Week 14 injuries: Packers' Matthews, Woodson still out

• Five starters will miss Green Bay's game against Detroit Sunday night at Lambeau Field

The Green Bay Packers will be without five starters when the host the Detroit Lions in an NFC North showdown on Sunday night (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC).

Topping the list is a pair of defensive stars: linebacker Clay Matthews, who still hasn't been cleared to practice after he reinjured his hamstring Nov. 4, and safety Charles Woodson, who injured his collarbone on Oct. 21. Woodson returned to practice this week on a limited basis for the first time since the injury.

"We're getting close (with Matthews)," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "But I think it's very important for Clay, no different with Charles, that when we do bring those guys back it's not potentially just a one-week situation."

The Packers (8-4), who are vying for a second consecutive division title, have a bigger picture to think about with a first-place showdown against the Bears looming Dec. 16 in Chicago, so it makes sense to give Matthews and Woodson another week to recover.

But defensive coordinator Dom Capers isn't looking that far ahead.

"I've always felt that when we get them back let's have them because every game is critical for us," Capers said. "There's not one (game) that's more critical than another. The game Sunday night is the most critical game for us. We've got to find some way to go play our best."

Receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring), running back James Starks (knee) and defensive end C.J. Wilson (knee) will also miss Sunday's game for the Packers (8-4). Right tackle T.J. Lang, who suffered an ankle injury in the Packers' win over Minnesota last Sunday, is questionable to play against the Lions.

Other injuries:

--Atlanta Falcons strong safety William Moore, cornerback Asante Samuel, running back Michael Turner and defensive tackle Peria Jerry are questionable for Sunday's game at the Carolina Panthers (3-9). Moore (hamstring) and Samuel (right shoulder) missed practice for the third day in a row, while Turner (elbow) and Jerry (thigh) were both limited in Friday's practice. The Falcons, at 11-1, are tied with the Houston Texas for the best record in the NFL.

--Running back Frank Gore and cornerback Tarell Brown took a little time off to heal nagging injuries this week, but both are expected to play when the San Francisco 49ers (8-3-1) host the Miami Dolphins (5-7) on Sunday. Gore is nursing a wrist problem, while Brown's hamstring has been problematic. Wide receiver Mario Manningham remains doubtful.

--Seattle Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant is officially out with a hamstring strain that he suffered in practice last week. He missed the game against the Chicago Bears and did not practice this week. Defensive end Red Bryant (plantar fascia) and safety Kam Chancellor (groin ) returned to limited practice on Friday and are expected to play for the Seahawks (7-5) Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals (4-8).

--Quarterback Michael Vick and running back LeSean McCoy will not play Sunday, when the Philadelphia Eagles (3-9) meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6). Neither has been cleared to return to football activity after suffering concussions last month.

--Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley will miss his second consecutive game due to a high ankle sprain sustained two weeks ago, but Pittsburgh fans will see the return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (right shoulder) and Jerricho Cotchery (rib). Fullback Will Johnson (concussion) and safety Ryan Clark (hip) are probable for Sunday's game as the Steelers (7-5) prepare to play the San Diego Chargers (4-8).

--The San Diego Chargers have ruled out linebacker Donald Butler (groin), tackle Jeromey Clary (knee), wide receiver Eddie Royal (hamstring). Guard Tyronne Green (hamstring) is doubtful and tackle Mike Harris (ankle) is questionable.

--The Chicago Bears (8-4) have ruled out cornerback Tim Jennings for Sunday's game at the Minnesota Vikings (6-6) because of a shoulder injury, while running back Michael Bush (ribs), defensive tackle Stephen Paea (foot) and guard Chris Spencer (knee) are questionable. Receivers Alshon Jeffery (knee) and Devin Hester (concussion) and offensive lineman Gabe Carimi (hamstring) are probable to return.

--Running back Donald Brown (ankle), guard Joe Reitz (head) and safety Tom Zbikowski (knee) have been ruled out and tackle Winston Justice (head) is listed as questionable by the Indianapolis Colts (8-4), who host the Tennessee Titans in an AFC South showdown. Quarterback Andrew Luck (knee) is probable to play, as is safety Antioine Bethea (neck) and defensive end Cory Redding.

--Linebacker Colin McCarthy (concussion) and wide receiver Damian Williams (hamstring) will Sunday's game against the Colts for the Tennessee Titans (4-8). Wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins (ankle), tackle Michael Roos (knee) and defensive end Kamerion Wimbley (toe) are questionable.

Contributing: The Associated Press