NFL Rumors: Jermichael Finley wants to return to Green Bay Packers
During a 31-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns in October, Green Bay Packers’ tight end Jermichael Finely injured his neck and was temporarily paralyzed, an injury many thought would end his career.
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Finley, who is currently a free agent, is working towards a return. According to Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin, Finley wants to make that return with the Packers.
"Finley received medical clearance from his surgeon, Dr. Joseph Maroon, in late May, but despite visits to the New England Patriots and New York Giants, and a check-in with the Packers’ medical staff, he remains unsigned.As he worked out Wednesday, though, Finley was in good spirits. He didn’t sound discouraged by the waiting game and said he continues to be in great shape physically.“This is the best I’ve felt in this entire crazy process,” he said.While Finley didn’t discuss other potential suitors and didn’t say whether the Packers have reached out to him recently, he made it clear that coming back to Green Bay is his preference.“Tell everybody I’m working as hard as I can to get back to Packer Nation,” he said."
Of course, if signed, Finley would have to also be cleared by the Packers’ doctors and battle a tight end group of Brandon Bostick, Andrew Quarless, Richard Rodgers and Ryan Taylor to earn a roster spot.
The New England Patriots have had Finley in for a visit and are interested in signing either Finley or former New York Jets’ and Miami Dolphins’ tight end Dustin Keller. He also took a visit to check out the New York Giants. The Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers have also shown interest in bringing Finley in.
Finley had 25 receptions for 300 yards and three touchdowns before suffering he was injured. He has 223 catches for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career.