As the Green Bay Packers plan for the return of several injured players this week, they're losing another to a significant injury.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that linebacker Brady Poppinga has a torn meniscus in his knee. Poppinga was scheduled for surgery Monday morning, after which the Packers will determine his rehabilitation time. Poppinga started Sunday's game for injured linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring).
Meanwhile, coach Mike McCarthy said Monday that the Packers will open a practice window this week for three players currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Cornerback Al Harris, safety Atari Bigby and running back James Starks will all participate Wednesday in practice.
They are technically eligible to play as early as Sunday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings, but it's unclear if any of them will be ready.
"It's time for them to get into football activities and find out exactly where they are," McCarthy said.
With this window open, the Packers now have three weeks to activate each player to the 53-man roster. If not, they will be ineligible to play this season.