Banjo moving up the depth chart

[FIVE-O-FAN]

Green Bay --- Green Bay's safeties have seen (much) better days. Both M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian had rough moments throughout the Packers' 34-28 loss last weekend.

Starter Morgan Burnett (hamstring) was back at practice on a limited basis Wednesday. But, as last week showed, that doesn't guarantee he'll play against Washington this weekend. Coach Mike McCarthy said he wasn't sure if Burnett would be ready for not.

So no shocker here, but Chris Banjo could see more action.

"As far as what, if or when his opportunity comes," McCarthy said, "that’s what the games are for. We’re definitely getting him ready."

He hasn't gotten word if he'll see more playing time yet, but Banjo says he's staying prepared.

“Nothing specific but our coaches always stress that whoever’s out there has to know what they’re doing and do their job well," Banjo said. "So whether I get one snap or 200 snaps, I have to make sure that I’m prepared and ready to go.”

In Green Bay's loss Sunday, San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick victimized both Jennings and McMillian. Among the miscues, Jennings took a poor angle on Vernon Davis' 20-yard reception and McMillian missed too many tackles. The second-year safety from Maine swung and missed on Anquan Boldin's 10-yard touchdown and the receiver's crucial 43-yarder late.

Banjo is a raw player himself, having spent last year out of football. But, above all, his tackling stood out during the summer. He finished second on the team with 13 tackles in the preseason, excelling near the line of scrimmage in the finale at Kansas City. Banjo said Wednesday that tackling is something he has always taken pride in.

Open-field takedowns of 220-pound wideouts like Boldin is not easy as last weekend showed.

For Green Bay, Sunday was a flashback to a 2011 season littered with missed tackles.

“What a lot of people don’t realize — obviously missed tackles don’t look good — but a lot of people don’t realize that these guys get paid to make us miss tackles," Banjo said. "At the same time, we have to come ready. We have to come with the basics and fundamentals to put these guys on the ground, no matter what way we get them down. We have to get them down. Those are the things we have to fix this week in practice.”

As for if he's ready to step into a much faster game, Banjo said "I really have no choice."

"Being on any roster in the NFL, part of the 53, you have to be ready," Banjo said. "You have to be ready to come in and step in and do your job. That’s what we’re all getting paid to do. Regardless of how I feel about it, I have to be ready.”

Green Bay's plans at safety depend on Burnett's health. Hamstring injuries can take time to heal.

To McMillian's credit, he's preparing for anything as well. Against Washington, he might be on a shorter leash.

"It was missed tackles for me," McMillian said. "That's it, really. Missed tackles. It's clear and cut. I just have to be stronger at the point of attack when I do come to tackle."

[SMU 86]

Go get'em Chris.

[cutter]

very cool.

[ponyboy]

The Mustangs' success in the NFL is truly amazing. So glad for Chris.

[Mustangsabu]

I love reading stuff like this.

[JoeKidd]

Can't get enough of good stories on our 'Stangs in the league. I hope Banjo gets some PT this upcoming week.