Despite nagging injuries, Packers front 5 keeps Rodgers upright and gets run game going

The Green Bay Packers keep absorbing the hits on the offensive line.

But as far as the linemen are concerned, better that they take the blows than quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Front fives don't usually draw much attention. The Packers' highlight reel is typically filled with pinpoint passes from Rodgers to receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, and pinball runs by Eddie Lacy.

But it's difficult to overlook how the Packers' front has performed this season, especially with injuries nagging the line.

"The five that play together practice together each and every week give you the chance to be the most cohesive group," coach Mike McCarthy said. He pointed to a combination of talent, ability and continuity on the practice field as keys to success.

They haven't all been full participants at practice, though, for about six weeks.

T.J. Lang is playing with an ankle injury, while fellow guard Josh Sitton has a left toe injury. They've either missed practice, or been limited at times since each player got hurt in the 44-23 loss on Oct. 26 at New Orleans.

"Yeah, when (trainers) let him out of the building and go down to the Hutson Center, that's a good thing," McCarthy said.

The injuries started in the preseason, when swing tackle Don Barclay, who would have likely been the first lineman off the bench, had a season-ending knee injury.

J.C. Tretter was slated to start at center after last year's starter, Evan Dietrich-Smith, signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent. But Tretter injured an ankle two weeks before the season started, forcing rookie Corey Linsley into the starting lineup.

It turned out not to be a concern.

The Packers have allowed 28 sacks in 14 games, which ranks 13th. But there have been just seven sacks in the six games since the loss to the Saints in late October.

Green Bay ran for 179 yards on 30 carries two weeks ago against Atlanta, and 158 on 24 carries last week against Buffalo. They are the two highest rushing totals of the season.

"The cohesiveness just in the run blocking improves. The course, the footwork and course of the backs, it's better, they're playing a little faster," McCarthy said. "All those things — I just think when teams have a chance to continue to work each and every day together, you improve."

The fifth member of the starting unit is second-year left tackle David Bakhtiari, who has improved as the season has worn on.

"Timing is definitely everything," Lacy said about the running game. "It's about the way (defenders) angle to the blocks, where the defense flows, and there (are) a lot of different factors."

That includes the five beefy Packers on the offensive line.