Packers defensive lineman Justin Harrell, a first-round pick in the 2007 draft, continues to struggle with a bulging disk in his back.
Though he said he was healthy in May, the situation flared up in training camp, and he hasn’t practiced since August 6.
“Most definitely,” Harrell said Monday regarding the possibility that he will never be the same, per Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “Anytime you have back surgery, it’s always a red flag, and then having two in one year. It’s one of those things, man -- you’re trying to fight through it and trying to fight through it, and . . . .
“Hey, I don’t want to think about that right now, because hopefully, that’s [not going to happen]. But it’s definitely in my mind.”
Per Pelissero, the Packers are trying to come up with a new treatment plan, but it’s not making Harrell feel any better.
“It’s probably been the worst week of my life,” Harrell said. “Of anything I’ve been through, all the injuries and things like that -- this is definitely the toughest. You get up so high and you’re feeling good, and just like that, I’m back to where I was before.”
Harrell was the 16th overall pick in 2007. Fortunately for the Packers, there’s no clear-cut standout who was picked after him in round one.