Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson held his first press conference of training camp and discussed a variety of topics, including his team's outlook, personnel and "Family Night."
He does not concern himself that few have predicted the Packers will win a fourth consecutive NFC North title.
"I don't think you get too worked up about whether people think you're going to be the champion or not or you're going to be the last place team," he said. "It doesn't mean anything to us."
Of more concern is the injuries that have sidelined several running backs, including Ahman Green (back), Chris Robertson (knee) and Walt Williams (ankle). Thompson has lauded the trio of Green, Najeh Davenport and Tony Fisher as "a three-headed monster," but could consider adding a running back to the roster.
"We're a little stressed at the running back position," he said.
The Packers will host the Buffalo Bills during a scrimmage on "Family Night." Head coach Mike Sherman broached the subject in late February, and Thompson liked the idea of giving his team a chance to lock shoulder pads with another team.
Because of the $8 fee, opposing scouts can come and observe the Packers. But Thompson said they could see it anyway because of the national exposure.
"This thing's going to be on NFL Network," he said. "I'm sure most of the scouts around the nation are going to be watching the Packers and the Bills on Friday night."
Thompson lauded two skilled offensive players, quarterback Brett Favre and wide receiver Donald Driver, that played on the team during his stint as director of player personnel for the Packers.
"He looks great - fit, trim and happy," he said of Favre. "He looks like the guy I remember in 1992."
During the 1999 draft, the Packers thought of signing Driver as an undrafted free agent, but in talks with his agent, Thompson found out several teams were eyeing him. So he suggested to general manager Ron Wolf they select him with their second pick in the seventh round.
"It turned out real good," he said.
