At this point, it's unclear whether Collins will play again. (US Presswire)

When Nick Collins suffered a herniated disk in Week 2 of last season, it was unclear whether the Packers safety would ever get a chance to resume his career.

In the aftermath of his injury, Collins, seemingly intent on playing again, underwent cervical fusion surgery, and doctors said it would be six months before they knew whether Collins could resume his career.

Seven months later, Green Bay has made the determination that if Collins plays, it won’t be with Packers, who have announced that they have released Collins.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers “Collins has had his tests reviewed by five different specialists and it doesn't appear there's a consensus that the Packers feel it would be safe for him to play.”

“From the beginning of this process, we have taken our time and sought numerous medical opinions while maintaining consistent dialogue with Nick,” Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement. “In the end, we were not comfortable clearing him to play again. As with all of our players, Nick is a member of our family and we thought of him that way as we came to this conclusion.

“Nick is a part of our core, and this is a very difficult day for all Packers. Making this kind of decision is never easy, especially when it involves someone like Nick Collins. He has meant so much to the community, his teammates and the organization. He is a good man and will always be part of the Packers family."

In his seven-year career, Collins -- who was due $4.05 million in 2012 -- made three Pro Bowls and accumulated 21 interceptions, four of which he returned for touchdowns.
Now, he has some tough decisions to make.

"When your kids grow up and they get into sports, you want to be there for them, cheering them on,” Collins said after the season, via ESPN Milwaukee. “And I'd rather do that rather than being in a wheelchair. I don't want to be like that. I want to be there for my kids, my family."

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