A year ago this week, linebacker Bryan Cox was fined a record $87,500 by the NFL for making an obscene gesture at an official during a Packers victory at Soldier Field.
After the season opener this year at Green Bay, Cox was fined $10,000 by the Bears for his conduct, which included throwing his helmet.
So why do the Packers seem to bring out the worst in Cox?
“If you can’t beat a team, you may as well win the fight,” he said.
Conway impact: With Curtis Conway returning, it looks like Ricky Proehl will be the odd man out.
“It’s probably going to be Curtis, Bobby Engram and Chris Penn,” Wannstedt said. “Ricky Proehl’s work is going to be cut back. And Fabien Bownes is going to be out there because of the good job he’s doing on special teams.”
Line changes: After filling in at end for Alonzo Spellman last week, Carl Simpson will move back to tackle and Mark Thomas will see more time at end this Sunday.
“Last week, with (New Orleans tackle) Willie Roaf and some of the things they were doing in their running game, we thought Carl would give us a little more strength and experience over there, but I think it took away from Carl’s play, to be honest,” Wannstedt said. “It probably wasn’t a smart move on my part.”
On being 0-6: Being an NFL football player can be fun. Being an 0-6 NFL player can be something else.
“Everywhere you go, people remind you that you’re 0-6,” said defensive tackle Jim Flanigan. “It’s obviously difficult to be in the public eye, go out and try to have a life away from Halas Hall. But it’s something we brought on ourselves and now we have to do our best to win some games.”
Cox speaks: What is the worst part about being 0-6, Cox was asked.
“Losing, that’s the worst part,” he said. “As one player said, it almost makes you want to drive off the road, but the car won’t turn. . . . I really think we have a hex on us, we’re jinxed.”
Special-teamer: Another defensive lineman has become a starter on special teams besides his starting every-down duties. Defensive end John Thierry, 255 pounds with 4.5 speed, will come on Sunday with the No. 1 punt coverage team, a unit that has fallen to 29th in the NFL rankings.
“Just like my rookie year,” said Thierry, who was on most special teams in both 1994 playoff games.
Hurting: Tight end John Allred (ribs), center Chris Villarrial (leg) and center Casey Wiegman (shoulder) are already out of the Green Bay game, with guard Todd Burger (hamstring), cornerback James Burton (leg) and defensive end Alonzo Spellman (shoulder) listed as doubtful.
“It’s not a pain that I can play through,” Spellman said of his strained rotator cuff. “If it was, I’d be out there playing.”
Linebacker Ron Cox (knee) and safety Anthony Marshall (groin) are questionable and did not practice Wednesday. If Cox practices Thursday, he will start Sunday.
