Here are some of the whispers we've heard recently from around the NFC North:

• The rapport between WR Devin Hester and QB Jay Cutler is under heavy scrutiny after the receiver was targeted just one time in the season opener. There doesn't appear to be any friction between the two players, but the No. 1 receiver tag that was applied to Hester a few seasons ago no longer seems to apply.

• While a trade by the Packers for RB Marshawn Lynch never came close to fruition, with the Bills apparently being unwilling to let Lynch go, we do hear the Eagles were more than willing to trade a sixth-round pick in exchange for C-OG Jason Spitz, but that GM Ted Thompson backed away from the deal because he didn't want to play against Spitz in Week One. The Eagles immediately switched gears and traded a sixth-round pick to Arizona for OG Reggie Wells.

• The Lions again are down a defensive back with rookie Aaron Berry out for the season. Berry made a pick in the opener and opened eyes as a sub-package defender in the preseason, so the loss is a disappointment. Up next: Nathan Vasher, primarily a zone corner who was working with the first team in San Diego at times this summer before being cut by the Chargers.