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Packers' Sam Shields questionable for Falcons

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Sam Shields' availability for the Green Bay's game Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons is in question with the Packers cornerback yet to be cleared from a concussion.

Coach Mike McCarthy said that he would give Shields ''every opportunity'' to play against the Falcons. Shields was listed as questionable Saturday on the Packers' final injury report before the game.

The five-year veteran got hurt while making a tackle during the second quarter of last week's win over New England.

''You're either in the (concussion) protocol or you're not in the protocol,'' McCarthy said. ''Once the player comes out of that and he's cleared, then it becomes the decision of the coaching staff or in conversation with the player to see if he's ready to go.''

Certainly, the Packers would like to have Shields available against an Atlanta offense that gained 500 yards against Arizona last week.

The Falcons' receiving group, featuring Julio Jones, might be bolstered if veteran Roddy White can return from an ankle injury. White, who has 37 catches in his past five games, was listed as questionable after returning to practice as a limited participant Saturday.

However, cornerback might be the Packers' deepest group, with Shields partnering with Tramon Williams as starters. Davon House and Casey Hayward are capable backups.

Cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said he makes sure to give all his top players ample snaps on the practice field, so it's not as if the Packers are rushing to get the reserves ready.

''Those four guys get equal reps so the preparation hasn't been any different,'' Whitt said. ''All four guys have been on every top receiver and played well. I like what we have.''

Defensive tackle Mike Daniels (back), guards T.J. Lang (ankle) and Josh Sitton (toe) and outside linebacker Nick Perry (shoulder) are probable. Daniels, who is third on the team with four sacks, ''is going to be full strength'' for Monday, McCarthy said.

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AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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