Tight end Jermichael Finley has been medically cleared by his personal doctor and says that he wants to resume his career in Green Bay. However, he still has some convincing to do with the Packers’ team doctor.
Finley, 27, registered 223 receptions for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns in 70 career games for the Packers, but the club is understandably cautious about bringing Finley back given his spinal issues. Still, if Finley can prove himself to be healthy, he could be a tremendous asset for Green Bay. The Packers will have Andrew Quarless, Richard Rodgers, Brandon Bostick, and Ryan Taylor to work with, but it’d be hard for any of those players to replicate some of Finley’s best seasons. Even Packers tight ends coach Jerry Fontenot readily admits that there isn’t a surefire star out of the bunch.
“I think we are pretty wide open at this point,” Fontenot said, writes Rob Reischel of the Journal Sentinel. “I think guys have shown some progress, and those guys warrant a much bigger look. And I think once we get to training camp, we’ll have an idea of a rotation, at least, and giving guys reps just to make sure they’re ready to start the season.”
According to Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com, Finley has visited the Patriots and Giants, and the Steelers, Raiders, and Dolphins have been linked to him as well. Ultimately, do you see Finley making his NFL return with the only team he’s ever known?