Brian34Cook

Using Woodson on returns bites Packers Cornerback sustains injury; status for Thursday's game at Dallas unknown
By Pete Dougherty
pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com



DETROIT — Coach Mike McCarthy was willing to risk using Charles Woodson on punt returns because of his excellent judgment and hands, and the Green Bay Packers' coach now has to hope his starting cornerback wasn't injured badly while fulfilling those duties.

Woodson injured the big toe on his right foot late in the first quarter of the Packers' 37-26 win over Detroit on Thursday on a 34-yard punt return that set up a touchdown. He was unable to return to the game because of the injury and is in danger of missing next Thursday's crucial showdown at Dallas — a game that will give the winner a big edge in the race for home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Woodson is one of the Packers' most irreplaceable players because their defense in large part is based on his and Al Harris' abilities to play good press coverage at cornerback on a down-in, down-out basis. In the locker room after the game, Woodson didn't appear to be badly hurt, but his inability to return to the game leaves open the possibility he could miss a week or more.

Using key starters in kick- and punt-return roles is something all NFL coaches wrestle with, and some will do it while other won't. McCarthy expressed no second thoughts about using Woodson.

"When he's healthy, he'll be back there again I'm sure," McCarthy said. "He's a weapon. He's a very good at what he does on both the defense and the special teams. The decision making (on punt returns) shows up week-in and week-out in our battle for field position. If I was concerned, I wouldn't have him back there."

Woodson and General Manager Ted Thompson said there were no indications Woodson has broken the toe, and the Packers weren't ready to rule him out for next week's game. But there's the chance the injury, which probably is similar to a case of turf toe, could sideline him for a couple of weeks. The Packers will know more Sunday, when they begin practicing for Thursday's game.

"I felt like I've been answering questions about punt returns for a year and a half, and everybody's talk is, 'Aren't you a afraid of getting hurt?'" Woodson said. "Now, it's finally happened. I feel like you almost pulled me into getting hurt. It finally happened, but hopefully it won't be anything that will last too long and I can get on playing the season."


http://greenbaypressgazette.packersn...58/PKRFeatures

I dont even like him on punt returns as it is but oh well.. he better be OK! Dont have to rush him back though.. Dallas is only one game.. big game but doesnt matter that much if he's not healthy!

RoyWilliams

I hate putting CBs back to return kicks or punts. Ever since i watched Jason Sehorn get hurt i was always against it/

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