Report: Jermichael Finley Meeting with Packers Doctor
According to ESPN Wisconsin, the free agent tight end is meeting with Dr. Pat McKenzie on Thursday.
Jermichael Finley by Evan Habeeb—USA TODAY Sports.
Per Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com:
According to an #NFL source, @JermichaelF88 is in Green Bay and has appointment with Dr. Pat McKenzie this afternoon to view MRIs and talk.
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) July 17, 2014
This report comes on the heels of one earlier in the week from USA Today that Finley had undergone an MRI and CAT scan with the results being sent to all 32 NFL teams, including the Packers.
Nothing would appear imminent, but it makes sense that the more time that passes, the more healing could potentially take place in Finley's surgically-repaired spinal column.
The Packers may be taking one last look at Finley's medical records before considering whether to bring him in before the start of training camp.
Currently, the Packers have one spot open on their 90-man offseason roster ever since releasing injured running back Johnathan Franklin nearly a month ago.
Player report to training camp in Green Bay in just over a week, Friday July 25 with the first practice to take place the following day.
The Steelers apparently made multiple offers to Finley earlier in the offseason, which the free agent tight end says he hasn't yet accepted.
"Pittsburgh have showed me a couple deals, but we all know the money ain't what it's supposed to be," Finley is quoted as saying. "If I quit the game right now, I can take tax-free money, and that's a difficult thing that I'm going through with myself …"
Finley has a disability insurance policy worth $10 million.
Comments (7)
hybridauth_Facebook_100004084225446
July 17, 2014 at 07:11 pm
well what was said ?
HankScorpio
July 18, 2014 at 07:31 am
It is a pretty strange disability insurance policy that would pay him off if he is medically cleared by a team and offered a contract, as Finley seems to indicate Pittsburgh has done.
Obviously, I'm not privy to the specific language of the policy but in plain English, if he is cleared to play and is offered a contract, he did not suffer a career-ending injury. He suffered an injury that impacted his worth on the open market. Those are hardly the same thing. I can't imagine a policy that guarantees "market conditions" for his next contract. If Finley's policy does include such guarantees, good for him. But I hope he has had a lawyer look at the fine print. Because any insurance company will look for a loophole to avoid paying out $10 mil.
JimTaylor31
July 18, 2014 at 01:44 pm
I like Finley and wish him the best. But given his injury history and the fact that the Packers need to get healthier means it's time to cut ties. The team simply has to move on with players that can be counted on to be available when needed. Finley just doesn't fit this criteria.
Evan
July 18, 2014 at 02:51 pm
I'm not firmly in the "Packers or nothing" camp in regards to Finley.
And I'd put his chances of returning at 35-65.
Ibleedgreenmore
July 19, 2014 at 09:49 am
If he makes it back to football ever would be something, to make it back with the Pack is another thing.
Nashville Packer
July 19, 2014 at 10:30 am
From a business decision, Finley should retire and take the money. Set aside the clear medical risk of playing again, I am skeptical he could clear $10 million in salary. If he was my friend, I'd tell him to concentrate on family and invest his money wisely.
Amanofthenorth
July 19, 2014 at 05:49 pm
According to the lawyers here, it's 10 million tax free. Plus he doesn't have to put himself back in to the slaughterhouse. Seems like a no brainer to walk away...but....