Packers: TE Jermichael Finley expects to play, newspaper reports

Packers tight end Jermichael Finley didn't practice Friday because of a shoulder injury, but the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is quoting a source saying Finley will play in Sunday's game against the Texans.

By James Carlton

Oct 14, 2012 at 6:34 pm ET • 2 min read

Packers TE Jermichael Finley expects to play Sunday night against the Texans, a team source told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Finley is questionable with a slightly dislocated AC joint in his shoulder and will test the injury in a pregame workout at Houston’s Reliant Stadium.

Finley, who hurt his shoulder in last week’s loss at Indianapolis, didn't participate in practice this week until Friday. He has repeatedly said he wants to play against Houston because he’s from Texas and wants to play in front of family and friends at the game, and also because he considers it a must-win game for the 2-3 Packers.

"Looking at the record, 2-3 is the ugliest thing ever,” Finley said Friday. “So going back to Texas, needing the game, need the win, that will get you juiced up and ready to go no matter what.

“The shoulder is what it is right now," he said. "Mike (McCarthy) knows I want to play. Mike has seen me out there running and moving my arm around so I think I'm in. That's what I think. ... Catching the ball is the easy part with the shoulder. Now it's just taking the hit and landing right. It's going to be a big challenge come Sunday, but I'm up for it and ready to go."

Finley, who has 22 receptions for 198 yards and a touchdown this season, is one of a few big names on the Packers’ injury report. WR Greg Jennings (groin) is out, and DT B.J. Raji (ankle) is questionable and, like Finley, a game-time decision.

Backup TE D.J. Williams, who pulled his hamstring during Wednesday’s practice and did not participate Thursday or Friday, is also questionable. He said the injury isn’t serious, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the team will let him play through it. If Finley and Williams can’t go, the Packers would be left with just Tom Crabtree, a blocker more than a receiver, and Ryan Taylor, a special-teams ace, at tight end.

Last week the Texans lost their defensive captain, ILB Brian Cushing. Without their best interior linebacker, Houston may not be as sound in coverage against tight ends, so having a matchup nightmare like Finley (6-foot-5, 247 pounds) would be a significant asset for Green Bay.

Follow Packers reporter James Carlton on Twitter: @CBSPackers and @jimmycarlton88.