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Green Bay -- The Packers' depth will be challenged at St. Louis on Sunday as the team will be without nose tackle B.J. Raji (ankle), cornerback Sam Shields (shin/ankle), outside linebacker Nick Perry (knee) and wide receiver Greg Jennings (groin). All starters were ruled out by coach Mike McCarthy today.

McCarthy said Jennings is making progress and that the Packers are "hoping for next week." Raji went through an exam Friday morning and the team concluded that he wasn't ready to return yet. He missed last weekend's 42-24 win at Houston.

The defensive line did hold up well without its anchor against the Texans, particularly running back Arian Foster (1.7 yards per carry).

”I thought our defensive line set the tempo for the whole defense, particularly against a scheme that was different in Houston," McCarthy said. "The challenge will be clearly different this week. I thought our defensive line was outstanding in Houston and we're going to need that type of performance this week.”

Green Bay appears to have players in house at both cornerback and outside linebacker to weather the storm. Rookie Casey Hayward has three interceptions this season and Davon House (shoulder) is listed as probable. McCarthy called House's practice Thursday his best yet, adding "he's definitely close to being ready."

At outside linebacker, Erik Walden has half a sack this season but has been getting steady pressure.

"Erik Walden has definitely made a step from last year," McCarthy said. "Erik had a chance to go through an offseason program which he did not (in 2011). I think just the fact going through it from Day One, he's very comfortable in our scheme. I just love the way he plays. Physical. Brings an attitude that you can't have enough of on your football team. He's clearly playing better this year than he did last year.”

Also on the injury list are four players listed as probable in running back Alex Green, D.J. Williams, Jermichael Finley and safety Sean Richardson.