The Green Bay Packers may have been knocked out of the playoffs on Sunday, but they can take some solace in the fact that both linebacker Mike Neal and cornerback Sam Shields avoided serious injury.
Mike Neal injury update: Knee issue not serious for Packers LB, per report
The Packers have gotten good news on the injury front for a second time today.
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Specifics on Neal’s condition have not been released, but Ian Rapoport is reporting the knee injury is “nothing serious.”
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The fourth-year defender out of Purdue was carted off the field during the Packers' 23-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the opening round of the postseason.
Initial reports indicated that Shields, who also left the game against the 49ers, had suffered an MCL injury, but an MRI on Monday showed only a bone bruise.
Both Neal and Shields are scheduled to become free agents this offseason and serious knee injuries would have been detrimental to their chances of either re-signing with Green Bay or seeking money elsewhere.
Neal saw significant playing time for the first time in his career this season, thanks largely to an injury to starting outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Neal played in all 16 games, posting 48 tackles, five sacks, one forced fumble and an interception.
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