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‘Big Jumbo’ new wrinkle for Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Perhaps as an homage to this year’s overly hyped NFC championship game, Green Bay refers to its goal-line offense package as “Big Jumbo.”

Beginning with last week’s win at top-seeded Atlanta, “Big Jumbo” has featured 337-pound nose tackle B.J. Raji as a blocking back.

“Some of the things we were doing with our inside run game in our goal-line package, we wanted to improve it,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “We wanted to add a wrinkle to it.”

So there was Raji, dubbed the “Deep Freezer” by Green Bay’s actual running backs, lining up behind the guard and leading the way on fullback Jon Kuhn’s second-quarter touchdown plunge against the Falcons.

“B.J. did a great job,” said McCarthy, before cracking an uncharacteristic smile. “He didn’t block anybody, but he did a great job.”

“You could see when he got in the end zone, he acted like he scored,” wide receiver James Jones said. “He was celebrating. We can run behind him every time.”

But the second-year pro, who seems to be moving toward a Pro Bowl future after leading the line with 66 tackles and 6½ sacks, understands he belongs on defense.

Raji offered his thoughts on the Bears with whom he will battle Sunday, starting with left guard Chris Williams because he wasn’t at that spot when the teams met Sept. 27 at Soldier Field.

“Chris is a longer guy,” Raji said. “He’s a guy you want to establish power early in the game because he’s a more athletic guy. He has the ability to get around you and get his levers on you.”

And center Olin Kreutz?

“Kreutz is just a crafty veteran, a guy that’s not going to quit,” Raji said. “A guy that can make all the blocks, who can get out and pull. He’s a great player. His Pro Bowl appearances speak for himself.

“He’s definitely a good enough athlete. They’re pulling him a lot during the games. That shows the confidence they have in him, to get out in space and make blocks on guys.”

Injury update:

All-pro cornerback Charles Woodson dropped from “full” to “limited” on Green Bay’s injury report.

The Packers said Woodson has a toe injury, but coach Mike McCarthy quelled any thoughts that the 34-year-old will miss Sunday’s game.

“Charles Woodson’s fine,” McCarthy said. “This is a normal practice week for Charles. He practiced yesterday. He’ll practice tomorrow.”

Left tackle Chad Clifton and backup cornerback Pat Lee moved in the other direction. They jumped from limited to full.

The nice item:

Still looking for seats to Sunday’s game? Packers wide receiver James Jones is auctioning two tickets to benefit the food program at the Green Bay homeless shelter.

Jones, who spent much of his childhood living in homeless shelters, has donated significant time and money to the Milwaukee and Green Bay communities during his four-year stint with the Packers.

To inquire about the tickets, go to lovejones4kids.com.