Injury Report: Dolphins at Packers

The injury report for Green Bay Packers is so bad, there's no way to sugar coat it. There were two surgeries this week alone. The first one probably ended TE Jermichael Finley's season. And another one that did end LB Nick Barnett's season.

The biggest loss is LB Clay Matthews. He's listed as doubtful, but he hasn't practiced all week and the Packers don't push hamstring injuries. It's not a season ending injury, but there doesn't appear to be any timetable for his return. The good news is that LB Frank Zombo, who was hurt during the Redskins game too, has practiced all week and at least offers more potential then LB Brady Poppinga.

The lone bright spot was QB Aaron Rodgers. He was a full participant in practice on Friday, and he wouldn't have been out there if he hadn't been cleared after his concussion. He's still listed as probable, but while probable is technically a 75% chance to play, players listed as probable rarely miss games.

WR Donald Driver was hurt in practice on Thursday, and sat out on Friday. He too is listed as probable, but I've got no idea if he'll play since this is such a recent injury. 

LB Brandon Chillar was expected back this week, and even practiced on Wednesday, but obviously had a setback and is out. Despite the loss of Barnett and Chillar, LB A.J. Hawk and LB Desmond Bishop have been playing well in their absence and this hasn't been a problem.

RT Bryan Bulaga will have his second career start (first home start) in place of RT Mark Tauscher. Bulaga's probably playing better anyway.

With both DE Ryan Pickett and DE Mike Neal likely out, rookie DE C.J. Wilson is expected to start on the left side. I wouldn't expect anything more from DE Jarius Wynn, but this could be a big problem. If the Dolphins can run to the strong side, they might find some running lanes as Wilson and Poppinga aren't great at getting off blocks. Zombo might play outside too, and he's better at fighting off blockers. 

One last bit of silver lining: CB Sam Shields appears to be healthy after suffering a calf injury a couple weeks ago. I'm not his biggest fan, but it does mean fewer appearances for CB Jarrett Bush.