Eddie Lacy was the NFL offensive rookie of the year, but new Packers RB coach Sam Gash thinks he can teach him some things about advancing his career beyond first-year success.

"Just point him in the right direction and let him go," Gash said. "Just talk to him about the little things, the part about being a pro. He’s a young guy and he plays hard, but there’s an art to being a pro. I’m definitely not going to mess him up. That’s something I learned a long time, let runners run."

Gash said as soon as he got the job he called Lacy and introduced himself. He said he began watching some tape of Lacy recently and based on his conversation with the rookie and what he saw on tape, he said he thought there were similarities between Lacy and Curtis Martin.

"Even though he’s bigger, same mentality," Gash said. "Curtis didn’t like watching football. If anybody watched his Hall of Fame speech, he was a guy who didn’t necessarily like watching football, but he was instinctive and just a great player.

"Eddie is pretty similar in his mentality. But you watch him on film, which I’m just starting to do, he’s an exciting prospect."

Lacy finished as the #7 RB in his rookie season and did it in essentially 14 games. Removing Week 2 (where he was concussed and only carried the ball once), Lacy averaged 14.9 fantasy points, which is the 6th-best average, just behind Adrian Peterson. He is a great talent and plays in a potent offense that should be even better in 2014 with a (hopefully) healthy Aaron Rodgers under center.

The Giants have hired former Green Bay quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo as their next offensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed.

McAdoo, 36, has seen his star rise over the past few seasons as a tight ends coach and quarterbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers. He signed a two-year deal with the Giants.

McAdoo comes highly recommended by Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and it sounds like multiple teams heeded that advice. McAdoo had an interview with the Dolphins today and was on his way to Baltimore next

McAdoo is a Mike McCarthy disciple so expect to see a similar philosophy as he takes over the Giants' offense.

Packer's RB Eddie Lacy's ankle came out of game "much better" than last week. Happy to get extra day for his team rather than playing Saturday.

He could be a decent play against the 49ers run defense - which has improved in the rankings the second half of the season. But, Aaron Rodgers back at QB should help to open up the running game a bit.

Packers Inactives
Chris Harper WR
Brad Jones ILB
Clay Matthews OLB
Jumal Rolle DB
Lane Taylor G
JC Tretter T
C.J. Wilson DE

Aaron Rodgers returns at QB for the Packers, good news for the entire offense. Eddie Lacy is active as expected in a fantastic matchup. Randall Cobb returns, but will likely be used in a limited role in his first game back.

It's not just Aaron Rodgers the Packers could get back on Sunday. Star wideout Randall Cobb, missing since Week 6 because of a broken leg, was activated from the injured reserve on Saturday.

Cobb is officially listed as "questionable" for Week 17's win-or-go-home matchup against the Bears and it sure makes sense that he would be activated today for the purpose of playing on Sunday.

Cobb was apparently close to playing last week so things look pretty good for this week. There's a good chance his role would be limited in some way, but may still get on the field in the red zone or third downs. Of course, Aaron Rodgers will get the start at QB. He's a risky start in your typical league but in deeper leagues could be a sneaky play.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Rodgers has been cleared to play and will start against the Bears in a must-win game. It’s an upgrade for the entire Packer offense, particularly the receivers.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Rodgers has been cleared to play and will start against the Bears in a must-win game. It’s an upgrade for the entire Packer offense, particularly the receivers.

At Thursday's press conference, Packers HC Mike McCarthy said at QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone) will start against the Bears in Week 17.

This is obviously a big boost for the entire Green Bay offense, specifically the receiving corps. Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Jarrett Boykin will all be startable against a leaky Bears defense.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers took 1st rep in every drill during open part of practice. Those usually go to the starter but we didn't see 11-on-11s.

As Demovsky stated, the media didn't see the 11-on-11 drill, which is a better indicator of QB pecking order. However, this is the first time that Rodgers has been ahead of Flynn in any drills since the injury, so it's an encouraging sign. We're now cautiously optimistic that he'll make his return against the Bears, the same team that broke his collarbone.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers said a decision will be definitive one way or another on Thursday.

The Packers play in a game for the division title and a trip to the playoffs, but the good news seems to be we'll know well in advance of Sunday afternoon's game. It would be hard not to start Rodgers if you're league is playing in Week 17, especially coming off last week's blowout the Eagles put on the Bears. Stay tuned...