Shields visits specialist for concussion

GREEN BAY - Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields, still sidelined with a concussion, visited a specialist this week and remains in the concussion protocol, coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday.

Shields suffered what is thought to be his fifth concussion since college in the season opener against Jacksonville. He did not play against the Minnesota Vikings and has not practiced.

However, McCarthy said Monday that Shields took part in a workout on that same day. It's not clear if the visit later in the week already was scheduled or was related to that workout. McCarthy did not say whether it was the review by an independent neurologist that is necessary for any player in the protocol to be cleared.

The Packers have a bye after the Detroit Lions game Sunday and it's possible they've decided to take the safe route and give him another two weeks before making a decision on his status.

McCarthy did not rule out linebacker Clay Matthews (ankle) or safety Morgan Burnett (groin), both of whom did not practice Wednesday. He said Matthews made progress, but he did not expect him to practice Thursday.