Packers lose key veterans to injury

The Green Bay Packers, in the mix in the NFC wild card race, will be without injured cornerback and linebacker Aaron Kampman for the rest of the NFL season.

Coach Mike McCarthy admitted Monday that losing the experienced players - who will both have season-ending knee surgery - is a blow to the Packers, who improved to 6-4 with Sunday's victory over San Francisco.

"It's a challenge to our players, they're going to have to step up and get ready in a short week for Detroit," said McCarthy, whose team plays the Lions on Thursday's Thanksgiving Day holiday.

"You don't want to see the individual go through it," McCarthy said. "But as far as our football team, trust me. They're here today, they're getting treatment, they've worked out, they're watching film. And we'll be ready for Detroit."

Harris and Kampman both were taken to the locker room after being hurt on separate plays in the second half against San Francisco.