It may be weeks before Tauscher’s return; Jennings issues challenge to teammates

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It might be a couple weeks before Mark Tauscher returns to the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line.

The veteran right tackle signed a new one-year contract Monday, after coming off surgery for a torn ACL ligament in his left knee last December.

Tauscher, 32, says he’s getting the rust out and he has no expectations about when he can play.

He’s been rehabbing and working out. But coach Mike McCarthy says there’s a difference between being in rehab shape and football shape.

Tauscher performed the individual drills at Monday’s practice, but not the team drills.

The nine-year veteran could suit up for the Oct. 25 game at Cleveland.

But it’s more likely that Tauscher won’t ready until Nov. 1, when the Pack hosts Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.

In the meantime, McCarthy says the right tackle job is Allen Barbre’s to lose – and it’s Barbre’s responsibility to step up and keep it.

Meanwhile, Daryn Colledge will return to left guard for this Sunday’s home game against Detroit.

He’s been filling in at left tackle for the injured Chad Clifton.

McCarthy says Clifton must have at least two good practices this week in order to return on Sunday.

If he can’t play, rookie T.J. Lang could get the start.

Packers’ receiver Greg Jennings hasn’t gotten the ball as much this year, partially because of the offensive line’s problems and the 20 sacks to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Monday, Jennings issued a public challenge to his teammates when he said “When we get the ball in our hands, we make plays.”

And if pass protection is still a problem, he says pressure should be taken off the line.

Jennings made it clear he wasn’t giving a Terrell Owens or Keyshawn Johnson-type rant.

Still, the fourth-year pro is clearly frustrated that his numbers are only about half what they were at this time a year ago.

Jennings has 11 catches for 240 yards and a touchdown.

He ranks 30th in the NFL in receiving yards, and is tied for 71st in the number of catches, after signing a contract extension last winter which made him the eighth-highest-paid wideout in the league.

Jennings says he’s not drawing double-teams, so it’s not like the defenses are hog-tying him.

Also, Jennings says he and his fellow receivers can do their part by hanging onto the ball.

The Packers lead the NFL with 14 dropped catches.

The wide-outs have dropped 10.

Tags: wi sports, packers, football