McCarthy plans for most Packers starters to play half, 'excited' for Benson start
Next game: Thursday, August 23 at Cincinnati
Packers Gameday at 4:00 p.m. on Newsradio 620 WTMJ and during Live at 5 with the game broadcast also on TODAY'S TMJ4
The coach of the Green Bay Packers is taking Wednesday to make last minute preparations for a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals that will give his starters the greatest opportunity for a dress rehearsal.
Mike McCarthy tells Newsradio 620 WTMJ's "Wisconsin's Morning News" that he hopes many of his starters will get a full half of football in before they hit the bench for the rest of the game.
"The goal is to play the first half, but I'm sure there will be selected individuals that may not play the whole half," said McCarthy in his exclusive conversation on Newsradio 620 WTMJ.
"The way the game goes, everybody's situation is different. Greg (Jennings) and Jermichael (Finley), I don't know if they'll play the whole half."
He also discussed the fact that new running back Cedric Benson will see his first action in a Packers uniform, ironically against Benson's last team.
"I'm excited to see Cedric play. I'm more excited to see how far he has progressed as far as fitting into the offense, picking up terminology and playing at game speed. It's one thing to know your assignments in the classroom and on the practice field, but when you get to the game, everything is a lot faster."
McCarthy has to make his first series of cuts in an effort to slash his roster to 53 by the start of the regular season.
He recognizes that many of the choices his staff will have to make have to do with the often-forgotten aspect of special teams.
"Most of the time, these decisions are made because of the individual's value on special teams," said McCarthy.
"Special teams opportunities will be very important Thursday night."
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