Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal says it’ll be 4 to 6 weeks before he will be able to return to the Packers lineup, but at least he can see some light at the end of the tunnel.
For awhile, Neal’s knee wasn’t getting any better and the pain and discomfort continued. That’s when Neal underwent a scope and had some small pieces of cartilage removed. Neal said he can now see and feel the progress.
AUDIO: Mike Neal says he’s getting better every day :21
Neal originally injured his knee during a training camp non-contact drill back on August 16th.
Neal said he’s not rushing anything in terms of his return. He said he knows there’ll still be some good days and some bad ones.
AUDIO: Mike Neal said his return is a wait & see proposition :12
The Packers are anxious to get Neal on the field playing, so much so that they didn’t ever consider the injured reserve list. Neal also said when he does return, he won’t be wearing a brace.
The Packers were hoping to see Neal replace Cullen Jenkins who left in free agency. In Neal’s absence, Jarius Wynn has filled in nicely, collecting a 2-sack day in last week’s 27-17 win over the Chicago Bears.