NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers

Bears

Bears WR Allen Robinson (groin) referred to himself as being 100 percent healthy on Thursday, per Adam Jahns.

Robinson added that he and OLB Khalil Mack are excited to return from injury and help the team build on their 5-3 start to the season.

“It’s very exciting for us,” Robinson said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “For me and Khalil, it would have definitely been tough on us not being able to be out there, if we didn’t get the outcome that we wanted [and] put ourselves in a pretty tough position. But being able to step back on the field, being 5-3 and still on top of the division, it’s definitely a blessing.”

Lions

• Justin Rogers of the Detroit News considers veteran G T.J. Lang to be the “leading contender” when it comes to potential cap casualties for the Lions next year, given that they could pick up $9 million by releasing him.
• Some other names to watch as potential release candidates, according to Rodgers, include S Glover Quin, CB Nevin Lawson, RB Theo Riddick, LB Christian Jones, S Tavon Wilson and G Kenny Wiggins.

Packers

• Packers HC Mike McCarthy said Thursday that they plan to continue moving forward with Byron Bell at right guard, even though Justin McCray has “fully recovered” from his shoulder injury. (Michael Cohen)
• Packers DC Mike Pettine said of the changes being made at the safety position: “I see it as life in the NFL, whether it’s by transaction or injury, the landscape changes. Each week you hit the reset button. That’s the challenge of coaching. I think you lean on the coaching staff. They’ve done a good job.” (Tom Silverstein)
• Regarding the decision to cut S Jermaine Whitehead, Pettine said it was an organizational decision to move on from him and there were more factors involved than just being ejected during the Patriots’ game. (Michael Cohen)
• As for the down season from OLB Nick Perry, Pettine said: “I think it’s pretty clear the setback he had in the off-season (ankle) has affected him. He’s not 100%. I know he’s frustrated, but we’re not concerned about it.” (Tom Silverstein)