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GREEN BAY, Wis. Latavius Murray Jersey . -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will likely enter the regular season having played the fewest preseason snaps of his time as a starter. Coach Mike McCarthy, quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo and Rodgers were mum on whether hell play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday in the preseason finale. Rodgers would have to play deep into the game to get his snap count up to match the previous five years, and the Packers arent going to risk their franchise quarterback. "Were going to make sure Aarons ready," McAdoo said after practice Monday, when Rodgers ran the scout-team offence along with a host of other starters, indicating he may not play at all against the Chiefs. "We have a plan for it." So far this preseason, Rodgers has played 45 snaps in five offensive series. Hes completed 17 of 24 passes (70.8 per cent) for 237 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, one sack and a passer rating of 102.3. In last weeks loss to Seattle in the third preseason game, which is traditionally when the starters play the longest, Rodgers played only one series and 10 snaps. Rodgers played six possessions and 41 snaps in the Packers third preseason game last year at Cincinnati. McCarthy wouldnt say whether Rodgers will play only one series or not at all against the Chiefs. "Not to avoid the question, (but) its important to get the work tomorrow before we set on exactly who will play," he said. But McCarthy did say he believes Rodgers is prepared to face the 49ers if he doesnt take another snap in a game. "Id say Aarons in his game ready shape. Hes been very sharp," McCarthy said. "I feel very confident that Aarons ready to go." When Rodgers ascended to the starting job in 2008 after three years behind Brett Favre, he played 16 series and 93 snaps in four preseason games. In the preseason finale against Tennessee that year, he played just one snap, throwing a 68-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings on the opening play. The past four years, his snap counts have been almost the same every year -- 77 in 13 series 2009, 78 in 13 series 2010, 75 in 12 series in 2011 and 79 in 14 series last summer -- even though McCarthy has gone a variety of ways in the finale. Rodgers didnt play at all in the 2010 finale against the Chiefs; he played one series each against them in 2011 (eight snaps) and played two series in 2012 (seven snaps, including three straight handoffs in the second series). "What did Mike say? He thinks Im ready for the season opener? Then Im ready to play," Rodgers replied when asked if he felt he need to play Thursday night. "Its up to Mike. If Mike wants to get us another drive or two or three, then well do it. Weve taken a couple reps this week working on Kansas City stuff. Its up to him." Rodgers seemed to thoroughly enjoy working on the look team in practice Monday, reprising his role from his time as a backup, and he did get some quality work in at the No. 1 defences expense. Not only did he go over the top of defensive co-ordinator Dom Capers group for a 40-yard touchdown to wide receiver Jordy Nelson, but he also made a few adjustments at the line of scrimmage -- a no-no when youre supposed to be running the upcoming opponents plays as diagrammed on a card -- on a touchdown throw to Randall Cobb and another play. With Cobb (biceps) and Nelson (knee) having each missed the first three preseason games with injuries, Rodgers said working with them on the scout team was valuable because theyve been out so long. "Its important for us to find some time to get some reps in. Weve (only) been throwing on the side a little bit," Rodgers said. "Thats going to be our opportunities before the season starts. Were going to have to find that connection here in the next couple of weeks." NOTES: The Packers went from three kickers to two when they released Giorgio Tavecchio, who had competed with incumbent Mason Crosby throughout camp until Zach Ramirez signed Sunday. McCarthy did not rule out the possibility of Tavecchio returning, however. "I told him in a meeting really hes still part of the competition," McCarthy said. . Crosby and Ramirez will go head-to-head in practice on Tuesday, McCarthy said. ... Cornerback Tramon Williams, out since July 27 with a bone bruise in his knee, was back in action, working on the scout-team defence. "I still dont want to go out and say that I will be there Week 1 but for me to be out here now, I think its definitely a possibility," Williams said. ... McCarthy said running back DuJuan Harris, who reinjured his knee against Seattle, is getting a second opinion. ... Inside linebacker Brad Jones (hamstring) was ruled out for Thursday nights game. Vincent Brown Jersey .C. - Phoenix Suns coach Jeff Hornacek says guard Goran Dragic will return to the starting lineup against the Charlotte Hornets after missing the last two games with a strained back. D.J.Hayden Jersey . The stakes were higher, the competition more fierce and the atmosphere was that of a playoff game - something the young, upstart Raptors have five weeks to better prepare themselves for or the result will be eerily similar. http://www.proraidersauthentic.com/authentic-fred-biletnikoff-raiders-jersey/ . While the pair of Spain internationals return, midfielder Xavi Hernandez will not be included in the squad after failing to recover from a muscle strain to his left leg.Oklahoma City Thunder• Western Conference #2 seed | Season record: 59-23BACKDROP: As my buddy Jezmund refers to him, Kevin Durant is my business card. He is the face of the Thunder and has been since they made the move from Seattle six seasons ago. When I first glimpsed Kevin Durant play for the Texas Longhorns, I, and others blessed with the gift of sight, knew he was a superstar. He was to become my new Dominique Wilkins, AKA The Guy I Pinned My Hopes On. While on my stag in Las Vegas, I met Kevin in a library (picture attached). At the same literary function, Lebron James, just a few days removed from The Decision, had dined at the table next to mine, and was now watching an underpaid busboy zipline above the, oh, lets say microfiche, in a freshly minted Miami #6 jersey, while Durant roamed the room without entourage, looking like the worlds tallest Abercrombie salesman. I felt comfortable in my choice of next generation icons.CURRENT TEAM: Durant, the newly crowned MVP of the league, is unquestionably the face of the franchise according to everyone not named Russell Westbrook. Born without a brake pedal or a conscience, Russell likes to shoot the rock. These two alpha dogs have had difficulty meshing when it counts most, suffering five game dispatches the past three seasons, including 2012s Finals loss to Miami. Unlike the ongoing question which arises every postseason— "Why isnt the ball in KDs hands?"