Although there was some optimism Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris may return this week, that will not be the case.
Harris, who is rehabilitating a torn ACL, failed his physical on Monday, putting his status for the regular season opener in jeopardy.
At earliest, Harris will return next week, but with two weeks left in the preseason it seems unlikely he would be able to get back into football shape in time for the opener.
“All of the reports are always positive when we talk to medical staff,” coach Mike McCarthy said of Harris on Tuesday, “but there is a protocol when you come off a major type injury that Al has gone through. He is doing everything he can, I can promise you that, but still today he is not ready to pass the physical.”
Harris remains on the physically unable to perform list. If the Packers put him on the PUP list to start the season, he would have to sit out the first six weeks.
There is some hope, though. Last season, linebacker Nick Barnett returned from a similar injury the third week of training camp after having surgery on Nov. 20, 2008. Harris had surgery on Nov. 30, 2009, so his timetable should be similar to Barnett’s.
[ad#totalpackers468x60]
