The Packers had a sneaking suspicion they would have to play without defensive end Johnny Jolly.

Maybe not the entire 2010 season—as is the profound case for Jolly, whom the NFL suspended indefinitely July 16 for violating its substance-abuse policy—but Green Bay braced itself for the prospect of a lengthy absence.

Now that Jolly won’t be able to apply for reinstatement until after Super Bowl XLV in February, the Packers’ moves during the offseason made sense.

They used a high pick on a defensive end in the April draft, taking Purdue’s Mike Neal in the second round.

With Jolly nowhere in sight on the practice field, the team shifted previously entrenched nose tackle Ryan Pickett to Jolly’s starting spot at left end, enabling 2009 first-round…

GREEN BAY, Wis. - As the only NFL team required to disclose its financial information to the public, the Green Bay Packers have become Exhibit A amid rising tensions between owners and players over a new collective bargaining agreement.

As the only NFL team required to disclose its financial information to the public, the Green Bay Packers have become Exhibit A amid rising tensions between owners and players over a new collective bargaining agreement. Just don't expect other teams to open up their books in an attempt to make the owners' case.

By CHRIS JENKINS AP Sports Writer

Several times a week, The Trenches will present team reports from Sporting News' 32 NFL correspondents.