Texas-size dream comes true
Montgomery grew up in Dallas
Green Bay — Former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith was on the verge of history when Ty Montgomery’s Pop Warner team played a halftime scrimmage at Texas Stadium in 2002.
Montgomery, the Green Bay Packers’ starting running back, remembers breaking a 60-yard touchdown run in the scrimmage.
“I went right up the middle,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery also remembers a shorter run in the fourth quarter. Smith took a handoff and picked up 11 yards over the left guard, breaking Walter Payton’s record to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher.
It wasn’t the only time Montgomery has watched the Cowboys play in Dallas. When he was growing up there, Montgomery would work a small, side concession stand at Texas Stadium, selling hot dogs and water.
With the Packers traveling to Dallas for their NFC divisional round playoff game Sunday, those memories have filled Montgomery’s mind this week.
“I always had dreams of playing in Cowboys Stadium,” Montgomery said. “I remember, specifically up to this day, I remember having a dream of playing running back in Texas Stadium. I didn’t know that AT&T (Stadium) was going to be built. This was back in the old Texas Stadium.”
Montgomery, a thirdround pick in 2015, was still a wide receiver when the Cowboys traveled to Lambeau Field earlier this season. He led the Packers with 10 catches for 98 yards in the loss. Four days later, he moved to running back to replace injured Eddie Lacy and hasn’t looked back.
Now, Montgomery will realize his boyhood dream, albeit against the Cowboys. It’s been a whirlwind second season for Montgomery. At times, he said, it’s been hard not to reflect on his journey.
But he’s focused on what lies ahead.
“Once the season is over,” Montgomery said, “I’ll reflect on that. But at times, I’ve caught myself.”
Janis on the mend: Jeff Janis was sprinting full speed returning the opening kickoff of the second half Sunday when a glancing blow wiped him out.
From the side, New York Giants running back Dwayne Harris’ helmet smacked against Janis’ thigh. The force flipped him upside down, jarring the football loose when Janis hit the ground.
Janis played the rest of the game, though he was “still limping a little bit” with a bruised thigh. He even dropped back for another kickoff return, though the football sailed to Packers running back Christine Michael.
“It happened earlier in the game,” special teams coordinator Ron Zook said Thursday, “and he played the whole game. I was kind of proud of him for that fact. They said it was a legitimate thigh bruise, but he practiced today and did well. So I feel pretty good about that right now.”
Janis returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session because of the thigh injury. He said the swelling in his thigh loosened up and made a big difference Thursday.
“I think on Sunday I’ll be just about 100%,” Janis said.
Janis had one of his best games of the season against the Giants. He had a season-long 33-yard kickoff return in the first half that helped flip field position.
A healthy Janis would be important to the Packers’ special teams on Sunday vs. Dallas.
“Jeff Janis is one of our best special teams players,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “Played extremely well in the Giants game. He’s doing good things at the wide receiver position. He’s played situational football for us. He’s done something with different personnel grounds. He’s obviously a core player for us. It’ll be good to get him back.”
Rollins progressing: Second-year cornerback Quinten Rollins practiced in pads Thursday, a sign he could clear the concussion protocol.
It was the second straight day Rollins practiced, though Wednesday’s didn’t have pads. One of the final steps to clear concussion protocol is proving the symptoms won’t return despite physical activity, such as practice.
“Yeah, he’s going through the protocol right now,” defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. “So he’s kind of working his way back. I don’t know how that’s going to end up, but he’s doing more and more. Hopefully he can work his way through the protocol and be available.”
Rollins missed the Packers’ wild-card win against the Giants after experiencing a concussion the previous week at the Detroit Lions. It was a scary injury at the time, with doctors removing Rollins’ facemask and carrying him away on a stretcher.
“You’re always concerned when you see that kind of injury,” Capers said. “So I’m just happy for Q that he’s on his way back.”
Four Packers players did not practice Thursday: receiver Jordy Nelson (ribs), running back James Starks (concussion), outside linebacker Jayrone Elliott (not injury related) and center JC Tretter (knee).
The Packers continue to target Saturday for Nelson’s only practice of the week. If Nelson can’t practice Saturday, McCarthy has said his top receiver will not play against the Cowboys.
Outside linebacker Julius Peppers returned to practice Thursday after taking his standard Wednesday rest. It’s the same routine Peppers has followed through the season’s latter weeks, designed to keep the veteran pass rusher fresh.