Packers monitoring multiple key injuries
GREEN BAY - As has been the case most of their season, the Green Bay Packers have several injuries to monitor in the week leading up to their NFC title game at the Atlanta Falcons.
Receivers Jordy Nelson (ribs) and Davante Adams (ankle) and safety Morgan Burnett (quad) did not practice Wednesday, while left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) and right tackle Bryan Bulaga (ankle) were limited. Cornerback Quinten Rollins is “getting close” to clearing concussion protocol, coach Mike McCarthy said.
Adams sprained his ankle when his legs got tangled with Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr after catching a 16-yard pass late in Sunday’s game. Though Adams returned, McCarthy said the injury is bad enough to keep him out most of the week.
Adams said Sunday he was able to return primarily because of adrenaline, but he wondered how his ankle would feel this week.
“I’m curious to see him move (on his ankle),” McCarthy said. “I don’t think he’ll practice till Saturday.”
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Receiver Geronimo Allison also did not practice Wednesday, though the reason is unknown. Outside linebacker Julius Peppers, who turned 37 Wednesday, was given his standard, Wednesday rest, which has been his routine through the season's latter weeks. Running back James Starks (concussion) and center JC Tretter (knee) remained out.
Nelson and Burnett joined Adams in the rehab group Wednesday.
Nelson spent last week in the rehab group, and with multiple broken ribs figures to be a long shot to play Sunday in Atlanta. Burnett injured his thigh while colliding with cornerback LaDarius Gunter on an early third down and did not return.
Rollins was expected to “do something” in practice Wednesday, McCarthy said. One of the final stages of the concussion protocol is seeing how the body responds to practice. The second-year corner practiced Wednesday and Thursday last week but was not cleared from protocol.
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