wasn't fruitful.

Cornerback Sam Shields (knee) is doubtful. Running back James Starks (ankle) is probable.

In New Orleans, the Saints will be down to Mark Ingram on early downs and Travaris Cadet on passing downs after running backs Khiry Robinson (forearm) and Pierre Thomas (rib-shoulder) were listed as out.

Three starters that practiced on a limited basis were listed as questionable but are expected to play: Graham (shoulder), nose tackle Brodrick Bunkley (concussion) and cornerback Keenan Lewis (knee-shoulder). Backup linebacker Ramon Humber (ankle) also was questionable.

On track:JC Tretter, the Packers' impressive first-year starter at center until going down with a knee injury Aug. 22, declared himself all the way back after his second week of practice.

"I'm exactly where I was if not stronger and faster," Tretter said. "Now the injury is nothing anymore."

James Campen, who coaches the offensive line, confirmed that Tretter was ready to play.

"He's had two days in pads now," Campen said Thursday. "He got better this week."

Tretter, who weighs 298, isn't eligible to return until the Bears game Nov. 9. Corey Linsley has played well, and the Packers seem fairly high on backup Garth Gerhart.

Would it take an injury before Tretter returns at center?

"I wouldn't wish that on anybody," said Tretter. "I've been down that road."

All of Tretter's recent practice time has come with the scout team. He has bounced around to every position.

When activated, it's possible Tretter could become the top backup not only at center but also tackle and guard. He was a left tackle and tight end at Cornell.

"He's athletic enough to play anything," Campen said, declining to say if Linsley or Tretter was the better center.

Tretter also expressed confidence that he could play all five positions "if I repped and practiced it. The tough thing, though, is making sure you get the reps to feel comfortable. "

He added: "I think I can move around if I needed to. Obviously, I'd probably have to put on some weight to play guard. Once the decision is made, you kind of have to adjust."

Gerhart was promoted from the practice squad four days before the opener.

"Love the kid," said Campen. "Worked his (expletive) off. He's smart and technically sound."

To blitz or not to blitz: Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan knows how effective Aaron Rodgers has been against pressure defenses.

"Well, you can blitz, but he just beats it all the time," Ryan said Friday. "I think he knows the opponent better than they know themselves. He does not flinch. He knows exactly what he's going to do with it.

"I think he has a great relationship with his receivers. They are on the same timing. Not like you see every week. It is pretty special.

"And then the ability for all of them to make people miss, run after the catch, breaking tackles.

"(Whenever) this guy gets under center I am sure he won't be able to hear himself think. He is a great one. Maybe it won't rattle him.

"But I know one thing. It is our home-field advantage, it is our home turf and we are looking forward to defending it."

As for Eddie Lacy, Ryan said, "He runs like he is mad at the world. There's a few of them in the league, Frank Gore and those types, they love contact.

"We have to give it to him. We have to knock him back. That in its own right is an awfully tough task."

Joe Vitt, the Saints' assistant head coach and linebackers coach, has put in long hours of preparation. He was the Packers' linebackers coach in 1999.

"I swear to God, I don't think I've seen a guy watch as much tape as I have watched Joe Vitt this week," said Ryan. "You have to appreciate the effort of a guy that has been in the league for 36 years.

"This means a hell of a lot to everybody."

Bye schedule: After returning in the wee hours Monday from New Orleans, McCarthy has told the players to report Monday for meetings.

The players then will be off until the following Monday, Nov. 3.