Packers Injury Update: Mike Neal, DuJuan Harris, Others Placed on PUP List

The Packers have yet to take the field for their first training camp practice and already they're making news for who won't be on the field this morning.

According to the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson, the Packers' PUP list entering camp includes Derek Sherrod, J.C. Tretter, Jerel Worthy, Sean Richardson, Chaz Powell, DuJuan Harris, and Mike Neal.

The majority of the notable players listed shouldn't be considered big surprises. J.C. Tretter, a fourth round selection in this year's draft, fractured his ankle in his first practice. While "physically unable to perform" doesn't preclude a player from returning during the preseason or after the start of the regular season, the timing of Tretter's injury all but ensures an eventual trip to the injured reserve.

Also not surprising is the inclusion of Derek Sherrod. The third year tackle hasn't played a down of football since his gruesome leg injury during the Packers' week 15 trip to Kansas City his rookie year. Unlike Tretter, there's some reason for optimism that Sherrod might contribute this season. During an appearance on Cheesehead TV's training camp preview, Wes Hodkiewicz relayed that some within the organization believe Sherrod will indeed make his return soon. That said, the PUP designation suggests that time is still some ways away.

The larger story regarding the PUP list surrounds Harris and Neal. During OTAs, the Packers revealed that a cyst was discovered on Harris' lung during his team physical. As we noted at the time, Mike McCarthy felt confident that he'd be ready for training camp. Harris' inclusion on the PUP would seem to indicate otherwise.

More distressing is Mike Neal's situation. After struggling with injuries his first two years in the league, Neal came on strong in 2012 by finishing second on the team with five sacks. He also generated some buzz during OTAs by taking reps at outside linebacker. Without question, this issue will be raised many times tomorrow when McCarthy meets the media after practice.

Similarly mysterious is Jamari Lattimore landing on the non-football illness list. Like Neal, the team provided no warning regarding Lattimore's unavailability. The lack of notice coupled with the injury designation suggests that Lattimore must have hurt himself sometime after OTAs.

We're sure to hear more about these injuries later today when the coaches are made available to the media. Keep your internet machines tuned to Acme Packing Company for updates and the latest news from Packers training camp.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Acme Packing Co. He has previously written for Lombardi Ave, College Hoops Net, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is also currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter: @JBHirschhorn

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