We knew there was a possibility this would happen, but we didn’t see it happening like this. The Green Bay Packers have told safety Nick Collins they’ll release him.
Collins had spinal fusion surgery after he ruptured a disk in his neck during week two of the 2011 season.
Although he clearly wants to play, Collins hasn’t received clearance to do so from all the doctors he’s spoken to. Apparently, the Packers see his return as too big of a risk to his health and word is they wanted a consensus among all the doctors involved that Collins is fit to play.
The biggest surprise is the team didn’t wait until all the opinions were in before making the move.
If Collins is deemed fit to play and decides to return to the game, the three-time Pro Bowler will be free to sign with any team he chooses. Several players have successfully returned from spinal fusion surgery and Collins appears to have a decent shot of being the latest to do so.
He just won’t be doing it with the Packers.
Collins played seven seasons for the Packers, had 417 tackles, 21 interceptions, six forced fumbles and four touchdowns.