Survivor

Packers C Mike Flanagan was fortunate to avoid blowing out a knee tendon last year; he underwent surgery to repair damage before it gave way. He is on pace to be ready for training camp, but the club will proceed cautiously because Flanagan is a vital cog in the line, especially now that both of last year's starting guards--Marco Rivera (Cowboys) and Mike Wahle (Panthers)--are gone. The club won't move Flanagan to guard because it believes he has Pro Bowl ability at center and that a move would only reduce his effectiveness. If the knee continues to bother him, there's no question his outstanding ability to pull and block on the second level will be affected.

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