Evan Dietrich-Smith

Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith said Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh called to apologize a couple of days after stomping on him during the team’s Thanksgiving Day game, and he’s ready to move on. The teams meet again Sunday in the season finale, and Dietrich-Smith refused to make the incident an issue.

“We talked, he said, ‘Sorry,’ and I said, ‘No big deal,’ “ Dietrich-Smith said. “That was about it. … I think we’ve all moved past it. It’s a big learning experience for everybody. I think everyone in the league can take note of everything. I think every player is going to take a step forward to move past that kind of stuff.”

Added Dietrich-Smith: “That stuff happens, it’s football. It’s an emotional game. Sometimes you get carried away. You learn from those kinds of things.”

Thanksgiving marked the first start for Dietrich-Smith, who was filling in for injured right guard Josh Sitton. Since the game, Dietrich-Smith has moved around on the Packers line but remains a starter.

The Super Bowl champion Packers participated in an annual visit to the White House Friday, all except inside linebacker Desmond Bishop. Bishop left his identification on a plane and was unable to meet president Barack Obama.

Bishop shared this news himself via Twitter: “Just found some extra motivation tweeples. I forgot my id on plane so won’t get access to see @barackobama .. This time! But next year … Tho dissapointed, i ll live vicariously thru my fellow Teammates.. Nap time.. As jack reacher wud say “sleep wen u can..”

Bishop and the Packers kick off their 2011 season September 8 when the Saints come to Lambeau Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Theoretically speaking, teams aren’t supposed to be contacting their players in any form during the ongoing NFL lockout. However that being said, the Packers are reportedly telling their players that they should prepare themselves for a team meeting this Saturday, assuming the lockout is lifted at that time, according to a report by Mike Florio of NBCSports.com’s Pro Football Talk.

This news comes as just the latest in a long line of signs that both sides expect a resolution to the labor situation in the NFL this week but is certainly the first time any team has been rumored to tell its players when to report back to team facilities.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘ status for Sunday’s game against the Patriots will not be updated until Wednesday or Thursday, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Monday. Rodgers suffered his second concussion this season, late in the second quarter Sunday in the team’s 7-3 to the Lions.

“We’re not going to take any chances,” McCarthy said. “It’s no different than on game day. When it became an issue — was he clear, wasn’t he clear — we pulled him immediately. We’ll err on the side of caution.”

If Rodgers can’t play, the Packers will start third-year quarterback Matt Flynn. The LSU product has made 27 appearances, with no career touchdowns and two interceptions on 46 passing attempts. Flynn went 15-of-26 for 177 yards and one interception against the Lions.

“Matt did some good things,” McCarthy said. “He missed some throws. Probably the biggest criticism I have. He was productive as far as moving the offense. We didn’t help him as far as the run game and the protection was not a positive. He made some throws and he missed some throws.”

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sidelined with a concussion in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against Detroit. Rodgers suffered the concussion on the field after his head hit the ground while running downfield. Lions linebacker Landon Johnson tackled Rodgers at the end of his 18-yard run although Rogers remained in the game for the possession.

Rodgers was sacked on the next play and was replaced by backup Matt Flynn on the next possession. Entering the game, Rodgers was putting on another spectacular season with a completion rate of 65.4% for 3,243 yards, 23 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Rodgers struggled against Detroit, throwing for 46 yards and one interception while failing to help the Packers score against the Lions. The teams entered the half at 0-0.

San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis left the team’s game against the Broncos with an injured ankle. The return of the dynamic tight end is doubtful. Davis has been struggling with an ankle injury in recent weeks.

Starting quarterback Troy Smith was expected to rely on Davis heavily in his first start with the 49ers but the two only connected on one pass for 12 yards before Davis suffered the injury. Entering the game, Davis led the 49ers with 422 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.

The Green Bay Packers have another injury to worry about. Donald Driver left the team’s Week 8 game against the Jets with a quad injury. Driver’s return is doubtful and the Packers could lose another key player in their offense. Driver has 28 receptions for 307 yards and three touchdowns on the season.

The Packers entered 2010 as a popular pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl while boasting a potent passing attack and a relentless defense led by coordinator Dom Capers. Five weeks into the regular season, the Packers are missing some key personnel thanks to early injuries. Starting running back Ryan Grant was placed on injured reserve after a Week 1 game against the Eagles left him with a season ending ankle injury. Starting safety Morgan Burnett was also placed on IR after suffering a torn ACL in Week 4.

The most recent addition to the Packers’ injured reserve is Nick Barnett who underwent surgery to repair an injured wrist, reports FanHouse. Coaches and doctors had been optimistic for Barnett’s return in 2o10 but his placement on injured reserve means that Barnett will miss the entire season for Green Bay.

