Quarless, Zombo Back on the Field

The Green Bay Packers got a look at tight end Andrew Quarless and linebacker Frank Zombo on the football field for the first time this season, on Wednesday.

Both players returned to action from the physically unable to perform list. Quarless suffered a devastating knee injury last December and Zombo had some phantom hamstring injury all summer.

The question now is, will either of these guys be able to contribute?

They first need to get back into football shape. The Packers have three weeks to decide whether to put them on the active roster or shut them down for the season (or release them like they did to Al Harris a couple years ago).

Quarless, AKA God’s Gifts, had such a bad knee injury that there have been questions if he’d be able to play at all this season. When he was healthy, Quarless wasn’t much more than a bit player for the Packers. Although he was Jermichael Finley‘s primary backup, he caught only three balls last season.

Although I’m sure we’d all love for Quarless to come back and take over as the team’s No. 1 tight end, that’s probably not going to happen.

What about Zombo?

It looks like he has more of a chance to be a factor.

The Packers placed inside linebacker D.J. Smith on injured reserve this week, so they have an open roster spot. Starting outside linebacker Nick Perry is also battling an injury. Erik Walden will take his place in the lineup, but Zombo could provide some insurance for the Packers if Perry is out an extended period of time.

He could also provide some pass rush if he’s healthy.

The one-time starter has five sacks in 18 career games. And remember, the Packers won a Super Bowl with Zombo starting at outside linebacker.

If nothing else, an already deep team is going to get deeper.