Mike Neal contributes in first game back

GREEN BAY - The Packers may have gotten a break as they prepare for the Houston Texans.

Linebacker Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews' teammate at USC, is out for the game and the rest season with a torn ACL after getting hit with a chop block Monday.

The Texans, however, at 5-0, are still formidable.

On the Packers defense, they are hoping to have B.J. Raji back on the field after his ankle injury, but Mike Neal, fresh off his suspension at the beginning of the season, played on Sunday and coaches say he played well.

Neal played more snaps than planned thanks to Raji's injury, but created some pressure with Matthews, earning a sack in the game.

The Packers and Neal hope it continues.

“First time out he did well. He gave us some push up inside. Strong you saw that, he and Clay ran a really nice game over there when he got the sack. I liked the way they worked together over there. I'm encouraged by him being back,” said Dom Capers, Packers defensive coordinator.

“I feel good, particularly in the third quarter. I feel like I got tired in that fourth quarter and I feel like I could have played a little bit better, but it's my first game back. I can't be too hard on myself.  You just got to look at the tape and get better,” said Mike Neal, Packers defensive lineman.