Packers OLB Nick Perry injured his knee in Sunday night's win over Houston and may not be ready to go for the upcoming game against the Rams in St. Louis. (US Presswire)

Even though the Packers devoured the Texans 42-24 last week, there was one thing that kept them from fully savoring the victory. Injuries. During the game, four players had to be helped off the field, and two of them are out for the season.

That acrid aftertaste has lingered a few days following the Packers’ biggest win of the season. On Wednesday, after an announcement that RB Brandon Saine and ILB D.J. Smith had been placed on injured reserve, coach Mike McCarthy provided still more bad news.

He said the status of the other two players who were hurt against Houston -- OLB Nick Perry (knee) and CB Sam Shields (shin) -- wasn't promising.

“I know we're waiting on a brace for Nick today, so we'll see where he is (Thursday),” McCarthy said. “I think both (Perry and Shields) will be stretched to make it this week."

If Perry and Shields can’t play Sunday at St. Louis, it would further weaken a defense that has been decimated by injury.

Pro Bowl NT B.J. Raji sat out last week with an ankle injury and didn’t practice on Wednesday. He said he hoped to participate Thursday or Friday but added that he needed to be smart and let his ankle heal. And Smith was already replacing starting ILB Desmond Bishop, who was put on IR in training camp with a hamstring injury. Now that Smith has been lost for the year, the Packers will turn to third-stringer Brad Jones or another reserve at ILB.

A thin silver lining to the Perry and Shields situations, though, is that Green Bay has fairly functional replacement options at their positions.

Perry had been rotating at OLB with last year's starter, Erik Walden, who has looked motivated and impressive in part-time duty. Also at OLB is undrafted rookie Dezman Moses, who the Packers like a great deal.

At cornerback, Shields’ spot was up for grabs throughout training camp. Since the season began, rookie nickel back Casey Hayward has been outstanding, leading the team with three interceptions. Then there's Davon House, the frontrunner for the starting job early in camp before hurting his shoulder. He'll wear a protective harness, but he's healthy and ready to play.

“The biggest challenge is to stretch out roles,” McCarthy said of backups taking on additional responsibilities. “I’m glad to have the depth we have.”

Harrell gets some work: With QB Aaron Rodgers sitting out the team session of practice Wednesday as a precautionary measure to rest his sore calf, backup Graham Harrell got to take the first-team snaps with the offense.

The third-stringer last year, Harrell’s job security was in question after the first three preseason games, but he quieted his critics with a strong performance in the finale. McCarthy was happy Harrell got some action.

“It was good work for Graham (Wednesday),” McCarthy said. “He got to do no-huddle in pre-practice. He got to do the no-huddle drill against the defense. He was able to get all the blitz work. I thought he did a nice job. It's hard to get the backup quarterback reps during the season, and this was a good day for him."

Jones ties record: With a pair of touchdown catches in last week’s win over the Texans, WR James Jones became the first Packer since Hall of Fame WR Don Hutson to have at least two receiving scores in three consecutive games. Hutson set the Green Bay record in 1943.

On Wednesday, Jones, who’s already equaled his previous career high for touchdowns with seven, said he was more concerned with winning.

“It’s a good accomplishment, but I really don’t like talking about individual stuff," he said. "Glad I’m getting some opportunities to make some plays, glad I’m making the most of my chances and glad we got a win.”

White practices: With a wide-eyed smile on his face and genuine excitement in his voice, newly signed RB Johnny White talked about what it was like to be in Green Bay after practicing for the first time Wednesday.

“It’s just been a dream come true,” he said. “You know, growing up, seeing all the greats that played here, just being a part of this organization; they took me in with open arms. I’m excited to get after it and get this thing going.

White, who was claimed off waivers from Buffalo after the Packers placed Saine on IR, will likely play mostly on special teams, though he said he hoped to have an opportunity on offense at some point.

“Eventually I feel like I could,” get in the mix at running back, he said, “after picking up the playbook. But right now, special teams and just being ready and able to do whatever they ask.”

Follow Packers reporter James Carlton on Twitter: @CBSPackers and @jimmycarlton88.