Packers assessing Lacy's medical situation
GREEN BAY – With medical information pending, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy couldn't formally rule out running back Eddie Lacy from Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bears, but he left little doubt Wednesday morning.
"He’s going to have to have a wonderful, great 24 hours to play in the game," McCarthy said. "We’ll see what tomorrow brings. But he will be in the large rehab group today."
Lacy is expected to miss a few weeks – and perhaps longer – with a left ankle injury he reaggravted Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, a league source told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and PackersNews on Tuesday night. Lacy left Sunday’s 30-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys early in the fourth quarter after aggravating his ankle.
He was listed as questionable entering Sunday's game after initially injuring his ankle against the New York Giants last week.
McCarthy said he had a brief meeting with general manager Ted Thompson before speaking with media Wednesday morning. They discussed the latest info from team doctor Pat McKenzie.
"They’re still going through all the information," McCarthy said. "So that’s exactly where we are. ... He's made a little bit of progress, is the feedback I've been given."
Lacy is receiving a second opinion from Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina, according to multiple reports. Anderson, a foot specialist, is the same doctor Packers receiver Ty Montgomery consulted last season. Montgomery eventually was placed on injured reserve.
If Lacy’s injury is expected to last longer than a few weeks, a source said, he could be placed on injured reserve. Lacy would be able to return after eight weeks. His move to IR would open a roster spot for running back Don Jackson to be promoted from the practice squad, though it’s uncertain a determination will be made this week.
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Perhaps the most difficult factor in weighing whether to place Lacy on injured reserve would be the fate of cornerback Sam Shields. After missing four games with the fifth documented concussion of his career, Shields was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. If Lacy and Shields both were on IR, only one could return this season.
After a lost third season, Lacy had returned to form in the final year of his rookie contract. Though he hasn’t scored a touchdown, Lacy rushed for 360 yards on 71 carries and a career-best 5.1 yards per rush through the first five games. Extended over a 16-game season, Lacy’s numbers put him on a pace for 1,152 yards, mirroring the production from his first two seasons.
It’s the type of season Lacy wanted before becoming a free agent next spring. Now, injury could put a dent into it.
rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood