Well, there’s all kinds of stuff going on here! In order to make room for quarterback Scott Tolzien on the active roster, the Green Bay Packers had to get rid of someone. So, tight end Jermichael Finley and rookie inside linebacker Sam Barrington were put on season-ending injured reserve.
And to fill that other open roster spot, the Packers activated tackle and former first-round pick Derek Sherrod from the physically unable to perform list.
Sherrod hasn’t played since late in the 2011 season, when he broke his leg. And can I say, just in time? Let’s face it, right tackle Don Barclay is a road grader in the run game, but he’s a total liability in the passing game. Maybe Sherrod can replace him.
Or… if right guard T.J. Lang is out for any time — he suffered a concussion on Monday night — then maybe Sherrod can keep Marshall Newhouse off the field. Newhouse came in at right tackle when Lang left and Barclay shifted to right guard.
So, Finley. Doctors told him not to play this year because of the neck injury he suffered against Cleveland. It’s possible Finley may never play again. And if he does, that may not be with the Packers, since he’s in the final season of his contract.
“I think it’s stating the obvious how we feel,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “The medical decision was made in the best interest of him as a man, father and husband. The doctors all agreed he should not play football. The path for his future has not been determined. Knowing Jermichael he’ll be willing to play tomorrow.”
As for Barrington, he injured his hamstring Monday night. He had just two tackles on the season.