Short notice was no problem for Packers LB Nick Niemann

GREEN BAY – Nick Niemann was still a bit sore on Wednesday as preparations began for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Packers linebacker had plenty of right to be after playing 84 total snaps on short notice during Sunday's 45-27 victory over the New England Patriots.

While a cornerstone of Green Bay's special teams units, Niemann had played just two defensive snaps through the first eight games due to the team's overwhelming depth at linebacker.

Game No. 9 was a different story. With the Packers already playing without Edgerrin Cooper (season-ending Achilles tear) and Zaire Franklin (shin) due to injury, the defense was thrown another curveball in Foxborough when Ty'Ron Hopper reported issues with…