The Green Bay Packers are making a big change on their offensive line, opting to start Evan Dietrich-Smith at center over veteran Jeff Saturday, according to ESPN's Jason Wilde.
Jeff Saturday benched for Evan Dietrich-Smith
The Green Bay Packers will start Evan Dietrich-Smith at center against the Tennessee Titans.
USA TODAY Sports
Saturday is in his 14th NFL season and his first with the Packers. A stalwart on the Indianapolis Colts' offensive line for years, Saturday started the first 14 games for Green Bay this season. However, with the line underperforming -- the Packers have allowed 45 sacks, second-most in the league -- head coach Mike McCarthy decided it was time for a change.
According to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Saturday is handling the news well:
Saturday: "I told Dietrich, I fully support it, man. I have a ton of respect for him as a player... I think he'll do a good job." #packers
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) December 21, 2012
Saturday: "We're at two totally different points in our career. His is on the up ramp, mine is on the way out." #packers
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) December 21, 2012
Dietrich-Smith was signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2009, but he was cut after training camp in 2010. He rejoined the team Green Bay on Dec. 31 of that year and has been with the team ever since.
Despite his benching, Saturday is likely to be Pro Bowl bound. He currently leads among NFC centers in the fan vote.
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