Packers “Optimistic” About TE Jermichael Finley’s Return

Packers HC Mike McCarthy mentioned that TE Jermichael Finley‘s spinal fusion surgery was not the same as the one S Nick Collins underwent a few years ago, per Jason Wilde.

• McCarthy added that Packers team doctor Pat McKenzie, who is known for being very conservative with players, is “optimistic” about Finley’s status moving forward.

“Pat (McKenzie) doesn’t feel the same way about Jermichael as he felt about Nick,” McCarthy said, via ESPN Wisconsin. “So I’m very open and optimistic about Jermichael coming back. I think the specifics of their injuries are different.”

Finley’s agent, Blake Baratz, recently mentioned that the doctor who performed Finley’s fusion surgery said that he will have a “99.9%” chance of a full recovery.

“In some players, it takes four weeks while in others in can six months or longer,” Baratz said, via The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. “In Jermichael’s case because of how he has developed and (how) his initial X-Ray looked, Dr. Maroon believes sometime in the next 4-8 weeks his should fully heal.”

Baratz also mentioned that he expects to meet with the Packers to discuss the possibility of Finley returning to Green Bay.

Finley, 26, figures to be one of the more intriguing unrestricted free agents to watch this offseason. He’s already made it known that he has no intention of taking a reduced salary, despite concerns regarding his future health.

We have Finley tentatively listed as the No. 70 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.