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shocked when we started watching tape on him. He's running the ball real hard and he's breaking a lot of tackles.
• "You just don't expect to see him do the things he's doing," Pickett added. "This is probably one of his better years he's ever had. He's running the ball great. We were watching the run cut-ups and it's like a highlight reel. I'm like, 'Wow, what is this?' He's averaging almost 6 yards a carry. That's unheard of."
• If Wilson doesn't play, the Packers will lean on rookies Mike Daniels and Jerel Worthy, who filled in after Wilson got hurt against the Giants.
• Welcome to the big time, kids!
• "We'll have to have the young guys step up," Pickett said. "They've been stepping up all year, they'll have to again."
• When it comes to stopping Peterson, though, it really is a job for the entire defense.
• He's savvy and slick enough to find even the smallest of holes, and he'll make anyone who leaves his assignment look silly. He's also guaranteed to make at least one guy miss every play, so there'd better be a second wave ready to stop him. Third and fourth wave, too, and probably a fifth just for good measure.
• It sounds like a defensive lineman's nightmare -- and Pickett can't wait for it.
• "I like playing against this, this is a challenge. A big challenge," he said. "He's the leading rusher in the league right now and it's the Vikings. And we don't like the Vikings. It's an extra push to get ready for this game."
• Notes: Matthews did not practice Wednesday and coach Mike McCarthy said he thinks it's "a stretch" the linebacker would be ready for Sunday's game. But "he's getting close," McCarthy said. "He wants the opportunity to talk again on Friday." ... McCarthy said RB Cedric Benson was being re-evaluated Wednesday. Benson has been on the injured reserve, eligible to return list since Oct. 10, but is reportedly still considering surgery on his injured foot. ... The Packers have won nine straight games against NFC North opponents. Asked to explain their divisional success, McCarthy joked, "Coaching."
•

• RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) -- Friends and family honored four South Dakota National Guard soldiers heading to Afghanistan during a deployment ceremony Wednesday.
• The ceremony for the four soldiers with the 1978th Contingency Contracting Team took place Wednesday morning at the Duke Corning Armory in Rapid City.

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