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When Might Justin Harrell and Al Harris Return?

DT Justin Harrell is eligible to come off the PUP (physically unable to perform) list this week and could play next Sunday which would be a big help because DT Ryan Pickett might not be able to play, but it doesn't sound like Harrell will be able to help for a while:

"Harrell has been working out with the team’s strength and conditioning coaches and recently started wearing pads and hitting blocking dummies. The Packers think he’s in good condition, though he will need a few weeks to get in good enough football shape to play a substantial number of snaps."

The Packers might be better off giving one of the defensive tackles on the practice squad, Fred Bledsoe or Alfred Malone, a chance before Harrell at this point. The only question is who would be released to make room for one of those three players. Probably the recently signed DE Kenny Pettway.

I thought CB Al Harris was done for the season, but it appears his torn spleen is healed and he should be able to return soon:

"That return could come as soon as the Nov. 2 game at Tennessee, meaning Harris might miss only one more game. The Packers play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and then have their bye week.If it were up to Al, he’d play this week,” said Harris’ agent, Jack Bechta. “The wise thing to do (is rest) with the bye right around the corner. We might as well take advantage of that.”

CB Charles Woodson and CB Tramon Williams have played great while Harris has been out, but current nickel CB Will Blackmon has struggled at times. It's possible Harris becomes the new 3rd cornerback because he might not be able to play 100% of the time, at first.

Poll
How is important is that Justin Harrell and Al Harris return soon?
They are both needed back soon
29 votes
Al Harris will give the defense a big boost
12 votes
Justin Harrell is a bust
10 votes

51 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 1 comment  |  0 recs  | 

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Justin Harrell

is NOT a bust. Not yet, anyway. Considering Ted Thompson’s track record, I would certainly wait until Harrell was ready to go full-speed until passing judgement. He’s had more than his fair share of injuries, to be sure. But the guy was a first-round pick even after missing his senior season (mostly) at Tennessee. I trust that Thompson saw something there that was worth the huge investment, and I think we’ll see flashes of it this season, which will make Harrell’s offseason a top story to follow going into next year.

As for Al Harris, I would definitely bring him back slowly. At this point in his career, rushing him back from an injury like this might ruin him indefinitely. Playing him at the nickel spot would alleviate the pressure from Will Blackmon and, if Tramon Williams keeps it up, shore up the pass coverage a great deal.

"I'm so clean, cats think I sip Ajax."

by Mitchell Maurer on Oct 14, 2008 1:19 PM CDT reply actions  

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