The Green Bay Packers have been fine so far without outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who broke his thumb against the Detroit Lions.
That doesn’t mean he isn’t a valuable member of the team’s defense, though and the Packers now have a somewhat definitive timetable for his return.
Matthews is set to have the pins removed from his hand on November 4. The Packers play the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football that same day, but Matthews apparently won’t be playing in that game.
He could be available for the team’s matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles the following week, however.
“I’m hoping for the best, but it was a unique break,” Matthews told ESPN.com. “I’m praying for the best when they take [the pins] out. It could be as early as Philadelphia. It could be as late as Thanksgiving [at Detroit]. Hopefully, there’s nothing unforeseen when they do that.”
In the three games that Matthews has missed so far, the Packers have generated 11 sacks — five versus Baltimore and three in each of the last two games.
They’re also on a roll. Matthews’ return can only help bolster the Packers’ chances to make another Super Bowl run.