—now the team has a more desperate problem. Third banana, Serge Ibaka, a superstar in his own right as a two time 1st Team All Defender is out for the remainder of the playoffs. Expect gritty play from Steven Adams and Nick Collison, but it will be hard sledding against Tim Duncan to overcome losing the best shot blocker in the game.WHY ROOT FOR THEM: Beyond the sky-high likeability factor of Durantula, you may not want to root against a team that seems to have this years lucky streak on its side. Despite Ibakas injury, a ton has gone right for OKC in surprising ways this postseason, and perhaps after years of being labeled with the "next great team" status, the lords of basketball have decided for the breaks to go to tornado country. The Thunder were handed a gift when Zach Randolph was suspended for the final game of the Memphis series (a terrible decision by the league—if this was 1990, he may not have even been called for a foul). Then there was the bizarrely botched officiating at the end of Game 5 versus the Clippers, which effectively handed the game to OKC, and shifted the tide in the series. Do you really want to bet against the team with the best sixth man since James Harden? (That sixth man being the officiating crew.)Indiana Pacers• Eastern Conference #1 seed | Season record: 56-26BACKDROP: The state of Indiana is synonymous with basketball, even if the pro team has never won a title. Gene Hackman and his Hoosiers. Bobby Knight and his temper. Larry Bird and his hair. But the Pacers havent had a compelling national brand since Reggie Miller exchanged pleasantries with a courtside Spike Lee. Last year, for the first time without Reggie on the roster, the Pacers emerged under Paul George as a genuine force, making the Eastern Conference Finals, where they would lose to Miami in a slug-it-out seven game affair. They knew they were young and they were close. By mid-January of this year, they were the best team on the planet. Then something happened...CURRENT TEAM: The Trade. Before Larry Legend swapped the once face of the fraanchise, Danny Granger, for the overrated Evan Turner, the Pacers had the leagues best record at 42-13. Miles Burris Jersey. After the trade, 14-13. They acquired Turner because bench play was the teams undoing in 2013 and making moves to strengthen it were necessary and advised. But whether it was the fault of Turner or other personalities in the locker room, the team unraveled (Turner and fellow Pacer, and known irritant, Lance "Born Ready" Stephenson, engaged in a fist fight last month, marking a nadir in the teams descent). Defence, the hallmark of the team, suddenly faltered. The offence stalled. Only recently has David West emerged as the emotional leader, and the team has clawed its way against lesser Eastern Conference opponents to the third round. Cue the rematch.(Sidenote: Top picks Lebron James, Tim Duncan, and near top picks Durant, Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, etc., havent been the signature of these Pacers. Indiana hasnt selected above the #10 spot since George McCloud in 1989. Evan Turner, selected second overall by the 76ers, was the teams first foray into the top of the draft in many years. Paul George was taken at 10, Hibbert at 17. West, 18. Stephenson, 40. Scola, 56. I havent worked out this theory entirely, but I think Turners draft slot impacted the Pacers internal harmony.)WHY ROOT FOR THEM: Because you want to join me in rooting for the current member of "Team 29". You may never tack a picture of David West up on your wall, but you can still look yourself in the mirror with pride after rooting for him. The same cannot be said for Dwyane Wade.Miami Heat• Eastern Conference #2 seed | Season record: 54-28BACKDROP: Sadly, it is possible that one day we will argue over whether The King, blessed be He, correctly predicted winning seven or eight titles. Ugh. The Heat. Two-time defending champs. Three-time finalists. All time cocky bastards. The road team, but still heavy favourites to win the series. Further proof that the city of Miami is the Cosmo Kramer of the sports world—falling ass backwards into success. The fans ignore their losing teams, barely support their winning teams, and they still win championships (even the Florida Panthers have played for a Stanley Cup more recently than the Maple Leafs).CURRENT TEAM: Lebron James and fourteen other people paid to play (and often witness) basketball near Lebron James. As the lone quasi-big market team left among the final four, Im certain Adam Silver and the NBA brass (read: broadcasters) want to see the Heat in the Finals (read into that however you like, scholars of NBA officiating). This Heat team isnt as deep as seasons past, but in the final year of guaranteed contracts for the infamous Big 3, they still have plenty of firepower, as their solitary playoff loss attests.WHY ROOT FOR THEM: When you watch Die Hard, you root for Hans Gruber to get back his detonators. If an elderly man slips into a silt-soaked puddle, you chuckle. While others cheer for the upstart Rocky Balboa, you find yourself more of an Apollo Creed booster. You are reading this on a Samsung Galaxy. You thought Bambis mother had it coming. Welcome to your Miami Heat years.Gallays Poll #10Q: Who will you be rooting for?(A) San Antonio. Because a fifth championship would cement them for all time.(B) Oklahoma City. Because Kevin Durant was the MVP for a reason.(C) Indiana. Because Larry Legend is due for a return to the winners podium.(D) Miami. Because I need something to do when Im not kicking kittens. Wholesale NFL Jerseys ' ' '