Why isn’t A.J. Hawk on the Packers right now? OK, once you’re done chuckling, let’s examine the facts.

First, the Packers are perilously thin at inside linebacker with Jake Ryan nursing a hamstring injury and Blake Martinez out with a knee sprain. In Sunday’s win against the Texans, the Packers were forced to move Morgan Burnett down in the box to keep reserve Carl Bradford off the field.

Second, it seems foolish a contending team would continue to keep 2017 projects CB Makinton Dorleant and FB Joe Kerridge over a veteran inside linebacker who knows Dom Capers’ defense. Hawk, who spent nine years with the Packers, spent a brief three weeks with the Atlanta Falcons this season. Given the Packers’ urgency to win, why not kick the tires on Hawk?

Third, there’s precedent for a move like this. In previous years, the Packers have welcomed back elder Green Bay statesmen like WR Antonio Freeman in 2003 and RB Ahman Green in 2009 after their initial time with the team. Both the 2003 and 2009 Packers would make the playoffs.

But that’s fine, we probably need two fullbacks.