Harris Could Miss Opener, But Make 53-Man Roster
Posted by Mike Vandermause August 29th, 2010, 3:38 pm
No one came out and directly said it, but reading between the lines, the best guess is cornerback Al Harris wont be ready for the regular season opener against Philadelphia, but might be ready to play sometime before Week 7.
I asked coach Mike McCarthy if he has ruled out Harris for the season opener.
He replied: I havent ruled him out to making our 53-man roster.
Harris has missed all of training camp after having reconstuctive knee surgery late last year. If the Packers place Harris on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, he wont be eligible to play until Week 7, which is Oct. 24 against Minnesota. McCarthy seemed to indicate he would like Harris on the roster to start the season. That way, even if Harris cant answer the bell vs. Philadelphia, he would be available sometime in the first six weeks.
Al is doing well, said McCarthy. Al is doing very well. He is hitting the targets that they are looking for with the medical staff. He has made a lot of progress.
Hes getting close.
Harris didnt shed much light on when he might be ready to play. When asked about his status, Harris said: Just waiting man, not going to step out there too early, not going to step out there too late, so just got to do what I gotta do for me to personally feel right and make the organization feel right. I wont step out there and ruin my reputation or I wont step out there to do anything detrimental to the team. Were just taking it day by day. See how it feels and listen to the knee.
When asked if it would be disappointing to start the season on the PUP list, Harris said: No. Honestly at this point in my career or what not I just want to be healthy and I want to be the same guy that left the field in Week 11. Thats all Im concerned about.
Harris suffered his knee injury on Nov. 22 against San Francisco at Lambeau Field.
He said theres always hope when asked about the possibility of playing in the season opener.
Through this whole process everybodys been extremely supportive and they pretty much told me to do what I need to do to get right, Harris said. At this point it wouldnt be fair to them or me to do anything else but that. Thats how Im taking it. When I feel good enough to play, then thats when you guys will see me.
My translation: Harris doesnt want to return too early, which likely means the season opener. And he doesnt want to return too late, which likely means Week 7. Thus, he should be back in either late September or early October.