Lacy, others probable as Packers chase playoff berth with visit to Tampa bay up first

GREEN BAY, Wis. — With two games left, the Green Bay Packers are playing to win out.

Green Bay (10-4) can lock up a sixth-straight postseason berth as early as Sunday, when it plays at Tampa Bay (2-12), the last-place team in the NFC South.

"We are close to the playoffs, and we do have to buckle down and focus on the task at hand," running back Eddie Lacy said.

The Packers, who are tied for the NFC North lead with the Detroit Lions at 10-4, have their eyes on getting at least a No. 2 seed in the conference that would give them a first-round bye in the playoffs.

They are counting on Lacy to be ready to go Sunday in the warm Florida air after Sunday's mistake-filled 21-13 loss at Buffalo. Lacy, who has been bothered this week by an irritated eye caused by a contact lens, is probable to play.

"I took my contact out, and I guess it just got super irritated," Lacy said.

Lacy, who needs 60 rushing yards for his second straight 1,000-yard season, prefers to wear contacts in the game, rather than goggles.

The Packers, who didn't practice Friday, also listed linebackers Clay Matthews (biceps), Mike Neal (abdomen) and Nick Perry (shoulder) and offensive guards T.J. Lang (ankle) and Josh Sitton (toe) as probable for the Buccaneers game.

Right tackle Bryan Bulaga continues to go through the league-required testing protocol after suffering a concussion in Green Bay's game against Buffalo. Bulaga is questionable to play the Buccaneers.

"As we say in here all of the time, you're either a part of the protocol or you're not a part of the protocol," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's still in it, and he's making progress."

In the locker room Friday, Bulaga indicated he's close to completing the evaluation process for players who have head injuries. Bulaga said he had to pass a couple more steps in testing before he can be cleared by an independent neurologist to resume playing.

"I think we're on a good track right now," Bulaga said. "So we'll see what comes about tomorrow and go from there."

Young prospect JC Tretter filled in for Bulaga the rest of the game and has been getting the starter reps in practice this week in case a lineup change has to be made.