ARLINGTON, TEXAS (AP) - Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Erik Walden was inactive for the Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Walden hurt his ankle in the NFC championship game and was mostly a bystander in practice this week. He was replaced in the starting lineup Sunday by Frank Zombo, who returned after missing six games with a knee injury.
Zombo is an undrafted rookie from Central Michigan who stepped in as a starter in the middle of the season. Walden was signed in midseason to provide depth and has played well.
As expected, wide receiver Donald Driver was playing for Green Bay despite a sore quadriceps that limited him in practice this week.
Fullback Quinn Johnson also was inactive for the Packers, an indication the Packers might do less running out of two-back sets. Green Bay’s other inactives were: cornerbacks Brandon Underwood and Josh Gordy, running back Dimitri Nance and offensive linemen Evan Dietrich-Smith and Nick McDonald. Graham Harrell was listed as the Packers’ No. 3 quarterback.
Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith was not active, as expected, after being sidelined since Oct. 24 with a torn triceps muscle.
Doug Legursky was the starter at center for the Steelers, replacing the injured Maurkice Pouncey. The rookie Pro Bowl selection was placed on injured reserve Saturday after suffering a high left ankle sprain in the AFC championship game against the New York Jets.
Offensive lineman Dorian Brooks, signed from the practice squad to take Pouncey’s roster spot, was inactive, as were linebacker Jason Worilds, defensive tackle Steve McLendon, offensive tackle Chris Scott, cornerback Crezdon Butler and running back Jonathan Dwyer. Charlie Batch was the Steelers’ No. 3 quarterback.
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