Although their moves in the NFL Draft signal the Green Bay Packers are preparing to move on without tight end Jermichael Finley and defensive lineman Johnny Jolly, coach Mike McCarthy says the Packers are still interested in both players.
Both guys suffered neck injuries during the 2013 season, which resulted in spinal fusion surgery. We know Finley hasn’t been cleared yet and we don’t know much about Jolly’s condition.
What we do know is both guys remain free agents. We also know the Packers now have plenty of bodies at the positions they play.
After drafting Richard Rodgers in the third round, the Packers have five tight ends with a legit chance of making the roster. Similarly, they drafted defensive lineman Khyri Thornton in the third. He joins a group that added Letroy Guion and Julius Peppers in the offseason.
So even though it may not look it, McCarthy says the Packers still want their two veteran players to return if they’re cleared.
“I’ll say this about Jermichael and Johnny: First and foremost, I just want them to be healthy,” McCarthy said Saturday. “And then with that, they’re obviously our players and we have strong interest in. We’ll see what happens after that. But I’m just being in communication with Dr. McKenzie and we’re watching their health situation.”
If either guy returns, it will be a bonus for the Packers.
Both are starting-caliber players that can make plays. That being said, the Packers look like they’ll be just fine without them.