The Packers were hoping to have more clarity about the status of wide receiver James Jones and outside linebacker Mike Neal on Friday, but a question mark is just going to have to suffice.
Both players were listed as questionable for this weekend’s game against the Browns. Jones, who left last week’s win with a knee injury, and Neal, who is dealing with a shoulder issue, did not practice at all this week which would seem to make them unlikely to wind up in the lineup once the Packers make their final decisions. Since they’ve already ruled out five players, though, there’s not much reason not to leave the door open.
If Jones and Neal don’t play and the team doesn’t make a roster move, the Packers will have just three wide receivers and two outside linebackers in the lineup against Cleveland. Coach Mike McCarthy said Friday that neither player would play if the game was on Friday, but that the team won’t let that throw them off stride.
“Really, that’s where we are,” McCarthy said, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We’ve been planning all week. When you get in these types of situations you plan for every scenario. We’ll be ready to go Sunday, I promise you that.”
Cornerback Casey Hayward, who hasn’t played at all yet this season, is also listed as questionable. Another cornerback with a hamstring injury, Jarrett Bush, is also questionable for Green Bay.