Packers could get Chad Clifton back in early December

Some help could be on the way for Aaron Rodgers.

It’s not as if the Green Bay Packers quarterback needs it, but he was hit around pretty good in Monday’s demolition of the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Rodgers has been sacked 16 times in the last five games and absorbed some big blows in the 45-7 victory.

Veteran left tackle Chad Clifton could be back just in time to find a groove before the playoffs begin. According to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Clifton might be ready for the Dec. 4 game when the Packers play the New York Giants. That’s if everything stays on schedule for Clifton, who has been sidelined since suffering a badly pulled hamstring muscle Oct. 9 at Atlanta.

Marshall Newhouse has been filling in while Clifton has been sidelined. It’s not ideal, but the offense is certainly rolling. But pass protection is a bit of an issue.

"I probably stood here July 28 and told you that's one of the things we looked at in the off-season that we've got to do a better job at. I probably said it Oct. 5 and it's Nov. 15 and I'm still saying it," offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said. "That's a big thorn in our side right now. We've got to do a better job there, because that stuff catches up to you. You can't overcome that stuff. The more negative plays that you have, the tougher it becomes."

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

