Well, Jermichael Finley will undergo testing on his neck today, according to Tyler Dunne and I get the feeling that most Packers fans are not really holding their breath.

The results of the test will be crucial in Finley’s plan to return to football after his neck injury last season. But even if he passes the tests, another team may be more willing to risk money on Finley once (and if) contract negotiations begin. We would be mistaken to think that other teams are not watching Finley’s progress closely and the Packers do not have a track record of paying for players with medical risks. This off-season and draft time have the Packers positioned to give other young players a chance to make the team.  If the Packers had not picked up Richard Rodgers and been giving Colt Lyerla a chance, I would be pulling strongly to bring Finley back as a plug and play tight end (as long as it was not dangerous to him) whether or not he was 100%  of his former self after being out so long.

But as it stands, Green Bay is positioned well at wide receiver and has a couple tight end prospects to develop. If Finley is medically cleared and the contract makes sense, I still think Finley could contribute. But I would expect that the Packers may be too risk intolerant to come to an agreement. Finley has always been very confident in his abilities and medical clearance could be his ticket to ride on another team.

Whatever the outcome, I hope Jermichael Finley does get another chance to play. If not with the Packers, with another team outside the NFC North.