NFC North Roundup: Vikings’ defense gets stronger heading into final

week of preseason After a less-than-thrilling 13-6 loss to the Oakland Raiders in preseason game number three White Kingsley Keke Jersey , the Green Bay Packers (2-1) will head into a final week exhibition clash with the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday. A reserve-led contest in Oakland ultimately was remembered more after the game for what happened before it started when promising rookie Oren Burks suffered a shoulder injury in warm-ups. The Packers traded cornerback Lenzy Pipkins to the Indianapolis Colts for inside linebacker Antonio Morrison on Sunday in an attempt to alleviate a pressing concern with only one game left to go in the preseason schedule. Meanwhile, news broke Sunday that Burks’ injury may not be as significant as once thought.Elsewhere around the division, the Minnesota Vikings also brought in a defensive reinforcement, signing veteran safety George Iloka to a one-year deal after six seasons in Cincinnati. Iloka helps fortify a safety position that already boasts Pro Bowler Harrison Smith. This week, the Vikings’ starting defense continued to trend up as Detroit’s took a step back against Tampa Bay and Chicago’s got some well-needed rest.On the other side of the ball, the NFC North’s offenses will look to iron out some wrinkles and stay injury free with final cuts looming. More on those items in today’s roundup.Detroit Lions (1-2)Won 33-30 at Tampa Bay; Next vs. ClevelandDetroit Lions: These rookie could give team big lift in 2018 seasonEach of the Lions’ draft picks is discussed in terms of their potential to contribute this season, with special attention given to their fourth-round selection.The Detroit Lions tight end group might be one larger than expectedDetroit is still trying to fill the hole at tight end created by Eric Ebron’s departure. With inconsistencies and injuries in mind Josh Jackson Jersey , the Lions could be looking at a four-man position group.Quick observations from the Lions’ lackluster win against BucsMatthew Stafford shined, but the red zone offense remained a significant concern. Meanwhile, the Lions’ defensive starters had an abysmal performance against Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bucs.Chicago Bears (2-2)Won 27-20 vs. Kansas City; Next vs. BuffaloBears backups make key statement in win over ChiefsBackup quarterback Chase Daniel continued his preseason rebound, while Kevin White caught his first touchdown at the NFL level. Defensively, the Bears held the Chiefs’ offense to just one third-down conversion in the first half.Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on the Bears’ 27-20 victory over the ChiefsAn in-depth look at the Bears addresses Khalil Mack rumors, a blossoming seventh-round pick at wide receiver, and concerns about injured free agent pickup Aaron Lynch.Bears coach Matt Nagy says Mitchell Trubisky JK Scott Jersey , starters ready despite sitting in preseason gameChicago had a large inactive list against Kansas City, but new Head Coach Matt Nagy insisted on resting his starters, saying that Trubisky specifically has had enough snaps to be ready for week one.Minnesota Vikings (2-1)Won 21-20 vs. Seattle; Next at TennesseeFootball Outsiders on who the Vikings’ Defensive MVP isOn a loaded defense, Scott Kacsmar gave his thoughts on the one player Minnesota cannot afford to lose.5 Things to Know About New Vikings Safety George IlokaSpeaking of a talented defense, the Vikings added another big-name piece to the unit with the signing of the veteran Iloka. Here are five things to know about Iloka and his fit.Stock Market Report: SeahawksA backup quarterback is emerging, but maybe not the one that was anticipated. Plus, a bubble receiver Rashan Gary Green Bay Packers Jersey , the son of a former Packer, had a promising game for the Vikings in his quest for a final roster spot.Thursday Cheese Curds: Upside was the X-factor in the Packers choosing DeShone Kizer over Brett Hundley Wednesday was not exactly a slow news day in Green Bay.The day started off with the Packers trading backup quarterback Brett Hundley to the Seattle Seahawks for a sixth round draft pick.That news was just the aperitif to the main course that would come in the afternoon, which was the report quarterback Aaron Rodgers finally signed his contract extension and that it is as massive as everyone thought it would be: four years and $134 million.There will be plenty of analysis forthcoming on the Rodgers extension as more details come out but the Hundley trade is finished and can be discussed at length.Basically, the Packers bet on Kizer’s upside more than what they have right now. Kizer has a stronger arm than Hundley though his accuracy hasn’t quite caught up.That can be corrected with coaching however, and the Packers are clearly betting on that improving.As for Hundley, he will back up Russell Wilson who has been incredibly durable under center for Seattle.That should give him time to learn the offense although playing behind that offensive line is a little worrisome.You can read more on the Hundley trade, Rodgers’ payday and more in today’s cheese curds.Packers go with DeShone Kizer’s upside over Brett Hundley’s experience—PackersNews.comHundley was more than likely going to leave after this season anyway Rashan Gary Jersey 2019 , so getting a sixth round pick for the former fifth round pick who looked lost at times last season is a coup for GM Brian Gutekunst.Why Aaron Rodgers’ record-breaking contract will soon be a bargain—The RingerThe emphasis on the quarterback is greater than ever in the NFL and that means salaries will continue to climb. 7 eclectic outfits Aaron Rodgers has worn for the Welcome Back Packers Luncheon—USA TodayRodgers celebrated his new extension by dressing up as Wyatt Earp and that outfit is in line with ththe crazy outfits he has worn for the luncheon in the past.Report: Raiders looking for two first-round picks for Khalil Mack?—Packers WireWould or could Gutekunst enter the 2019 draft with no first round picks after acquiring Mack? I’m not so sure that would be smart. A first, a second and a player would be a better deal in my book.New position, diet making the difference for Ahmad Thomas—Packers.comThomas is the perfect example of an undrafted guy taking advantage of his opportunities and resources and taking advantage of it. Thanks to a move to inside linebacker and a change in diet thanks to reflux disease, he has a decent chance of making the 53-man roster.