Sam Shields making progress in return from high ankle sprain

Green Bay - Initially, the injuries Sam Shields suffered against Houston Oct. 14 were to his shin and knee.

But it soon became clear that the worst of the damage was to his ankle.

Shields said it was fair to characterize it as a high ankle sprain, which in most cases takes much longer to heal than a traditional sprain on the outside of the ankle and explains why he has missed three games and probably will miss a fourth this week.

"I knew by the pain," Shields said. "I couldn't walk or nothing. I knew something was bad. But right now, it's getting much better. I'm out there running and each day it's getting better."

Shields did his first bit of full-speed running Thursday, serving as a wide receiver on the scout team.

"It was like the good old days," he said, referring to his first three years at the University of Miami when he was a receiver.

It doesn't appear that Shields will play this week against the Lions, but he has not been ruled out. Based on how he feels Friday, he may be allowed to play on defense in practice.

"That’s what he needs," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He needs to get out there and put that foot in the ground. I definitely felt starting Monday to today he looked much better. We’ll see how he feels in the
morning. This is the most work Sam had today of the week."

Shields was starting when he got hurt and his spot has been taken by rookie Casey Hayward, who has played at a very high level. When Shields comes back, the coaches will have to make a decision on which of those two, or second-year pro Davon House will start.

Last week, cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said that Hayward and House are competing each week
for the starting job and will continue to do so with Shields when he comes back. House offers a bigger body on the perimeter than Hayward and can match up against bigger receivers.

Asked how House has been handling playing with a shoulder harness, McCarthy said: "Good. I think Davon House is improving this week, had a big-time interception in the red zone period today.

"You’re seeing him make those plays that he was making before the injury in training camp."

The Packers play so much nickel Hayward and House will both be on the field a lot no matter who starts. In the nickel, Hayward plays the slot and House plays outside.


(jsonline.com)