If injuries to key players on offense and defense wasn’t enough, the Packers are still waiting to hear if starting tight end Jermichael Finley will be able to return to the team after suffering a knee injury against the Redskins. Finley had emerged as one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ top targets with 21 receptions for 301 yards and one touchdown through the first four weeks of the season. Reports have indicated that Finley’s injury is more serious than originally though, which could mean the tight end is the next addition to the Packers’ injured reserve list.

Rogers received a concussion at the end of the 16-13 loss to the Redskins. It was the first concussion of Rogers’ career. Rogers passed all the concussion tests this week and participated in full practice on Friday, reports ESPN. Coach Mike McCarthy ruled the 26-year-old quarterback as probable for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.

Other injury reports for Sunday’s game include right tackle Mark Tauscher (knee), linebacker Brandon Chillar (shoulder), and linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) who are all doubtful to play against the Dolphins.

Defensive linemen Ryan Pickett (ankle) and Mike Neal (shoulder) are questionable for the Packers as well.

Luckily for the Packers, Rogers is not the only injured player expected to return to the team against the Dolphins. Wide receiver Donald Driver, defensive end Cullen Jenkins (hamstring and hand), tackle Chad Clifton (knee), cornerback Charles Woodson (toe) and tight end Donald Lee (chest) are all probable for Sunday.

The Packers are 3-2, second in the NFC North behind the Bears.

Another big impact player will be absent from today’s game between the Packers and Redskins, reports Yahoo! Sports.

Green Bay tight end Jermichael Finley was carted off the field on the Packers’ second offensive play of the game. The cause of the injury is mostly unclear but Finley seemingly injured himself on an attempted tackled after Washington safety Karrem Moore returned a Green Bay fumble.

Finley was attended to on the field before a cart took him off of the field.

Finley has been a major weapon in the Green Bay passing attack led by quarterback Aaron Rogers. Finley entered Sunday’s game leading NFC tight ends with 301 yards receiving. His return is questionable and the extent of his injury is not clear at the moment but it appears to be a knee injury that sidelined Finley on the play.

It used to be that Halloween was the one day an adult could put on a costume and walk around in public and not be ridiculed. While that may still be true, more recently Sunday has become a day for adults to play “dress up” as well. From September to February, Sundays, Mondays, and some Thursdays have also become costume days for some people. That’s right, we’re talking football season and those Super Fans who take their passion for their team to the next level. Since Halloween is tomorrow, let’s take a look at some of the more colorful football fans.

Oakland Raiders – Black Hole

You have to respect a fan base that dresses in football pads with spikes on them, skulls and black and silver face paint. Their “Black Hole” is infamous and notorious for making opposing kickers miss chip shot field goals. It’s just too bad they don’t have a better team to cheer.

Denver Broncos – Barrel Man

You have to love this. Quick breakdown: Cowboy hat, check. Megaphone to lead cheers, check. Winter gloves, check. No shirt, check. The mark of a true fan is how few clothes you wear depending on how cold the weather is. The Barrel Man is clearly a true fan. It takes a special commitment to only wear a barrel to a game played a mile above sea level.

Green Bay – Pope of Packerland

This fan pays attention to the details. First, he has the appropriate vestments for a Roman Catholic pope. Notice the years listed on the stole, years the Packers won a championship. His mitre (pointy hat) has an image of Vince Lombardi. If you worship the Packers, is Lombardi the messiah? One question. Where do you get a “cheese” bra?

Cleveland Browns – Dawg Pound

Face paint is a mark of a true fan. A mask is along the same lines. The Dawg Pound is much like the Black Hole in its rowdiness but with less of an effect. Much respect to those who count themselves among the Dawg Pound, but when you cheer for the Browns it’s understandable why they wear masks.

Washington Redskins – The Hogs

Men in dresses wearing pig snouts. There is not much more to say about it. The origin of the Hogs actually has nothing to do with fans. It refers to their famous offensive line from the early 80s. These days the hogs in the stands seem to be more entertaining than those on the field.

New York Jets – Fireman Ed

He might be the ultimate fan. His costume is simple, a Jets jersey and a Jets-themed firefighter helmet. But his influence is legendary. Fireman Ed, who is actually a fireman, leads the famous Jets cheer “J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets! Jets!” In fact he’s so well known for his role in cheering the team that Coach Rex Ryan recognized his work after the week two win against the Patriots.

Super Fans can often add to the experience of going to a game. It’s interesting that the most memorable super fans cheer for teams that don’t do well, but perhaps when your team is in the cellar, you have to find other ways to entertain yourself. Did we miss a super fan? Let us know!