GREEN BAY — Where the road ahead for Jermichael Finley will eventually lead is still very much unknown, but at least the Green Bay Packers injured tight end is ready for the first step: Leaving the hospital.
Several of Finley's teammates said Wednesday that he has been told he can go home on Thursday, and those teammates reported that Finley is in good spirits and is resolute in one goal: Returning to football.
Fellow tight end Andrew Quarless, who was the first player to get to Finley after he suffered a neck injury during last Sunday's game against Cleveland, said he spent much of Sunday night at the hospital with his friend and overheard him talking with his doctor. Finley's primary concern: Making sure he can still play the game he loves.
"I was there the night it happened. I stepped out when the doc came in and talked to him, but I kind of heard a little bit. One of his biggest things was, 'I'm going to get back,'" Quarless said. "That's in any of us, anytime any guys go down. I mean, this is what we love to (do), so that's the first thing.
"(He kept asking), 'When am I going to get back? What's the time table?' And stuff like that."
For now, though, Finley's short-term focus has to be on going home and getting better.
"Monday, I went over there and saw him, (and) it was good to see the improvement yesterday when I went back," Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "He looked like himself and he was moving around good. Other than that, I don't have any diagnosis or anything I'm going to throw out. I don't think anybody does, regardless of what's been put out there. I was encouraged by his spirits yesterday and look forward to seeing him back in the locker room at some point."
Quarless, who will start at tight end in Finley's absence, said he is dedicating the season to his fallen friend, who may be headed for season-ending injured reserve. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Finley "is still seeking the opinions from specialists" but is "doing better each and every day."
Asked if the doctors have told him if Finley could play again, McCarthy said that hasn't been discussed.
"I have not sat down and had a meeting," McCarthy replied. "(General manager) Ted (Thompson) and I met yesterday. We're going to wait until everything comes in. (Team physician) Pat McKenzie is collecting all the information and once again we'll do our due dilligence. Obviously, we will not be premature on anything. We'll do what's in the best interests of Jermichael. That's where we are."
Jason Wilde wrote: