It looks increasingly likely the Green Bay Packers will be without key contributors at two of their thinnest positions this weekend, as cornerback Brandon Underwood and defensive end Mike Neal are listed as questionable on the injury report.
Underwood, who will be the Packers nickel or dime back when he returns, has been out with a shoulder injury since the third week of the preseason. He returned to practice on Thursday wearing a shoulder brace, but was limited in Friday’s practice. Fortunately for the Packers, the Buffalo Bills passing attack is nothing to be too terribly concerned about.
Although Packers coach Mike McCarthy termed Neal as being close to returning, the defensive end didn’t participate in Friday’s practice. The Packers are thin along the defensive line after their starting three. Neal is the fourth lineman, but Justin Harrell, who was behind Neal, went on injured reserve this week.
Rookie C.J. Wilson and recently re-signed Jarius Wynn will see action if Neal is unable to go.
Left guard Daryn Colledge is a new addition to the injury report. Colledge sat out Friday’s practice with an illness and is listed as questionable. If he can’t go on Sunday, rookie Bryan Bulaga will get his first NFL start.
Fullback Korey Hall is also listed as questionable, so it’s a good thing the Packers have a stockpile that includes two other fullbacks.
On the positive side, tackle Chad Clifton, defensive end Cullen Jenkins, safety Derrick Martin, linebacker Clay Matthews and cornerback Charles Woodson — all of whom missed some practice this week — are listed as probable and will play.
[ad#totalpackers468x60]