GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Casey Hayward wasted no time finding a spot in Green Bay's defensive backfield.
Good thing, because the Packers are going to need him -- and his sticky hands -- more than ever this next month.
The Packers (4-3) have a big hole in their secondary with Charles Woodson out approximately six weeks with a broken collarbone. While Hayward plays cornerback and Woodson is technically a safety, the rookie has shown a knack for the kind of big-impact plays that are Woodson's trademark. Hayward has four interceptions in the last three games, and is tied for the league lead in picks.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy calls Hayward "a playmaker," and says the rookie gets better with every opportunity he gets.