McCarthy says LB Hawk a 'very good' player for Packers, despite diminished role and trade talk

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says linebacker A.J. Hawk remains a valued member of the team, despite his diminished role in the defense.

Hawk, who plays mostly in the Packers' base defense, spent Sunday's season-opening victory at Philadelphia on the sideline as the Packers opted to use extra defensive backs. Hawk's agent, Mike McCartney, told the Green Bay Press-Gazette this week that Hawk would be open to a trade.

Hawk was not in the locker room Thursday. McCarthy called Hawk a "very good" player and said the team has more than 11 good players on defense — a good problem to have.