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Packers rule out RG T.J. Lang, LB Jake Ryan against Redskins

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers have lost their second starting offensive lineman to injury but should see another return on Sunday. And their already thin inside linebacker group just got thinner.

Coach Mike McCarthy ruled out right guard T.J. Lang and linebacker Jake Ryan for Sunday's game at Washington. Both left last week's loss at Tennessee because of ankle injuries. Lang, who had his left ankle rolled into on the Packers' fourth play from scrimmage last week, joined opening day starting center JC Tretter on the list of linemen who won't be available against the Redskins. Don Barclay will start in place of Lang, and Corey Linsley has started the past two games in place of Tretter.

Amid the injuries, however, right tackle David Bakhtiari is expected to return this week after dropping out against the Titans because of a right knee injury. Bakhtiari has been practicing with a brace on his right knee this week.

"Bakhtiari looks good," McCarthy said Friday. "I have no concerns."

With the loss of Ryan, the Packers will have only two available inside linebackers -- Blake Martinez and Joe Thomas -- unless they make a roster move.

McCarthy wouldn't say whether he might use Clay Matthews at inside linebacker, but at least Matthews looks on track to return after missing the past three games because of a hamstring injury.

"I feel good, I feel healthy, and I plan on being out there, barring any setbacks," Matthews said after Thursday's practice.

Matthews was on track to return two weeks ago but experienced a setback.

Tight end Jared Cook, who hasn't played since his Week 3 ankle injury, also looks likely to play.

"So far so good," McCarthy said Friday. "I look at Jared and Clay in a similar fashion. I thought they came out of the practice yesterday and did some good things. Today and tomorrow hopefully we're progressing to those guys playing on Sunday."

The Packers (4-5) have lost three straight games and four of their past five but remain only one game out of first place in the NFC North.