Outside linebacker Erik Walden still has some off-field matters ahead of him as the regular season winds down.
He was charged Wednesday on a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct-domestic abuse in Brown County (Wis.) Circuit Court in Green Bay, stemming from a domestic dispute with his live-in girlfriend at their apartment Nov. 25. Walden, a fourth-year player, didn't have to appear in court and had his attorney enter a not guilty plea.
Walden faces a lesser charge after he originally was being investigated for felony domestic violence-substantial battery following his arrest for the alleged incident that took place the morning after the Packers' Thanksgiving win at the Detroit Lions.
Walden spent the rest of the holiday weekend in jail since the court was closed. He remains free on bond and has another court hearing scheduled for Dec. 27, two days after Green Bay hosts the Chicago Bears on Christmas night.
If convicted, Walden would face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that Walden will be in the starting lineup Sunday, when the 12-0 Packers play the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field.
"We're watching his situation, both the legal process and the league process," McCarthy said. "His status hasn't changed."
Since Walden has been charged with a crime, discipline imposed by the NFL office is a possibility, though McCarthy didn't have knowledge of how soon a decision could be made.
"It's obviously not closed," McCarthy said. "It's an open situation, and we're respecting the process."
Walden has started every game this season and is tied for third on the team with three sacks.
"We're supporting Erik as best we can," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "He's been visible, he's been back here, he's apologized to the team (last week) for being a distraction, and we're going to let him handle the situation. Guys have surrounded him and helped support him, and he knows if he needs anything else to just ask. For us and our preparations, it's a non-issue."
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