As expected, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (concussion), linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) and defensive end Ryan Pickett (ankle) didn’t practice on Wednesday.
Rodgers has a shot at playing against Miami this weekend if he passes a battery of tests to see if he’s fully recovered from the concussion he suffered against Washington. Matthews also has a shot at playing. His hamstring injury isn’t as severe as the one that kept him out four weeks during the preseason.
If neither player can go, the Packers chances of winning on Sunday are greatly diminished. The severity of Pickett’s injury is unknown, but rookie Mike Neal played well in his place last weekend.
The Packers did get some good news Wednesday. Cornerback Sam Shields, the team’s nickel back at the start of the season, participated fully. He has missed the last two games with a calf injury.
“I felt 100 percent today,” Shields said. “It was feeling better through the week. Today was my day to come out and just run and see how it is when I’m running. It felt good today.
“I should be able to (play Sunday).”
In Shields’ absence, Jarrett Bush served as the Packers nickel back against Detroit and Pat Lee filled the role against Washington. It’s unclear who will play nickel against Miami, but the Packers are better off with Shields on the field.
Another positive note on the injury front — linebacker Brandon Chillar (shoulder) returned to practice on a limited basis. We wouldn’t bet on Chillar playing this weekend, but it’s good news he’s on the practice field considering previous reports stating he could miss the entire year.
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Last updated on December 3rd, 2014 at 09:52 am
Chillar practicing is great news. After Bishops performance last week I’d like to see them on the field together.
Matt Flynn hasn’t looked to good in the past. If Flynn can’t complete passes we will not be able to rely on a ground game. If Aaron and Clay are out we will not win this game unless Matt Flynn can show us he can play…we are screwed this week.
I think Flynn can get the job done. He’s a great back-up IMO. That being said, I would 100% rather have Rodgers out there.
I suspect Shields will hold the Nickel spot and Jarrett Bush will be moved to safety. Bush hasn’t been awful this year, so why not mess with him and move him around?
Shields is a bad ass…we’ve missed him. This is a good sign that there is life left in this season.
fingers crossed for Clay