The Packers defense got by without outside linebacker Clay Matthews, but they clearly miss him.
Now, they might be getting him back sooner than expected.
Matthews told Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com that he was getting the pins removed from his broken right thumb next Monday, and could possibly play as soon as the Nov. 10 game against the Eagles.
“I’m hoping for the best, but it was a unique break,” Matthews said. “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.”
He broke his thumb Oct. 6 against the Lions, and needed surgery the next day to stabilize the break, which was near the base of the thumb.
Getting him back on the field will help a defense that has played well against the run, but needs his presence on pass-rushing downs.