After the bye: Green Bay Packers defeat New York Giants 23-16 at Lambeau

GREEN BAY -- After an early "bye week" during week four of the NFL's regular season -- the Green Bay Packers are back home at Lambeau Field Sunday, October 9th to take on the New York Giants.

Kickoff was set for 7:30 p.m.

Heading into Sunday's game, the Packers are coming off a win in week three vs. the Detroit Lions -- and they are now 2-1 on the season.

Cornerbacks Eli Apple and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were ruled active for the Giants vs. Packers -- while Green Bay would be without top cornerbacks Damarious Randall and Sam Shields.

Randall had a groin injury that limited him in practice all week, while Shields would miss his third straight game because of a concussion.

Second-year players Quinten Rollins and LaDarius Gunter would start at cornerback against the Giants.

Quarterback Joe Callahan, offensive lineman Kyle Murphy, tight end Jared Cook, and defensive linemen Brian Price and Christian Ringo were also ruled inactive for Green Bay.

For New York, the potential returns of Apple and Rodgers-Cromartie could help a secondary that must face Packers receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.

But the Giants would be without running back Rashad Jennings, who was questionable coming into the game with a thumb injury. Orleans Darkwa would start in Jennings' place.

The Giants' other inactives: quarterback Josh Johnson, offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse, tight end Larry Donnell, defensive tackle Robert Thomas, and safeties Darian Thompson and Nat Berhe.

As the game got underway Sunday, the Giants won the coin toss and opted to defer.

The Packers would receive.

The Packers' first touchdown came early in the first quarter -- during the Packers' first possession -- with a pass from QB Aaron Rodgers to wide receiver Jordy Nelson for a two-yard touchdown.

Packers kicker Mason Crosby was able to successfully complete a 33-yard kick for the extra point.

The score was then Packers 7, Giants 0.

The Packers first offensive series included eight plays for 75 yards in 8:42.

The Packers offense was quickly back on the field after forcing a Giants' punt.

Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins was able to pick off a deflection to end the first quarter.

CLICK HERE for a first quarter recap via Packers.com.

Early in the second quarter, Giants placekicker Josh Brown completed a 47-yard field goal to cut the Packers' lead to 7-3 with 8:21 left in the first half.

Packers' QB soon hit wide receiver Davante Adams along the sideline for a 29-yard touchdown catch.

With the extra point, the Packers led the Giants 14-3.

The Packers' scoring drive included five plays for 80 yards gained in 2:20.

The Packers would take over the ball again -- after quickly forcing a three-and-out.

Soon came Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins' second interception of the night -- and the Giants would take over at the Green Bay 40 yard line.

Giants placekicker Josh Brown's 41-yard field goal cut the Packers lead to 14-6 with 1:51 left to go in the first half.

Ahead of halftime, Packers outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell was able to force a fumble by Giants QB Eli Manning on a sack. The ball was recovered by Packers DT Kenny Clark.

Packers kicker Mason Crosby was able to complete a 44-yard field goal as the clock ran out to give the Packers a 17-6 lead at halftime.

CLICK HERE for a first-half recap via Packers.com.

As play got underway in the third quarter, Clay Matthews was able to sack Giants QB Eli Manning for a three-yard loss. This was Matthews' third sack of the year.

Soon came another sack of Manning, by Packers linebacker Nick Perry for a loss of six yards.

A Josh Brown field goal cut the Packers' lead to 17-9 with 5:26 left in the third quarter.

A Mason Crosby 33-yard field goal brought the score to Packers 20, Giants 9 with 13:46 left in the fourth quarter.

It was Mason Crosby again with a 25-yard field goal completion -- which extended the Packers' lead to 23-9 with 6:39 remaining in the game.

An Odell Beckham touchdown catch brought the score to Packers 23, Giants 16 with 2:54 remaining -- and that would be the final score.

The Packers are now 3-1 on the season.

The Packers face the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, October 16th at Lambeau Field. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. and it's a game you'll see ONLY ON FOX6!